Build Your Wealth.

Leave a Legacy.

Wealth management and financial planning for current and former athletes and their families.

Helping them grow and protect their wealth, make an impact beyond sports and leave a lasting legacy.

Your Journey + Our Process

The unique opportunities and needs during and after a playing career are well understood from experience as an athlete and advising athletes. We meet athletes wherever they are, guiding them in each step of their journey. We call this The Athlete 360 Journey.

How We’ve Worked with Athletes on Their Journey

Draft Preparation

Scenario:
MLB high school draft prospect

Outcome:
We introduced a CPA specializing in athletes. This helped the athlete decide between signing a professional contract out of high school or playing college baseball.

Playing Career

Scenario:
NFL player upon being drafted

Outcome:
By providing financial education immediately, he was empowered to start investing, build his credit, and make his first significant financed purchase after a few years. As a result, he was able to maximize financial opportunities created by success on the field which include becoming a Super Bowl Champion.

The Transition

Scenario:
NBA player who came to terms on a buyout and retired at the end of his 12th season

Outcome:
Setup a long term investment strategy aligned with a cash flow strategy to manage the transition from receiving team paychecks as the buyout payments ended.

Legacy

Scenario:
Former college swimmer turned entrepreneur sold his business to a private equity firm for an 8 figure payout.

Outcome:
Collaborated with the client’s estate planning team to establish and fund a trust to prepare for potential future estate tax exemption changes. Setup a tax conscious investment portfolio given these were non-retirement funds. We also assisted after the sale closed in the planning of a vacation property purchase for the family to enjoy for years to come.

Our Services

No two athletic careers are alike. Our team creates customized solutions according to your financial goals, aspirations, and unique circumstances.

Financial Planning

We work with clients in a player-coach-like relationship to create a financial plan that clarifies your goals and develops a strategy for you to execute. This allows you to focus on excelling professionally, which helps bring your financial plan to life.

Investment Management

We believe in long-term investing and managing variables like diversified asset allocation, tax efficiency, and investment costs. Like a great sports team with complementary skill sets, we blend different asset classes and managers to build an All-Star team.

Tax Planning

Like a great sports defense minimizes scores, we collaborate with your CPA team to proactively minimize the taxes on your hard-earned money over your lifetime.

Risk Management

You can’t control if life throws curveballs, but you can be prepared. We create a risk management strategy with insurance protections to help ensure the continuity of your financial plan even if the unexpected occurs.

Estate Planning

Building a lasting legacy goes beyond money; it’s about values, opportunities, and security for your loved ones. We collaborate with you and your estate planning team to create comprehensive plans for future generations.

Philanthropic Giving

Many athletes desire to make an impact with their time and financial resources through causes they care about. We help athletes make impactful, tax-advantaged philanthropic gifts.

Our Team

Managing Director, Private Wealth Advisor

Luke Melms, CFP®

Professional Experience

Prior to launching Firm Foundation Family Wealth, Luke was a Vice President, Wealth Advisor at Goldman Sachs Personal Financial Management which included working with the firm’s Sports and Entertainment Solutions team
Specializes in advising high net worth families and individuals of which the majority are or retirees who were athletes, executives, specialty physicians, and business owners
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, the standard of excellence for financial planners

Education

Carroll University, Bachelor of Science in Business with a Finance major and Accounting minor
University of Miami, CFP® certification of Professional Education Program

Getting to Know Luke

Proud husband to his wife, Pamela, and father to their daughter, Lucía
As a Crohn’s Disease patient himself, serves on the committee for the Take Steps walk, the largest annual fundraiser for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
Was a 3 year starter on the Carroll Pioneers baseball team

Client Service Associate

Debra Holmes-Medeiros

As a dedicated Client Service Associate at Firm Foundation Family Wealth, Deb plays a pivotal role in ensuring seamless interactions and unparalleled service for our valued clients. With a solid foundation built on 20+ years of experience in marketing, management, and client services, Deb has honed exceptional skills in client relations, administration, and operational efficiency.

In her role, Deb manages the day-to-day administrative functions ensuring the smooth flow of operations within the firm. She takes a proactive approach to client service efficiently handling inquiries and overseeing the execution of client requests.

She tracks and monitors all client interactions providing valuable insights that contribute to the continuous improvement of our client service model. Her dedication ensures that clients not only receive professional expertise but also feel understood and valued throughout their wealth management journey.

Business Support

As investment professionals, Firm Foundation Family Wealth receives business support, including investment management, compliance, human resources, and more, through our Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), NewEdge Advisors. Learn more about NewEdge Advisors, our RIA Support Team.