Our History in Brief

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A Tradition of Excellence

Welcome to the Smith Anglin Financial History Timeline—a journey through our evolution from a traditional accounting team to a trusted, comprehensive wealth management practice. With over 25 years of specialized experience serving pilots and deep knowledge in airline plan benefits for major carriers, we’ve built a legacy of integrity, accountability, and long-term client relationships. Explore our milestones to see how we’ve continually prioritized our clients’ financial success and continue to foster a strong company culture.

“We founded our practice in 1967 as a traditional accounting office. Half a century later, Smith Anglin is a full service wealth advisory practice with a national footprint and an experienced team. We're proud to help airline industry professionals feel ready for retirement.”

~ Steve Anglin

Our History in Brief

1967

Our Foundation

Smith Anglin & Co. founded in 1967 as a partnership between Walter D. Smith and Bobby H. Anglin.

1986

Building on the Tax Planning Legacy

Partner Steve Anglin joins the practice in August 1986, expanding Smith Anglin’s accounting and tax planning knowledge.

1994

Growing Our Client Base

Partner Chris Lott joins the practice and merges his clients from his previous wealth management practice.

2000

Focusing on Pilots

Partners Steve Anglin and Chris Lott offer financial planning services starting with Southwest pilots.

Partners Weston Pollock and Rex Moxley join the practice, bringing key pilot relationships and experience with Delta and United retirement programs.

2002

A Rise to the Top

Smith Anglin becomes a registered rep under HD Vest Investment Securities and becomes the top producing practice for two years in a row.

2007

Our Independent Advisory Practice Debuts

Smith Anglin Financial launches as an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and establishes a custodial relationship with Fidelity Investments.

2011

Adopting the Multi-Custodian Model

Smith Anglin Financial adds Charles Schwab Investments as a second custodian to offer its wealth advisory clients access to a greater selection of investment options.

2011

Office Relocation

Smith Anglin continues to grow and relocates to a newer, larger office building so we have room to expand our team.

2013

Expanding Our Airline Program

Smith Anglin Financial acquires pilot-focused advisory practice Rhoads Lucca Capital, adding FedEx to its airline portfolio and expanding The 401k Autopilot^SM program to pilots from major commercial and carrier airlines.

2017

Acquisitions and Expansion

Smith Anglin Financial acquires RMG Capital adding senior advisor Gary Shalhoob, CFA to the wealth advisory team and $100MM in assets under management.

More office is needed for our growing team and Smith Anglin relocates to a new, even larger space at our present location.

2018

Named to Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers in US

Smith Anglin named a Top 300 Registered Investment Advisers in US by Financial Times.

2019

Rated Best Places to Work for Advisors

Smith Anglin named by InvestmentNews to list of “Best Places to Work for Financial Advisers”.

2020

Named to Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers in US

Smith Anglin named a Top 300 Registered Investment Advisers in US by Financial Times.

Team reaches 1 billion in AUM despite the challenges of the COVID pandemic and sets a practice record new assets under management.

2020

Rated Best Places to Work for Advisors

Smith Anglin named by InvestmentNews to list of “Best Places to Work for Financial Advisers”.

2021

Rated Best Places to Work for Advisors

Smith Anglin named by InvestmentNews to list of “Best Places to Work for Financial Advisers”.

2022

Rated Best Places to Work for Advisors

Smith Anglin named by InvestmentNews to list of “Best Places to Work for Financial Advisers”.

2023

Practice acquires Mulvihill Asset Management LLC after having a joint revenue share since 2017.

2023

Smith Anglin named to the Forbes Top RIA Practices 2023 list using data from Shook Research.

2023

The practice increases our existing office space by 50% to accommodate more team members and allow for an environmental upgrade to our daily workspace.

2023

Smith Anglin ends the year by reaching another AUM milestone of $1.5B and continues to set practice records for new assets and client retention.

2023

Rated Best Places to Work for Advisors

Smith Anglin named by InvestmentNews to list of “Best Places to Work for Financial Advisers”.

2024

Rated Best Places to Work for Advisors

Smith Anglin named by InvestmentNews to list of “Best Places to Work for Financial Advisers”.

2024

Smith Anglin named to the Forbes Top RIA Practices 2024 list using data from Shook Research.

The practice also ended the year reaching a new milestone of 2 Billion AUM.

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Contact Us

14755 Preston Road, Suite 700
Dallas, TX 75254

972.267.1244 local

800.301.8486 toll free

972.267.1243 fax

Check the background of this practice on FINRA's BrokerCheck.

About Smith Anglin Financial

Founded in 1967, Smith Anglin is a wealth management practice based in Dallas, Texas. As trusted financial stewards, we provide an elevated standard of care and manage over $1.9 billion in client assets* for a select group of pilots, families, individuals, and business owners in 48 states and abroad. With deep roots in accounting, tax planning and aviation retirement readiness, our mission is to conscientiously help secure the financial well-being of our clients over the course of their lives, working diligently to help them achieve their goals, dreams and financial security.

*Data current as of 6/16/2025

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Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Securities offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. brokercheck.finra.org