The Retirement Planning Group Acquires North Carolina Firm, Adds $425M AUM

The Retirement Planning Group announced it has closed its acquisition of HMC Partners. Photo credit: Shutterstock (VideoFlow).

Posted September 25, 2025

Leawood-based The Retirement Planning Group has acquired HMC Partners, expanding its presence into North Carolina.

Cetera, the parent company of The Retirement Group (TRPG), announced that its employee-based RIA would be acquiring HMC, a Greensboro, NC-based firm, which would add approximately $425 million to Cetera and TRPG, according to a release.

Founded in 2007 by John Hardy and Gib McEachran, HMC provides financial services to over 500 households across the U.S.

“At TRPG, independent advisors who prioritize client relationships over operational complexities continue to find a strong and supportive home,” said Kevin Conard, CEO at TRPG. “John and Gib exemplify this sprit, bringing wealth management expertise and a deep commitment to serving clients first and foremost. We are proud to welcome them to the TRPG team and look forward to serving clients together.”

Headquartered in Leawood, KS, TRPG has over 3,100 clients and approximately $3 billion in assets under management, as of June 30, 2025. TRPG offers clients wealth management services, including retirement planning, portfolio and investment management, tax planning, tax preparation and filing.

In August 2025, TRPG successfully closed the acquisition of First Financial Advisors, Inc., bringing more than $300 million to Cetera. In Q1 2025, TRPG closed three acquisitions, totaling approximately $180 million in assets.

As of June 30, 2025, Cetera manages approximately $590 billion in assets under administration and $263 billion in assets under management.