By Cameron Cole, MBA, CFP®
In the fall of 2005, I sat across from my father at a small café in a quiet suburb outside Washington, D.C., celebrating the birth of my first son—his first grandson. It should have been a joyful time, but instead, my father shared a heartbreaking revelation. He had been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, which had spread aggressively. Alongside the emotional toll of the diagnosis, he shared that his medical expenses would soon outpace his financial resources, and he might need help. That moment changed everything for me.
My relationship with money has always been complex. At just 10 years old, I lost my mother to cancer. As our primary breadwinner, her passing not only left an emotional void but brought financial strain that forced our family to make difficult choices. She had been the cornerstone of our financial security, and her absence made me realize just how quickly circumstances could change when life takes an unexpected turn.
These early experiences shaped my perspective on financial security and the importance of planning. I saw firsthand how even a solid financial footing could become vulnerable without the right strategies in place. Years later, as I faced my father’s illness and the resulting financial demands, I felt a profound responsibility not only to support him but to understand how to guide others who might be unprepared for life’s challenges. I knew then that I wanted to build a career centered on helping families prepare for life’s uncertainties.
For the years that followed until his passing in 2009, I carried that responsibility, balancing his needs with those of my own growing family. This period was formative; it made me realize how unprepared most families are to face financial challenges that accompany life’s inevitable uncertainties. I wanted to help others avoid the struggles I had encountered. Reflecting on my experiences with my parents, I knew I wanted to become a wealth advisor, committed to helping individuals and families prepare for the future with financial strategies that bring peace and confidence. I wanted to be sure that my clients wouldn’t be left grappling with both financial strain and emotional upheaval as I had been.
Guided by Core Values: Why I Approach Wealth Management Differently
As I built my career, I knew that a transactional approach to wealth management wasn’t going to align with my personal values. To me, every client is more than an investment portfolio or a revenue opportunity. Every client I work with has their own story, family, and future they envision, and these elements deserve respect and thoughtful attention. I have always believed that my job is not just to help clients grow their assets but to listen to their unique goals, understand their challenges, and build a comprehensive strategy that reflects their life’s bigger picture.
One core value that drives me is respect for each client’s individuality. Every family I work with has different priorities, whether it’s funding a college education, building a legacy for future generations, or giving back to the community. I take pride in making financial planning an intensely personal process where each strategy is customized to the individual client. My experiences with my family shaped this value. When my father struggled with financial decisions, I saw how isolating and confusing it could be. I wanted to ensure that no one in my care would feel overwhelmed or left out of the planning process.
Another central belief I carry is that clients are people, not transactions. It’s a mindset that’s become my guiding principle, particularly as I’ve seen the industry shift toward prioritizing growth over the person behind the portfolio. For me, this work goes far beyond assets under management; it’s about building trust and understanding each client’s journey. Wealth management should foster a long-term relationship that brings stability and peace, knowing they have someone who truly values their aspirations and works in their best interest.
Why I Joined Solidarity Wealth
This commitment to a client-centered approach is precisely what drew me to Solidarity Wealth. At Solidarity Wealth, I finally found a place where my values were not only respected but amplified. The firm’s philosophy mirrors my own: it’s not enough to simply grow wealth; the goal is to align wealth with each client’s life, values, and legacy. Solidarity’s approach to wealth management goes beyond traditional strategies to incorporate holistic planning that addresses estate planning, tax strategies, philanthropic initiatives, and the nuances of multi-generational wealth. And this firm’s tagline, Unified for Your Success, genuinely reflects how we approach our clients’ financial needs—we are a cohesive team working together to address every unique aspect of their financial journey.
Joining the Solidarity Wealth team has allowed me to focus fully on what matters most: building meaningful relationships with clients and tailoring strategies to their unique situations. Here, I’m able to help families navigate the complexities of wealth in a way that honors their personal stories and goals, not just their financial bottom line. The firm’s team approach and multi-family office structure enable us to deliver more comprehensive support, drawing on diverse experience, skill, and proficiency that reflects the complexity of our clients’ lives.
The Importance of Legacy and Lasting Impact
When I look back on my journey, I’m reminded that wealth management, at its best, is about empowerment and legacy. My role as an advisor goes beyond guiding financial decisions; it’s about helping clients articulate and realize their vision for the future, so they can be confident that their wealth serves both their needs and those of future generations. Whether the goal is funding a family foundation, preserving wealth for children and grandchildren, or supporting impactful causes, I strive to bring clarity and strategy to these aspirations.
Every client who walks through our doors has a unique story, and it’s my privilege to be part of that story, bringing my own experiences and values to every conversation. I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide the guidance, support, and insight that I wish my family had years ago. At Solidarity Wealth, I am proud to carry forward the values and lessons that define my approach to wealth management and to serve clients in a way that aligns with who I am at my core.
If you’d like to learn more about my story and how I approach wealth management, watch this fireside chat with me and Solidarity CEO Jeff McClean.
If my story resonates with you, and you’re interested in exploring how thoughtful wealth management could support your life goals, please feel free to reach out. I’m available at cameron@solidaritywealth.com or by phone at 385-374-1665 to start a conversation.
About Cameron
Cameron Cole, MBA, CFP®, is a wealth advisor at Solidarity Wealth, a privately held, independent wealth management firm that serves as a multi-family office to some of the Mountain West’s most successful families, technology entrepreneurs, and executives. He brings a wealth of life experience to his role, using his knowledge, experience, and skill to guide clients through the complexities of wealth management.
Cameron believes that clients deserve more than just financial advice—they deserve empathy, honesty, and a partner who respects their individuality. He approaches each client relationship with these values at the forefront, helping them understand the future implications of today’s decisions and aligning their wealth with their personal goals and values. He thrives on working with families who, like him, are dedicated to creating meaningful legacies, advising them at the intersection of wealth and personal values to position their financial resources for long-term success.
Cameron views wealth management as a collaborative effort, working closely with a network of specialists to offer comprehensive and holistic advice. His personal experiences—ranging from the financial sacrifices his mother made to the challenges his father faced after her passing—have shaped his approach, emphasizing thoughtful planning, compassion, and a dedication to guiding others as they pursue their vision for the future.
Cameron holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from the University of Montana where he also completed as a student-athlete. He has an MBA from the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business and has obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and being involved in his community.
Solidarity Wealth is a registered investment adviser. This material is solely for informational purposes. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Solidarity Wealth and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Solidarity Wealth unless a client service agreement is in place.