HB Wealth expands its national footprint into Texas by welcoming a three-person advisory team managing approximately $700 million in assets. Steven D. Podnos, Rachel Podnos O’Leary, and Lauren Podnos-Garner joined the Atlanta-based fee-only registered investment adviser to establish an office in Austin.
Wealth Care LLC Team Moves to HB Wealth in Austin
The incoming advisory trio previously operated Wealth Care LLC, an independent fee-only registered investment adviser founded by Steven Podnos in 2002. Rachel Podnos O’Leary and Lauren Podnos-Garner will operate out of the Austin office on a full-time basis, while Steven Podnos will divide his time between Austin and Cocoa Beach, Florida, according to corporate announcements.
Before entering the wealth management sector, Steven Podnos spent years working as a pulmonary and critical care physician. He maintained his medical practice in the Air Force Reserve until 2023. That dual background shaped a specialized practice focused on the distinct financial pressures medical professionals face, including liability exposure, asset protection, and estate planning.
Alongside their core healthcare niche, the team delivers comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and tax strategy guidance to high- and ultra-high-net-worth families nationwide. Advisor Growth Strategies served as the transaction advisor for Wealth Care LLC during the transition.
National Growth Strategy Establishes Seventh Market for HB Wealth
The expansion into Texas brings HB Wealth to its seventh operating state, adding to existing footprints in Georgia, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Thomas Carroll, CEO of HB Wealth, stated that the addition builds a strong foundation in Austin and creates a specialized channel for serving medical professionals across the country.
Founded in 1989 under the name Homrich Berg, the firm rebranded to HB Wealth in August 2025 as its reach expanded beyond its original Atlanta headquarters. The wealth management firm oversees more than $33 billion in assets across 13 offices, supporting more than 360 employees. The Texas integration follows a series of corporate milestones, including the launch of a dedicated institutional advisory and outsourced chief investment officer practice in July 2026, as well as the addition of a five-person team in Charlotte earlier that year.
Frequently Asked Questions About the HB Wealth Austin Expansion
What specific services does the newly integrated Austin team provide?
The father-daughter trio provides comprehensive financial planning, investment management, tax planning, asset protection, and estate planning, with specialized expertise addressing the legal and liability considerations of medical careers.
What transaction advisory firm assisted with the move?
Advisor Growth Strategies acted as the transaction advisor to Wealth Care LLC during its integration into HB Wealth.
How many total assets and offices does HB Wealth manage nationwide?
HB Wealth manages over $33 billion in client assets across 13 offices in seven states, supported by a staff of more than 360 employees as of September 30, 2026.