Howard Capital Management

Private Wealth
Services

Bespoke investment management for high-net-worth individuals and business owners. Fully tailored. Fully liquid. Powered by the proprietary HCM-BuyLine®.

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Howard Capital Management · Private Wealth Services

20+
Years of Experience
100%
Tailored Portfolios
SEC
Registered Advisor
HCM-BuyLine®
Proprietary Protection
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Private Wealth Services

Wealth Management
Built Around You

The HCM Private Wealth Services division was created by Vance Howard out of personal necessity. High-net-worth individuals and business owners require a level of personalization that goes far beyond conventional portfolio management.

Through decades of managing his own personal and business assets, Vance Howard built a comprehensive strategy that now forms the foundation of the PWS program — one that combines tactical investment management with bespoke financial planning across every dimension of wealth.

01

Fully Tailored

Every portfolio is constructed from the ground up around your unique financial situation, tax considerations, income needs, and long-term goals. No two PWS clients hold the same portfolio.

02

Fully Liquid

Unlike private equity or hedge fund structures, PWS portfolios maintain full liquidity. Your capital remains accessible and responsive to your life's evolving demands.

03

HCM-BuyLine® Protected

Every PWS portfolio is overlaid with HCM's proprietary trend indicator. When markets turn, the BuyLine® signals a defensive shift — preserving capital before losses compound.

04

One-to-One Guidance

A dedicated PWS team member works with you through every phase: discovery, design, implementation, and ongoing reassessment. You are never passed to a call center.

05

Partner Ecosystem

PWS collaborates with specialists in tax strategy, estate planning, business succession, and charitable giving — creating a unified approach to total wealth management.

06

20+ Years of Expertise

HCM has been refining its quantitative investment approach since 1996. The PWS program draws on this deep institutional knowledge to serve the most complex client situations.

"We aim to take emotion completely out of the equation. Trading with emotions, in our opinion, ruins long-term returns."
Vance Howard — CEO & Portfolio Manager, Howard Capital Management
The PWS Difference
"High-net-worth individuals deserve more than a model portfolio. They deserve a strategy."
20+
Years Managing Wealth
100%
Custom Portfolios
4
Partner Disciplines
0
Lockup Periods
1
Dedicated Team Per Client
Custom Portfolio Design

Precision-Crafted
Investment Solutions

◈

Tax-Loss Harvesting

Turn losses into strategic assets

Sometimes an investment that has lost value can be one of your most valuable tools. The strategy of offsetting capital gains with capital losses — known as tax-loss harvesting — can meaningfully reduce your tax burden both now and in the future.

The PWS team actively monitors your portfolio for harvesting opportunities, executing with precision to maximize after-tax returns without disrupting your long-term investment strategy.

Partner Collaboration

Beyond the Portfolio:
Total Wealth Architecture

Your financial life extends well beyond your investment portfolio. As a PWS client, you gain access to a curated network of specialists — in tax strategy, estate planning, business succession, and charitable giving — all coordinated under one unified strategy.

Tax Strategies

Whether your tax challenge is confined to your portfolio or extends across your business interests, you gain access to specialist partners who identify opportunities to expand your tax savings — from entity structure optimization to deferred compensation strategies.

Business Planning

The PWS team works with you on strategies designed to strengthen your business's financial position and protect its value over time. We also help you develop and implement your succession goals — ensuring the wealth you've built transitions seamlessly to the next generation or your chosen beneficiaries.

Company Retirement Plans

If you own a business, your company retirement plan is both a benefit to your team and a significant asset in your own wealth picture. HCM brings its investment expertise and the HCM-BuyLine® into your company plan — ensuring that plan assets are managed with the same rigor applied to your personal portfolio.

Estate & Charitable Giving

Your passions and personal values matter. Alongside trusted estate planning partners, HCM works with you to optimize your estate plan, structure charitable vehicles, and ensure that your philanthropic vision is realized with maximum impact and tax efficiency.

Legacy & Charitable Planning

Your Legacy Is the
Most Important Conversation

High-net-worth individuals are increasingly driven by legacy and impact — yet most wealth management relationships never address the full picture. PWS ensures that yours does. From estate architecture to charitable vehicles, your values are woven into every dimension of your financial strategy.

