GCG Taps Media Mogul Gunderson to Launch Fee-Only RIA Powerhouse

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – April 15, 2026 – GCG Advisory Partners today announced a landmark partnership with Gunderson Capital Management, a move that simultaneously launches GCG into the fee-only advisory space and brings a nationally recognized financial media personality into its fold. The deal sees the Mount Pleasant, S.C.-based firm, with over $420 million in assets under management (AUM), join the GCG platform.

As part of the transaction, Bill Gunderson, the founder, President, and CEO of Gunderson Capital, will become an Operating and Equity Partner at GCG. The partnership establishes GCG's first pure, fee-only Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) channel, a significant strategic pivot for the Charlotte-based parent company of GCG Wealth Management. In return, Gunderson Capital gains access to GCG’s extensive operational support, advanced technology stack, and a dedicated pool of growth capital, all while retaining its established brand and operational autonomy.

This strategic alliance is more than a simple acquisition; it's a fusion of institutional infrastructure and a powerful, pre-existing marketing engine, signaling a new competitive dynamic in the wealth management industry.

A New Channel Powered by a Media Maven

The cornerstone of this partnership is the unique value proposition brought by Bill Gunderson himself. Far from being just a firm principal, Gunderson is a financial media force with a significant national following. His influence is a proven, high-octane organic growth engine, an asset GCG is now poised to leverage across its new RIA channel.

Gunderson’s media footprint is extensive and strategically cultivated. He is the host of the nationally syndicated Best Stocks Now Radio Hour, a daily market broadcast; the creator of the popular Best Stocks Now app for investors; and a frequent, trusted voice on major networks like Fox News, Fox Business, and Bloomberg. His written analysis regularly appears in publications such as Dow Jones MarketWatch and Seeking Alpha, and his expertise has earned him three “Best Columnist of the Year” awards. This constant presence has allowed Gunderson Capital to build a national client base and a powerful brand centered on research-driven growth investing.

GCG executives have made it clear that this marketing prowess was a critical factor in the deal. Joel Burris, CEO & Managing Partner of GCG Advisory Partners, highlighted the strategic fit. "This partnership is a great fit for both of us," Burris stated. "GCG is establishing a fee-only RIA channel with an expert and legend in this space, while providing the technology and operational support that will amplify Gunderson Capital's growth trajectory and allow Bill to focus on his high impact work: investing, brand building through strategic media appearances, and, importantly, building client relationships."

Joey Hagner, GCG's Chief Growth Officer, echoed this sentiment, describing Gunderson as a "standout marketing strategist." Hagner added, "Our complementary partnership will drive robust benefits for both of us: GCG will amplify and modernize the Gunderson growth engine with our technology and platform capabilities, and Gunderson's innovative marketing capabilities and media presence will enhance GCG's market position."

This focus on organic growth aligns with industry-wide trends. Recent studies, including Schwab's 2024 RIA Benchmarking Study, show that the most successful advisory firms consistently outperform their peers in net asset flow and new client growth, precisely by prioritizing organic growth strategies over relying solely on market appreciation or acquisitions.

GCG's Strategic Play in a Booming Market

For GCG Advisory Partners, this move marks a calculated entry into one of the most dynamic sectors of the financial services industry. The fee-only RIA market has been experiencing explosive growth, driven by a client-side demand for fiduciary standards and an advisor-side push for independence. Industry reports from 2023 and 2024 showed median RIA firms increasing AUM by double-digit percentages, with the fastest-growing firms posting staggering three-year growth rates well over 200%.

By launching a dedicated fee-only channel anchored by a reputable firm like Gunderson Capital, GCG is positioning itself to capture a significant share of this expanding market. This initiative is a core component of its 'Monetize and Grow' platform, which is designed to attract high-performing independent advisors by offering capital, succession strategies, and robust back-office support.

The partnership is also the latest major move for GCG following its 2025 recapitalization and strategic investment from BharCap Partners, a private equity firm specializing in the financial services sector. With BharCap’s backing, GCG has been aggressively pursuing its expansion strategy, and the Gunderson deal demonstrates a clear focus on acquiring not just assets, but also unique strategic capabilities.

A Blueprint for the Modern RIA Partnership

This deal offers a compelling case study for the thousands of independent RIA owners navigating a rapidly consolidating industry. The RIA M&A market has been on fire, with record-breaking transaction volumes in 2024 and 2025 fueled by private equity capital and the succession needs of an aging advisor population. Valuations have soared, with median EBITDA multiples climbing above 11.0x, creating a strong seller's market.

However, many firm founders are hesitant to pursue a full sale that would mean relinquishing their brand, culture, and client relationships. The GCG-Gunderson partnership presents an alternative path. Gunderson Capital will continue to operate under its own name, with its existing team managing day-to-day client service and investment strategy. This structure allows the firm to solve for scale, technology, and long-term succession without sacrificing the identity and autonomy it spent years building.

Bill Gunderson framed the decision in terms of strategic amplification. "We built Gunderson Capital on a thoughtful, research-backed approach, and this partnership with GCG is about amplifying what already works," he said. "Their operational expertise and scalable technology platform give us the ability to grow smarter and faster in a market that continues to evolve. This partnership allows us to stay focused on our visibility in the market and on building strong relationships with our clients."

While the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the structure represents a growing trend where larger platforms provide the infrastructure that enables high-performing advisors to focus on their core strengths—in Gunderson's case, investment management and mass-media communication. As the wealth management landscape grows more competitive, such symbiotic partnerships that combine specialized expertise with enterprise-level scale may very well define the next generation of industry leaders.