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  • Friday, 1 May 2026

From Captive to Independent: Forte Impact Advisor’s Journey to Serve Clients Better

For Jeff Hammer and Brian Jasinkiewicz, co-founders of Forte Impact Advisors, the move to 1847Financial wasn’t about starting over. It was about stepping forward with more flexibility, greater alignment and a platform that lets them serve clients without compromise.

With backgrounds that span engineering, IT, operations, corporate strategy and mergers/acquisitions, Jeff and Brian aren’t your typical financial professionals. They’re big thinkers, drawn to complexity but grounded in a belief that every strategy should ultimately simplify a client’s life.

“We weren’t looking to leave,” Jeff said, reflecting on their time at Northwestern Mutual. “But we hit a ceiling. We knew how to solve complex problems for high-net-worth clients, but we didn’t always have the tools to implement the right solutions.”

Expanding from 6 Lanes to 40
Before joining 1847Financial, they had access to what they described as “five or six very good lanes.” But as their client base evolved to more private business owners, philanthropic leaders and clients with complex assets or international footprints, they needed access to more solutions.

That meant alternatives, private credit, structured notes and collaborative advanced planning support. They found all of that and more through 1847Financial and HTK.

“The difference is night and day,” Jeff said. “What felt like six lanes is now 40. We’re no longer boxed into one solution set. We can shift lanes based on what the client needs.”

VIEW VIDEO: Brian and Jeff on Access to More Solutions (2 min.)

Why Independence and Ownership Mattered
Forte Impact Advisors didn’t just want more tools. They wanted more control over their business, their brand and how they show up for clients.

“Coming from a more captive model, we had limitations on geography, ownership and product access,” Brian said. “Here, we own our relationships. We own our brand. And we lead with our planning philosophy, not a product agenda.”



That sense of ownership and independence has allowed them to build a national firm with an ambitious mission: impact one million lives. Whether working with business owners on exit strategies or helping philanthropic organizations make tax-smart decisions, their goal is to help people plan with clarity and confidence.

Support That Shows Up
No transition is flawless, but Jeff and Brian credit the 1847Financial and HTK teams with being responsive, available and solutions focused.

“Whether it was licensing, client transitions, compliance or case support, we’ve been able to pick up the phone and get help right away,” Jeff said. “That’s not something we’ve experienced everywhere.”

They’ve also found value in access to specialists across the firm, whether advanced sales professionals joining client meetings or product specialists helping model complex strategies.

“There’s a lot of depth here,” Brian said. “And people are generous with their time. That’s rare.”

A Platform for Growth
The move has already brought results and their clients have responded positively, especially to the expanded product offerings and planning capabilities.

“What they care about is whether we’re still showing up for them, and now we can do it better,” Jeff said.

Looking ahead, the team is actively building out a national presence. They’ve stabilized their operations, created infrastructure for scale and are selectively bringing in new advisors with complementary skills and aligned values.



Why 1847Financial?
Jeff and Brian built Forte Impact Advisors with a clear mission: to deliver holistic planning in a way that’s efficient, collaborative and client-focused. In these quick videos, they share why they chose 1847Financial and why they think other financial professionals should take a closer look.

▶️ Brian on Why 1847Financial (22 sec.) https://player.vimeo.com/video/1107203560
▶️ Jeff on Why 1847Financial (54 sec.) https://player.vimeo.com/video/1107204384

Final Advice to Advisors Considering a Move
Their advice to other financial professionals?

“Ask a lot of questions. Be clear about what you want,” Brian said. “If integrated planning, independence and collaboration are important to you, then this might be the right place.”

Jeff added, “If you’ve ever felt like your current platform is limiting your ability to serve clients with excellence, then don’t ignore that feeling. This move gave us permission to grow, to collaborate and to lead in new ways.”

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