History
The Investor Advisory Group was founded by Erskine Harkey right after the market crash of 1987. Erskine realized there was an opportunity to provide reassurance and stability while many investors were still reeling from the aftermath of the market volatility. Erskine retired from the firm in 2019 and passed away in January 2021.
After many years of experience with Barclays American Corporation (now CIT Group Holdings), Sam Bomar partnered with Erskine in 1992. They both shared a similar vision: that high-quality investment management and advice didn't have to be accompanied by high-cost management and trading fees. The two were early adopters of many strategies common today such as utilization of no-load funds, accepting no sales commissions on product recommendations, and broadly employing low-cost and tax-efficient exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
In 2005, David Barwick joined the Investor Advisory Group as an Agent for the firm. Dave had previously worked for 30 years with First Union and Wachovia. With his background at the bank and with his certification as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Dave was an instant asset for the group. Dave retired from the firm in 2015 and passed away in 2018.
Ed Jackson came on board as an Agent in 2010 after an extensive career in public accounting and private legal practice, and became a Partner in 2015. Ed's experience as an attorney and accountant greatly improved the firm’s ability to coordinate with a client's other advisers.
Robert Jones joined the Investor Advisory Group in 2015 as an Agent after spending several years working with high net-worth clients at the Vanguard Group. Robert became a partner in 2018 and is working towards attaining his CFP®.
Our latest additions to the firm are Agents Mark Conrad and Mike Jackson. Mark joined the firm in August of 2020 after spending several decades with DuPont and successor companies. Mike joined The Investor Advisory Group in September of 2021.
The varied backgrounds of our team members coupled with their exceptional level of enthusiasm, dedication, and nuanced focus on each client interaction makes our firm the ideal solution for investors.
Free Consultation
We know that finding the right financial adviser is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer free consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and how our services are right for you.
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Advisors
Partner
Ed Jackson
Ed has an educational background in economics, accounting and tax, graduating from Wofford College and the Alabama School of Law. His career included five years at one of the “Big Eight” public accounting firms, over a decade as a financial officer at both a large publicly held company as well as a small closely held company and as head of his own private legal practice focused on estate planning and closely held businesses. In 2010, Ed became an Registered Investment Adviser Representative and joined The Investor Advisory Group as an Agent, after becoming familiar with the firm through Erskine Harkey and Sam Bomar, the founders of IAG. Ed’s unique background enables him to spot issues across multiple levels of a client’s financial situation and to coordinate with the client’s accountant, attorney and/or banker to provide solutions that address the client’s financial, tax and legal needs. Ed has been happy to join IAG in providing a high level of service to each of its individual and retirement plan clients.
Education
ALABAMA SCHOOL OF LAW
Juris Doctorate, 1982
WOFFORD COLLEGE
B.A., Economics, 1979
Affiliations
Rotary Club of Charlotte, Member, Director, & Past President
Certifications
Series 65
Partner
Robert Jones
After graduating from Clemson University where he studied Accounting, Robert began his career with The Vanguard Group in 2013 working with high and ultra-high net worth investors in the retail space. In 2015, after becoming a Registered Investment Adviser Representative, he joined Investor Advisory Group. He became a Partner in the firm in 2018. Robert sings with various ensembles around the Charlotte NC area, including the Bach Akademie of Charlotte.
Education
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
B.S., Accounting, 2013
Affiliations
Bach Akademie of Charlotte, Member & Treasurer
Charlotte Symphony Chorus, Member
Charlotte Symphony Chamber Singers, Member
Caritas Acapella Ensemble, Member
Certifications
Series 65
AGENT
Mark Conrad
Mark became a Registered Investment Adviser Representative in 2020 after working for DuPont and successor companies INVISTA and The LYCRA Company for over 40 years. His most recent 25 years with these companies were in client-facing and business management roles and we are thrilled he brings that skill set to our group. His educational background includes both technical and business training. He become a regular fixture in our Charlotte office during his on-boarding and training period, and established our Charleston, SC location in 2021.
Education
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
B.S., Chemical Engineering, 1979
EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
Master of Business Administration, 1982
Affiliations
St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 30+ Year Parishioner and Volunteer
Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools, Volunteer
Homebrewer
Certifications
Series 65
AGENT
Mike Jackson
Mike is the newest member of the firm, joining The Investor Advisory Group as a Registered Investment Advisor Representative in September 2021. Mike entered Charlotte’s investment banking arena in 2004, supporting Mortgage-Backed Securities traders at Bank of America. In 2007, Mike joined Wachovia Securities (later bought by Wells Fargo) and spent seven years helping public companies structure and issue new bonds. Mike has since managed various operations at a payroll processing company, supporting small businesses. Mike earned his Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification in July 2022.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA at CHAPEL HILL
B. S., Mathematical Decision Science, 2006
Affiliations
Tarheel Trailblazers
Charlotte Center for Mindfulness
Certifications
Series 65
Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®)
Investments & Wealth Institute® (the Institute) is the owner of the certification marks “CIMA,” and “Certified Investment Management Analyst.” Use of CIMA, and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professionals.
Administration
Office MANAGER
Nancy Crawford
Nancy joined Investor Advisory Group in July 2015 as the firm's Office Manager. She manages administration as well as accounting, IT and various other functions crucial to our day to day operations.
Nancy has a background in management and accounting, from private construction enterprise to banking and regional accounting, including fifteen years in tax preparation as an Enrolled Agent. We are pleased that Nancy brings this broad skill set and experience to our office operations.