Chicago-based VestGen Wealth Partners launched an athlete-focused practice area that aims to help clients build enduring wealth and brand equity. As part of this new service line, VestGen has entered into a strategic partnership with the Athlete Collective, a sports-marketing platform.
VestGen Athlete will provide brand strategy, financial planning and family advisory services for college, professional, high school and former professional athletes. Cole Dow, a former football player and Co-Founder of Athlete Collective, will lead the initiative as Director, VestGen Athlete.
“Fewer than 2% of college athletes make it to the pros,” said Dow, noting that even for the professionals, careers can be short. “That’s why our focus is bigger than a season or even a contract. At VestGen, we help athletes build a long-term plan-for their education, their money, their brand, and their life after the final whistle. We also guide families navigating the realities of sudden income and life-changing opportunities.”
Josh Gerry, Founder and CEO of VestGen, said that the name, image and likeness rules for college athletes (NIL) created both opportunities and risks, “while pros can see fortunes rise and fall just as fast. That reality demands advisors who understand the nuance of the sports world,” he said.
“By pairing Cole’s experience with VestGen’s comprehensive planning platform, we’re giving athletes a single, trusted team to build a brand, protect wealth, and create an enduring legacy,” Gerry added.
This announcement follows the firm’s recent launch of its retirement plan service platform and the addition of six teams representing an additional $1.5 billion. VestGen debuted in December with 10 founding teams, representing $5.3 billion.
Michael Madden, Contributing Editor and Research Analyst at Wealth Solutions Report, can be reached at michael.madden@wealthsolutionsreport.com.
