In 1987, Charlie Whitener founded the independent, fee-only SEC Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) firm. The independent structure allowed the team to take the time needed to provide comprehensive financial advice in all areas of practice management and portfolio construction. 

Today, Whitener Capital Management is guided by the same founding principles but has more of a regional presence, with offices in Eastern North Carolina and New England. In 2009, Rick Sanford, Charlie’s long-time portfolio manager, purchased the firm and quickly expanded the firm’s capabilities. As the firm has grown, the need for additional advisors and, specifically, financial planners became apparent.

East Carolina University Ties

Sean Gilsenan and Doug Suhr joined Rick as senior advisors at the firm. The three initially met in the fall of 1990, when their paths crossed on the campus of East Carolina University.  Each of them bring over 20 years of experience to the team and share the same core beliefs regarding the importance of the Portfolio Longevity process. Sean and Doug both maintain the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM designation.  

Adherence to the Fiduciary Standard

We believe that absolute transparency is the key element to building trust. As fiduciaries, we hold our clients’ interests first and foremost above everything else we do. Transparency and full disclosure extend to all aspects of our engagement with our clients, including financial planning recommendations, investment selection, pricing, and other terms.