68%

of high-net-worth individuals want to discuss charitable giving and legacy with their wealth manager

U.S. Trust Study of the Philanthropic Conversation
2×

higher long-term retention among clients whose wealth manager actively addresses philanthropic and legacy goals

Advisors who lead legacy conversations deepen relationships
$84T

in wealth expected to transfer to the next generation by 2045 — the largest intergenerational transfer in history

The Great Wealth Transfer

Charitable Vehicles
Structured for Your Vision

PWS works alongside estate planning specialists to help you select, establish, and administer the charitable structure that best aligns with your philanthropic goals, tax situation, and family legacy objectives.

Private Foundations

Establish a lasting institutional legacy with full control over grantmaking, investment policy, and family governance — for new foundations or existing ones seeking professional oversight.

Donor-Advised Funds

A flexible, tax-efficient vehicle that allows you to make an irrevocable charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants to qualified organizations over time.

Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs)

Convert appreciated assets into a lifetime income stream while generating a charitable deduction — and ultimately transferring the remainder to your chosen cause.

Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs)

Provide income to a charity for a defined period, with the remaining assets passing to your heirs — an effective strategy for reducing estate and gift taxes.

Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs)

Exchange a gift of cash or assets for a fixed income stream for life, with the remainder benefiting your designated charity.

The PWS Approach
"True wealth management means aligning your assets with your values — not just your risk tolerance."
What PWS Coordinates for You
Estate plan design and optimization
Charitable vehicle selection and structuring
Tax-efficient gifting strategies
Multi-generational wealth transfer planning
Bequest programs and planned giving
Family governance and foundation administration
Investment Strategy

The HCM-BuyLine®
Defend Tomorrow, Today

It is painful to watch the value of your portfolio drop. That is why Howard Capital Management spent years developing the HCM-BuyLine® — a proprietary quantitative indicator designed to defend assets by removing emotion from investment decisions.

The BuyLine® uses a non-emotional, mechanical, and repeatable system to determine when portfolios should be fully invested versus when they should shift defensively. The goal is simple: bypass the decline before it compounds.

●Fully Invested

When the HCM-BuyLine® signals positive market conditions, portfolios are fully deployed across equity positions to capture upside momentum.

●Reduced Equity Exposure

As market signals weaken, the BuyLine® triggers a partial defensive shift — reducing equity exposure while maintaining some market participation.

●Further Reduced Exposure

In significant downturns, the BuyLine® signals a move toward the safety of money markets and short-term bonds — preserving capital through the decline.

Proven Through
Market History

The HCM-BuyLine® has been tested through four of the most severe market dislocations in modern history — the 2000 Tech Bubble, 9/11, the 2008 Financial Crisis, and the 2020 COVID crash. In each case, the indicator signaled a defensive shift, allowing clients to preserve capital while broader markets experienced dramatic declines.

2000
Tech Bubble Burst
BuyLine® signaled exit before the NASDAQ lost 78% of its value
2001
September 11
BuyLine® maintained defensive positioning through market closure and reopening
2008
Financial Crisis
BuyLine® signaled exit from equity markets before the S&P 500 fell 57%
2020
COVID-19 Crash
BuyLine® triggered defensive repositioning as markets fell 34% in 33 days
Core Principle
"It's not if the market will turn. It's when."
Math-Driven
Quantitative signals, not gut instinct
Non-Emotional
Removes behavioral bias from decisions
Mechanical
Consistent, rules-based execution
Repeatable
Same discipline through every cycle

All investments are subject to risks similar to those of stocks. Investment returns will fluctuate and are subject to market volatility, so that an investor's shares when redeemed may be worth more or less than their original costs. There can be no guarantee that the HCM-BuyLine® indicator will perform as anticipated. Stoploss protection will not necessarily limit your losses to the desired amounts due to the limitations of the HCM-BuyLine®, market conditions, and delays in executing orders. It is not an actual stoploss order that automatically sells securities in the portfolio at a certain price.

Performance Illustration

See What the
BuyLine® Difference
Could Mean for You

The HCM ALP Growth Composite delivered 86% cumulative growth from January 2020 through December 2024 — a period that included one of the fastest market crashes in history and a historic recovery.

Adjust the slider below to see how that performance difference translates to your investable assets. This is a hypothetical illustration only.

