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Throughout the years, Hughes & Associates has provided exceptional service to its client hiring firms.

Here are some of the reasons to choose our team as your valued partner:

  • 30 experienced sales professionals centrally housed who are knowledgeable about all aspects of recruiting and serve as a resource to hiring managers
  • Meaningful client firm relationships:
    o Built an outstanding reputation with these firms
    o Top-tier recruiter every year for client firms
  • We have placed billions in assets, representing hundreds of millions of dollars in gross production.
  • Extensive database representing the top talent in the industry
  • In an ever-changing marketplace, our close connection to the pulse of the industry keeps us well informed and up to date on the many opportunities available at leading financial services firms across the country.
  • We are selective in which hiring firms we work with, only working with those who:
    o Are well capitalized
    o Maintain a distinguished reputation
    o Have a clear value proposition that is attractive to advisors
    o Are able and willing to make a financial commitment to recruiting efforts

Hughes &  Associates. Honor, integrity, and discretion: these are our core principles. Contact us today to discuss how we can serve you.

While you may be happy at your current firm, your clients trust that you have the best capabilities to serve them.

Are you sure that you do? Prudent advisors explore their options roughly every 3 years to be sure they’re not missing out on innovation in the industry. Are you under contract?  Rest assured even while under contract, you have the freedom to explore your options.  Many firms offer transition packages with enough up-front to cover any unvested portion of most transition and retention agreements.

Advisors represented by seasoned recruiters are able to come to a well-informed decision in a discreet fashion quickly and efficiently with more money on the table and minimal impact to their business. Our seasoned bonds with industry leaders and proven track record give us unmatched negotiating power to get you the best total economic package possible. We have long-standing, deep relationships with top managers at the firms we represent, many of whom we have placed ourselves. These connections ensure that we stay informed of the best opportunities available in an ever-changing industry.​

If you are a new advisor, it is imperative to have the right firm backing you. Financial services firms have an interest in advisors who are off to a good start and offer transition packages designed to cover anything that might be owed on a training contract.

If you are nearing retirement and are unsure of your succession plan, many firms offer sunset packages for advisors looking to retire in the next few years. Some firms even offer practice acquisition for advisors looking to retire sooner. A late career move is a great way to monetize your practice and may even allow you to double monetize as you exit the business.

Have any legal concerns? The Protocol for Broker Recruiting (The Broker Protocol), an agreement designed to minimize legal action associated with advisor movement, clearly states what information advisors can take with them in the event of a move from one firm to another and has been signed by over 900 financial services firms. For more information, visit  The Broker Protocol.​

Our Team

Sean O. Hughes

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Sean O. Hughes has more than 25 years of sales experience and was a top recruiter before starting his own company. Sean created Hughes & Associates in order to broaden his client list and to move toward the growth area of the brokerage business. Because of his high profile and reputation, Sean is a ‘first call’ for many brokers from all over the country when they want to begin exploring their Broker/Dealer options or are considering private practice. Sean has created strong relationships with top leaders in the industry and has helped negotiate some of the largest deals on the street.

Sean lives in Houston, TX. He is an avid golfer, enjoys skiing, spending time with his wife and their wonderful children.

Direct: (281) 245-0715

Jason Neiser

Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Neiser joined Hughes & Associates in 2023, he brings 25 years of Sales, Marketing and Operational experience to the team.  He has served in Executive and Senior Management roles for the last 20 years and brings a wealth of knowledge to the group.  Throughout the years he has helped companies create customer centric initiatives, brand awareness and profitable bottom-line results.  All his efforts are guided by the “Golden Rule” and a passion for of helping others achieve their top line goals.

Jason is a proud Texan that was born in downtown Houston at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and he resides in the downtown area with his wife and young son.  He enjoys the outdoors and has been an avid fisherman since the age of 3.  Along with fishing, he enjoys hunting, surfing, snow skiing, golfing, and the outdoors in general.

Direct: (713) 589-8451

Don Palmer

Chief Operating Officer

With more than 25 years of sales experience, Don has been focused on the business of placing established financial advisors for two decades, building the perfect skill set to help our sales staff achieve optimum efficiency and effectiveness while ensuring that the operations side of the business runs as smoothly as possible.

Don is a native Houstonian and resides in Northwest Houston with his wife and their two children.Most weekends Don can be found at one of Houston’s many disc golf courses.

Direct: (713) 391-8234

Dan Knapp

Vice President

Dan utilizes his more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience and 15 years in the business to guide wealth management advisors in understanding the opportunities available to them and their clients, building a strong rapport while protecting their best interest. Throughout the placement process, Dan guides financial advisors to the best firm for them based on their individual needs and stays committed to showing the candidate the best compensation deal possible.

Raised in the suburbs of Detroit, where he attended Oakland University, Dan relocated to Houston in 2008. An avid tennis player and golfer, Dan resides in the Woodlands with his wife and kids.

Direct: (281) 738-1612