Avantax adds $250M married duo from Edward Jones

The Lockhart, Texas-based advisor couple join the tax-focused wealth planning network with years of experience at a family-owned practice.

Avantax is making a pivotal step in Texas as it welcomes financial advisors Heidi and Nicholas Irwin, a married couple. Recognized for their longstanding contributions to the Lockhart, Texas, financial advisory landscape, the Irwins are transitioning from Edward Jones, where they reported managing over $250 million in client assets as of March 20.

They now align with Alliance Wealth Strategies, an Avantax affiliate, aiming to leverage the firm’s tax-focused financial planning and wealth management expertise.

The couple’s journey in finance is deeply rooted in Lockhart, often celebrated as “The Barbecue Capital of Texas.”

Heidi Irwin entered the financial industry in 2014, integrating into a high-net-worth planning practice originally established by her father. Nicholas Irwin, who has 11 years of experience, according to his BrokerCheck report, joined the family business in 2020.

Their shift to Avantax was motivated by the desire for a more flexible practice management model and the comprehensive support system offered by Avantax’s home office, particularly for handling complex client needs.

“We feel strongly that to do our best work, especially for high-net-worth clients with complex cases, we need access to advanced tools, resources, and experts like we know are available with Avantax,” Heidi Irwin said in a statement.

Aside from an enhanced ability to have in-depth, tax-focused planning conversations, the Irwins cited Avantax’s personal touch and community culture.

Nicholas Irwin, whose expertise lies in investment research and data analytics, anticipates the firm’s tax-intelligent planning approach will complement his ability to handle complex cases as he collaborates with other Avantax-affiliated CPAs and advisors.

“Heidi and Nic are an amazing cultural fit with Avantax, and I expect that they will be a terrific addition to both the Avantax Community and the Alliance Wealth Strategies team,” Avantax Wealth Management president Todd Mackay said.