VisionPoint Advisory Group and Navitas Wealth Advisors merged to form Balefire, a comprehensive wealth management firm designed to meet the growing demand for integrated and high-capability financial and business advisory solutions for affluent individuals, families, and businesses.
The new entity combines over 60 professionals with complementary skillsets, offering comprehensive wealth management, strategic tax planning, and corporate solutions. Running as a unified platform, Balefire is positioned to provide deeper insight, greater strategic continuity, and more scalable solutions.
As a merger of two equals, the entity’s combined AUM topped $3.7 billion as of January 1, 2025. Mergers and acquisitions, organic growth, and a focus on providing an incomparable client experience will enhance Balefire’s strategic business development plan, designed to more than ten times the company’s AUM over the next decade. Plus, Balefire’s vision includes expanding annual revenues to $215 million, growing to $42 billion in AUM, and scaling the Balefire team to 300 elite professionals.
The leadership team—which is composed of Jason Hester (former CEO of Navitas) and John Hoffman (former CEO of VisionPoint), now serving as co-managing partners—noted that the formation of Balefire is rooted in operational alignment, cultural fit, and a shared conviction around long-term impact.
With partners and employees in 19 states and clients in 39 states, Balefire also maintains a significant presence in Texas, Mississippi, Minnesota, Alabama, Arizona, Iowa, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and South Dakota. And Balefire offers clients regional accessibility with national reach.
Advisors operate within a single and collaborative framework to deliver a seamless, strategy-driven experience across all phases of wealth stewardship. Plus, the firm’s integrated model allows it to scale customized services like succession planning, business transition consulting, and multi-generational family governance without compromising the personal, values-based advisory relationships foundational to its model.
Advisor: Advisor Growth Strategies (AGS) worked as Balefire’s M&A Advisor. And AGS works with financial advisory firms and institutions to build their ideal future for their business. For over a decade, they have partnered with the nation’s fastest-growing and largest RIA firms to excel at every stage of business.
KEY QUOTES:
“This combination is not about getting bigger – it’s about getting better. While our strategic plan does include revenue and profitability benchmarks, it also focuses on stewardship and the impact we can make together. We’ve built something that has real staying power for our clients and our team. Clients will see deeper bench strength, broader services, and the same personal connection they’re accustomed to. It’s not a shift in identity – it’s an expansion of what’s possible.”
Jason Hester, Managing Partner of Balefire
“With 66% of advisors eyeing a change due to limited growth, support, or a desire to build a better business model. Balefire is redefining partnership in wealth management. Our recent merger strengthened our frameworks that give advisors more clarity, control, and alignment to seize better opportunities and navigate complexity – all on one team. Balefire is built for that.”
John Hoffman, Managing Partner of Balefire
“Throughout history, a balefire has been a powerful, towering flame that serves as a beacon, bringing people together in seasons of transition, fostering a sense of community and guidance. Balefire’s logo and name together signal a firm that is not only sophisticated and exclusive, but also deeply committed to illuminating the way for those who have achieved exceptional success.”
Stephanie Elton, Chief of Staff at Balefire
