Wealth Enhancement Partnering With $240 Million Firm Ascent Private Wealth

By Amit Chowdhry • Jan 2, 2026

Wealth Enhancement announced it will join forces with Ascent Private Wealth, a Spartanburg, South Carolina-based hybrid registered investment advisor overseeing more than $240 million in client assets, expanding Wealth Enhancement’s footprint in the Southeast and pushing its total client assets above $132.7 billion.

Ascent Private Wealth is led by Steve Ford, a CFP and LLM, and consists of two advisors and one support professional. Wealth Enhancement CEO Jeff Dekko said the combination aligns with the firm’s strategy of partnering with teams that share a client-first approach, highlighting Ascent’s experience serving business owners and advising on generational wealth planning. Wealth Enhancement Chief Strategy Officer Jim Cahn said the deal marks the firm’s fourth location in South Carolina and supports continued growth in the region.

Founded in 2002, Ascent Private Wealth provides financial guidance focused on generational wealth-building, including business and succession planning, investment management, and legacy and estate strategies. Ford said the firm selected Wealth Enhancement after months of consideration, citing cultural fit and the resources and scale to expand capabilities for clients.

Support: Williams Private Wealth Advisory and Consulting served as advisor to Ascent Private Wealth in the transaction.

KEY QUOTES:

“Our partnership with Ascent Private Wealth reflects our continued commitment to partnering with firms that share our values and client-first mindset. We’re excited about the depth of knowledge the Ascent Private Wealth team brings, particularly in serving business owners and navigating the complexities of generational wealth.”

Jeff Dekko, Chief Executive Officer, Wealth Enhancement

“Our top priority has always been serving clients with excellence. After months of thoughtful consideration, we determined that Wealth Enhancement was the right strategic partner for our firm. Not only are they an excellent cultural fit, but they also bring the scale, resources, and forward-thinking approach needed to elevate our services to the next level.”

Steve Ford, Private Wealth Advisor, Ascent Private Wealth

“Joining forces with Steve Ford and his team not only expands our reach and impact in the Southeast – marking our fourth location in South Carolina – but also positions us for continued growth in the region. We are confident that Ascent Private Wealth will be an exceptional partner.”

Jim Cahn, Chief Strategy Officer, Wealth Enhancement