Your Investable Assets$1,000,000
$100,000$250,000$500,000$1M$2M$5M
Jan 2020 – Dec 2024 (5-Year Illustration)
HCM ALP Growth Composite
$1,860,000+86%
Benchmark (Blended Index)
$1,270,000+27%
Potential Difference

Additional value vs. benchmark over the same 5-year period

+$590,000

This illustration is hypothetical and for informational purposes only. It is based on the HCM ALP Growth Composite performance from January 2020 through December 2024 compared to a blended benchmark index. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. There can be no guarantee that the HCM-BuyLine® indicator will perform as anticipated.

Our Story

Built on a
Personal Mission

Howard Capital Management was founded on a conviction born from personal experience. After witnessing the financial devastation that market crashes inflict on unprepared investors, Vance Howard dedicated himself to building a better system.

The result was the HCM-BuyLine® — a proprietary indicator that removes emotion from the investment process. Today, that same philosophy underpins every PWS portfolio, extended to encompass the full complexity of high-net-worth wealth management.

Roswell, Georgia
1145 Hembree Road
Company Timeline
1987
The Vision

The devastating market crash of 1987 plants the seed for a better approach to protecting investor capital.

1996
BuyLine® Concept

Vance Howard develops the foundational concept of the HCM-BuyLine® — a quantitative, non-emotional market indicator.

1999
HCM Founded

Howard Capital Management, Inc. is established in Roswell, Georgia — built from the ground up to serve the wealth management needs of high-net-worth individuals and families.

2008
Crisis Validation

The HCM-BuyLine® signals a defensive shift ahead of the financial crisis, validating years of quantitative research.

2020
Pandemic Response

The BuyLine® again signals a timely defensive repositioning as COVID-19 triggers historic market volatility.

2024+
PWS Expansion

The Private Wealth Services division expands, bringing institutional-grade bespoke management to high-net-worth clients nationwide.

1999
Year Founded
SEC
Registered & Regulated
Roswell, GA
Headquarters
Nationwide
Client Reach
Private Wealth Services Team

Dedicated to
Your Success

The PWS team is a dedicated group of investment professionals whose sole focus is your experience as a high-net-worth client. Every member brings specialized expertise — so your wealth receives the individual attention it deserves.

Will Stark
Will Stark
PWS Managing Director

Will leads the Private Wealth Services division, overseeing client strategy, team operations, and the development of bespoke investment solutions for high-net-worth clients and business owners.

Brandon Melick
Brandon Melick
PWS Vice President

Brandon works directly with clients to design and implement tailored portfolio strategies, drawing on HCM's proprietary investment methodology and the full breadth of PWS partner resources.

Cole Staton
Cole Staton
PWS Investment Consultant

Cole leads the discovery process for new PWS relationships, taking the time to understand each client's goals, risk tolerance, and financial complexity before any strategy is proposed.

Brett Roese
Brett Roese
Senior Analyst

Brett provides deep quantitative research and portfolio analysis, supporting both the PWS division and HCM's broader investment management team with data-driven insights.

Mayra Flores
Mayra Flores
PWS Operations Coordinator

Mayra ensures seamless operational execution for PWS clients, managing account administration, reporting, and the day-to-day logistics that underpin a premium client experience.

Izzy Robinson
Izzy Robinson
PWS Operations Coordinator

Izzy supports PWS operations with precision and care, coordinating between clients, custodians, and internal teams to maintain the high service standards the division is known for.

Jess Frank
Jess Frank
PWS Client Services Representative

Jess serves as a primary point of contact for PWS clients, providing responsive, personalized service and ensuring that every client interaction reflects HCM's commitment to excellence.

Executive Leadership

The Leadership
Behind the Firm

Vance Howard
Vance Howard
CEO & Portfolio Manager

Founder of Howard Capital Management and creator of the HCM-BuyLine®. Vance has spent over 20 years developing quantitative investment strategies that protect and grow client capital through every market cycle.

Karen Howard
Karen Howard
Chief Operating Officer

Karen oversees firm-wide operations, ensuring that HCM's infrastructure, processes, and team are aligned to deliver an exceptional client experience at every touchpoint.

Chris Ferguson
Chris Ferguson
President

Chris leads HCM's strategic direction and business development, working to expand the firm's reach and deepen its capabilities in service of clients across all divisions.

