A new era is starting at Laird Norton Wealth Management: This Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, we officially merged with Filament LLC, a wealth advisory firm that fully shares our commitment to serving clients throughout their lifetimes and over many generations.
LNWM was founded in 1967, Filament in 2006. We have a shared philosophy and approach, especially our never-wavering focus on putting client interests first. The excitement about what we can do for clients working together is palpable, even as the vast majority of us continue to work remotely during the pandemic.
Both Filament and LNWM have built deep and lasting relationships with clients, grounded on holistic, conflict-free advice. LNWM has always been family owned (by the Laird Norton families), while Filament was employee-owned prior to the merger. By coming together, we are creating a powerhouse in expertise across all areas of wealth management – investments, planning, trusts and estates. Just as important, our services are integrated and customized to achieve the lifelong goals of each client and the next generations in their families.
Spotlight on Filament
Filament was founded 14 years ago by two CPAs — Scott Butterfield and Conrad Gehrmann – and attorney John Goodwin. Since then, this entrepreneurial trio has built a preeminent boutique wealth advisory firm, offering family office services and investment management for families of significant wealth. Independence, illumination and innovation have been the hallmarks of Filament’s work helping clients resolve financial complexity and enjoy life more fully. With a business rigorously designed to put clients’ interests first, Filament earned the role of trusted advisor for approximately 100 client families, representing over $2 billion in assets under management.
As Filament co-founder Scott Butterfield put it: “Combining our talents and resources [with LNWM] provides a unique platform of services and solutions that is unrivaled in the Pacific Northwest.”
The Logistics
The newly merged firm will retain the Laird Norton name, continue to be led by LNWM CEO Kristen Bauer, and operate out of our offices at the historic Laird Norton building in downtown Seattle. Filament’s three co-founders will serve on an expanded LNWM Board of Directors and in executive management roles.
“This is the next step in the evolution of LNWM to become the most dependable, premiere wealth management firm for generations of families throughout the West and beyond,” said Jeff Vincent, CEO of Laird Norton Company and Chairman of the LNWM Board of Directors.
To find out more about LNWM’s merger with Filament LLC, please see our Press Release and this article in today’s Puget Sound Business Journal.
