In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Thomas B. Hamlin, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Somerset Wealth Strategies LLC, built a legacy in the financial services industry through dedication, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to his clients. With more than three decades of experience, Thomas has navigated a rapidly evolving industry, earning national recognition as one of the top annuity experts in the United States. Join us as Thomas shares his professional milestones, leadership philosophy, and the principles that have shaped his success. Discover how he has built a trusted name in wealth management, guided clients through financial uncertainty, and maintained a strong sense of purpose both in business and philanthropy.
Early Career and Professional Foundations
Thomas B. Hamlin began his professional journey in the mid-1980s, first working as a territory manager for Breyers Ice Cream under Kraft Foods in California from 1984 to 1988, followed by a role as a top-rated real estate agent from 1988 to 1990. He transitioned into the financial services industry in 1990 as Vice President at Independent Advantage Financial in Marina del Rey, California, where he quickly distinguished himself as the #1 and #2 ranked producer for four consecutive years, contributing to the company’s growth into the nation’s largest independent shopping service for annuities and insurance products. From 1994 to 1997, Thomas served as First Vice President at Prudential Financial, where he ranked in the top five nationally for personal annuity and insurance production and led his Los Angeles branch to the #1 position in the nation for annuity sales.
Entrepreneurial Success and Leadership at Somerset Wealth Strategies
In 1997, Thomas founded Somerset Wealth Strategies LLC in Lake Oswego, Oregon, with a mission to provide clients with expertise in variable annuities (VA), fixed annuities (MYGA), fixed index annuities (FIA), and a wide range of life insurance products. His leadership and deep understanding of annuities quickly earned him recognition as one of the nation’s leading experts in the field. Over the years, he expanded his professional scope, purchasing and becoming CEO and Chief Compliance Officer of Somerset Securities Inc., working with mutual funds, alternative investments, variable annuities, opportunity zones, and other securities-related products. He also founded Somerset Wealth Management, LLC, focusing on fee-based RIA advisory services and institutional-style management through relationships with Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade Institutional.
In addition, Thomas founded AnnuityFYI.com in 1999, launching it publicly in October 2000 with a vision to create the nation’s premier independent annuity resource. Now approaching its 25th anniversary, AnnuityFYI continues to enable consumers to explore, select, and acquire top annuity products through unbiased specialists in a pressure-free, education-first setting—prioritizing informed decision-making over sales.
Recognition and Industry Achievements
Thomas’s career has been marked by numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame by Advisors Excel in 2023, ranked among the Top 100 Financial Advisors in the United States multiple times, and recognized as the #2 advisor in Oregon by Barron’s in 2010. His tenure as Branch Manager with Raymond James Financial Services saw the branch become one of the top in the nation within three years. He was a member of their Elite Chairman’s Council for seven years, the top annuity producer nationwide for nine consecutive years, and consistently one of the Top 25 Producers for 15 years.
Over the course of his career, Thomas has placed more than $1.2 billion in assets for nearly 5,000 clients across all 50 states, three U.S. territories, and internationally. In addition to his production achievements, Tom has been quoted by several top publications for over 30 years, including The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, The Chicago Sun-Times, VARDS, Ignites.com, Investment News, Tribune Media, Registered Rep Magazine, Financial Planning Magazine, National Underwriter, MarketWatch, Echos Times, and numerous newsletters. He has also served as a trusted source on financial investments for radio shows and public speaking engagements, further cementing his role as a nationally recognized thought leader in the financial services industry.
Commitment to Client Relationships and Financial Planning Philosophy
Thomas attributes his success to his genuine care for clients, his faith, and his commitment to providing sound financial strategies. He emphasizes diversification, staying ahead of industry trends, on top of technology (AI), and focusing on plans he would recommend to his own family. His goal is to help clients achieve peace of mind through financial independence, enabling them to enjoy retirement and pursue the items on their “Lifetime To-Do List AKA Bucket List.” He believes that financial independence is one of the keys to reducing stress and improving overall quality of life.
Acknowledging the Team Behind the Mission
Thomas acknowledges that his achievements would be all but impossible without a supportive team, both at work and at home. He emphasizes that he would be “incredibly remiss” not to recognize the professionals who have advanced Somerset’s mission and stood by him through decades of growth.
Key contributors include Andrew Murdoch, who departed Jackson National to join in 2003 and now leads as President of Somerset Wealth Strategies, LLC. In 2004, Greg Shaughnessy took charge of marketing for Somerset and its AnnuityFYI.com independent annuity resource. Megan Odermatt arrived in 2013 as Thomas’s Executive Assistant, Client Relations Manager, and Assistant Office Manager, soon followed by her sister Kristen Odermatt as Executive Assistant to Andrew and, in recent years, Office Manager. That same year, Derek Stamos began as a Lead Qualifier at AnnuityFYI, evolving into one of Somerset’s premier Advisors.
Meagan Sinniger joined in 2015, progressing from Administrative Assistant to Senior Administrative Assistant and ultimately Compliance Manager across all three Somerset entities. In June 2023, seasoned administrative professional Porsch Anthony transitioned from Merrill Lynch to the team. Rounding out recent additions, Thomas’s son Brian Hamlin started as an intern in 2023 while pursuing his business degree at the University of Oregon, before stepping into a full-time licensed advisor role and working toward his CFP certification.
Together, this tight-knit group of professionals brings over 114 years of combined industry expertise, helping shape Somerset’s reputation as a trusted name in wealth management.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Beyond his professional achievements, Thomas is deeply committed to philanthropy. He donates tens of thousands of dollars annually to numerous charities, including Mercy Corps, Children’s Cancer Association, St. Jude Hospital, Toys for Tots, Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Race for the Cure, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Wounded Warriors, and the American Heart Association, among many others. His future plans include dedicating himself full-time to charitable work, family, and community service upon retirement. For a full listing of worthy charities visit: Somerset Charitable Initiatives.
Personal Life and Interests
At home, Thomas draws strength from his partner of eight years, MacKenzie Stewart; her daughter Harper (11); their son Tommy (2); his daughters Lindsey (21), studying at the University of Miami, and Sydney (19), at the University of Arizona; and his son Brian, who has joined him at Somerset.
Outside of business, Thomas enjoys traveling, having visited 70 countries with a goal of reaching 100. He is a golfer, skier, and hiker, and values spending time outdoors with his family. With five children and a supportive partner, he places great importance on sharing his knowledge and guiding the next generation toward achieving their goals. His life philosophy is rooted in resilience, living with minimal regrets, and embracing each experience as part of God’s plan.
In conclusion, Thomas B. Hamlin’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, integrity, and vision in building a lasting legacy. From his early beginnings to becoming a nationally recognized leader in financial services, he has demonstrated a rare blend of entrepreneurial skill, client-focused dedication, and philanthropic commitment. His ability to adapt to industry changes, maintain unwavering ethical standards, and inspire both clients and colleagues alike has solidified his place among the top financial professionals in the nation. As he looks to the future, Thomas remains focused on creating meaningful impact—both through helping individuals achieve financial independence and through his continued dedication to charitable causes that improve lives around the world.
