Bluespring Acquires Element Wealth in Strategic Push for Tech-Enhanced Advice

AUSTIN, Texas – June 25, 2026 – In a move that underscores a significant trend reshaping the financial advisory landscape, Bluespring Wealth has acquired Element Wealth Advisors, a fast-growing Atlanta-based firm. The partnership brings the Kestra Financial-affiliated firm, which oversees approximately $450 million in assets, into the fold of one of the nation's leading acquirers of independent wealth management practices.

Founded by Todd Mitman and Jeremy Reese, Element Wealth Advisors has built its reputation on a “planning-first” philosophy, delivering bespoke financial advice to individuals, families, and business owners. The decision to partner with Bluespring, a subsidiary of the broader Kestra Holdings ecosystem, was driven by a desire to accelerate growth and enhance client services without sacrificing the firm's core identity.

"Our focus has always been on building meaningful relationships and delivering advice that puts our clients first," said Jeremy Reese, Managing Partner of Element Wealth Advisors. "Joining Bluespring allows us to grow thoughtfully while continuing to invest in our team and the client experience that defines us."

This acquisition is not merely a transaction but a strategic alliance, positioning Element to leverage Bluespring's extensive institutional resources while retaining the autonomy that has been central to its success.

A Partnership Built on Autonomy and Resources

The appeal of Bluespring's model lies in a carefully crafted balance. Acquired firms gain access to a powerful suite of operational, strategic, and technological resources, yet they are encouraged to maintain their brand, leadership, and entrepreneurial culture. This “partial integration” approach is a key differentiator in a crowded market of consolidators.

"Choosing the right partner was one of the most important decisions we could make for our firm and our clients," stated Todd Mitman, Managing Partner of Element Wealth Advisors. "Bluespring stood out because they know how to support growing firms without changing what makes them successful. That balance of resources and autonomy is exactly what we were looking for."

Bluespring's strategy targets firms with a strong cultural identity, a proven track record of organic growth, and multi-generational talent. Typically seeking partners with at least $1 million in EBITDA, the platform offers a custom support model that includes services like the "Blueprint for Growth" program, which utilizes AI-driven lead optimization and digital marketing coaching. This allows firms like Element to tap into sophisticated growth engines that are often out of reach for smaller independent practices.

With this deal marking its sixth acquisition of 2026, Bluespring continues to execute a vigorous M&A strategy. The platform's emphasis on perpetuating a firm's legacy through robust succession planning and next-generation advisor development has resonated deeply with founders contemplating their firm's future.

The Trajectory of Element Wealth Advisors

Element's path to this partnership highlights the journey of a modern, growth-oriented advisory firm. After founding the practice in 2005, Mitman and Reese transitioned their affiliation to Kestra Financial in 2023. At that time, the firm was overseeing approximately $300 million in client assets. In just over two years, Element grew its assets by 50% to the current $450 million, a testament to its effective client service model and business acumen.

This rapid growth made the firm an ideal candidate for a strategic partnership. The pre-existing relationship within the Kestra Holdings network—with Element being a Kestra Financial affiliate and Bluespring being a Kestra Holdings subsidiary—created a natural pathway for the acquisition. The move represents a deepening of the relationship, transitioning Element from an affiliated partner to a fully integrated member of the Bluespring community, with direct access to the parent company's institutional-grade resources.

"Element Wealth Advisors represents the type of firm we look to partner with because of the leadership, culture, and long-term vision they have built," commented William Salmen, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions for Bluespring Wealth. "The Element team has established a strong reputation through their client relationships and disciplined approach to their business."

The Consolidation Wave in Wealth Management

The Bluespring-Element deal is a case study in the powerful wave of consolidation sweeping the independent wealth management industry. This trend is fueled by a confluence of factors: the pressing need for economies of scale, the escalating costs of technology and compliance, and the demographic reality of an aging advisor population seeking succession plans.

Industry analysts project this M&A frenzy will not only continue but accelerate. A 2025 report from Morgan Stanley and Oliver Wyman forecasted over 1,500 significant M&A deals in the sector by 2029, potentially shrinking the total number of firms by as much as 20%. Acquirers are increasingly selective, pursuing strategic deals that add specific capabilities, particularly in technology and AI, rather than just accumulating assets.

For firms like Element, partnering with a larger entity is a proactive strategy to future-proof their business. It provides the capital to invest in advanced platforms, the operational support to navigate complex regulations, and a clear path to ensure the firm outlives its founders, all while aiming to enhance the value delivered to clients.

Continuity and Enhanced Capabilities for Clients

For the clients of Element Wealth Advisors, the message from all parties is one of continuity and enhancement. The firm will continue to operate under its well-known brand, and the entire nine-person team, led by Mitman and Reese, will remain in place to serve their clients without interruption.

This commitment to preserving the firm's client-first DNA was a critical factor for the entire team. "We joined this partnership knowing that the relationships and trust we have built with clients would remain at the center of everything we do," said Financial Advisor Charlie Hasel. "The added resources only make us better positioned to serve them well."

Fellow advisor Ann R. Dickerson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the ability to maintain their core mission. "This partnership allows us to keep doing what we love, delivering thoughtful, personalized advice to the clients and families we have built relationships with over the years," she said. "Having additional resources behind us only strengthens what we are already doing."

With the backing of Bluespring, Element is now better equipped to deliver on its promise of being a multi-generational financial partner, ensuring its planning-first approach will serve its clients and their families for years to come.