Dory Black
Dory Black
General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer

Dory ensures that HCM operates with the highest standards of regulatory compliance and legal integrity, protecting both the firm and its clients.

HCM in Motion

The Story of
Howard Capital

Experience Howard Capital Management through film. These brand videos capture the essence of what drives the firm — strength, precision, and an unwavering commitment to protecting and growing client wealth.

HCM TV Commercial
December 2025

HCM TV Commercial

Howard Capital Management's latest brand commercial — capturing the firm's philosophy of strength, precision, and protection in every market environment.

Brand Image
The Lion's Approach

Brand Image

A cinematic brand film exploring Howard Capital Management's identity — the lion that navigates the financial landscape with authority and purpose.

Lion Roar
HCM Brand Film

Lion Roar

The power of the HCM brand distilled into a single cinematic moment — strength, discipline, and the courage to defend what matters most.

MorningStar Commercial
HCM Recognition

MorningStar Commercial

Howard Capital Management's commercial highlighting the firm's recognition and commitment to delivering exceptional investment outcomes for clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions,
Answered Directly

We believe that informed clients make better decisions. Below are the questions most commonly asked by prospective PWS clients — answered with the directness and transparency you should expect from any wealth management relationship.

PWS is designed for high-net-worth individuals and families with investable assets typically starting at $500,000. However, the program is most impactful for those with complex financial situations — including business owners, executives, and multi-generational families — where the full breadth of PWS services can be brought to bear. We encourage you to schedule a private consultation to discuss your specific circumstances.

The HCM-BuyLine® is a proprietary quantitative trend indicator, not a stop-loss order. It uses a mathematical, non-emotional, and rules-based system to assess broad market conditions and signal when portfolios should be fully invested versus when they should shift defensively into money markets or short-term bonds. Unlike a stop-loss, it is applied at the portfolio level and is designed to navigate entire market cycles — not just individual position thresholds.

Yes. Unlike private equity or hedge fund structures that impose lockup periods, PWS portfolios are fully liquid. Your capital is held in separately managed accounts at a qualified custodian, and you retain the ability to access it at any time. This flexibility is a core design principle of the program — your wealth should work for you, not the other way around.

PWS coordinates with estate planning specialists to support a comprehensive suite of vehicles, including private foundations (new and existing), donor-advised funds, charitable remainder trusts (CRTs), charitable lead trusts (CLTs), charitable gift annuities (CGAs), and bequest programs. Each vehicle is selected and structured based on your specific philanthropic goals, tax situation, and family legacy objectives.

Tax efficiency is embedded throughout the PWS process. The team actively monitors your portfolio for tax-loss harvesting opportunities — offsetting capital gains with realized losses to reduce your tax burden without disrupting your long-term strategy. PWS also coordinates with tax specialists to address broader tax challenges, including entity structure, deferred compensation, and business-related tax planning.

The process begins with a private, no-obligation consultation where the PWS team takes the time to understand your financial situation, goals, risk tolerance, and any areas of complexity. From there, we conduct a thorough analysis of your existing holdings and generate a custom proposal comparing your current portfolio against a proposed PWS strategy. If you choose to proceed, we handle all account setup and transition logistics — ensuring a seamless experience from the first conversation to full implementation.

Yes. Howard Capital Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser and operates as a fiduciary — meaning we are legally and ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times. This standard governs every recommendation, every portfolio decision, and every aspect of the PWS relationship.

No obligation. No pressure.
Begin Your Journey

Schedule a
Private Consultation

The first step toward a fully tailored wealth strategy is a private, no-obligation conversation with a member of the PWS team. We will take the time to understand your situation, your goals, and how HCM's approach can serve your unique needs.

Address
1145 Hembree Road Roswell, GA 30076
Hours
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST
Website
howardcm.com/private-wealth-services
Why PWS
Fully customized portfolio construction
HCM-BuyLine® downside protection on every account
Dedicated team — no call centers
Collaboration with tax, estate, and business planning specialists
Fully liquid — no lockup periods
Ongoing reassessment as your life evolves

By submitting this form, you consent to being contacted by a member of the Howard Capital Management Private Wealth Services team. This form does not constitute investment advice or a commitment to any investment strategy.