Our Mission

As a wealth management firm our mission is to empower clients to live their best lives. We do this by promoting financial understanding, consistently communicating with our clients, and guiding them through life’s transitions.

 

Our Guiding Principles Since 1992

Over 25 years ago, a prospective client told us to earn their business we would need to pass the "Mother Test." When asked what they meant by this, they responded, “would I entrust you to work with my mother?” This philosophy was influential in the development of our firm values (Selfless Dedication, Team Player, Accountability and Respect) and helped us service many relationships, including this family, to this day.

  • 1 - Selfless Dedication

    We are committed to always going above and beyond in the best interests of our clients.

  • 2 - Team Player

    In collaboration with our clients, we share our knowledge to provide financial understanding and guidance through life’s transitions.

  • 3 - Accountability

    At Wooster Corthell, our Fiduciary Duty combined with our Ethical Standards provide a guiding STAR, as set forth in our strong belief and support of Compliance.

  • 4 - Respect

    We believe in showing regard, consideration, and appreciation for others’ opinions and rights, while fostering positive relationships and open communication.

 

 

Wooster Corthell’s Timeline:

  • 1992
    With a belief that financial education, exceptional client service and assistance with life’s transitions should be available to all, Al Wooster formed ADW Financial Services as a home office in Hebron, CT.
  • 1995
    The name of the firm changed to ADW Investment Services while also hitting the first milestone of $1 million in assets under management.
  • 1996
    The firm changed its name to Apex Investment Services, Inc. The term Apex means the top or highest part, the pinnacle. Apex embodied what the firm was built on: Top notch client service.
  • 1998
    In just three years Apex hit its second milestone of $10 million in assets under management.
  • 2000
    2000 was the first major turning point for the firm when Al hired Lynn Corthell. This would turn out to be the best hiring decision of his career. Over the following 20 + years they were able to mold a foundation that best fit the values of the firm’s foreseeable future in client service. Lynn advanced to Chief Compliance Officer in 2011.
    Al and his family moved to a new home, also in Hebron. A separate, full office was attached to the home, allowing for a better experience when clients visited.
  • 2007
    As client growth soared, Apex Investment Services, Inc. outgrew its office. The firm moved to an office building in downtown Hebron.
  • 2010
    After bonding with Matt Corthell at a UCONN basketball game talking about finance, Al recognized that their talents and vision were very much aligned. Matt joined the firm that December and would later earn the position of President and CEO.
  • 2012
    As the Fruitful Vision ingredient of Al’s recipe continued to help the company’s success rise, Apex Investment Services surpassed Al’s original vision by hitting the milestone of over $100 million in assets under management.
    This was the year Katherine Kelly joined the firm. Through selfless dedication and hard work, Katherine would later be named Chief Operating Officer.
  • 2015
    With the continuous growth that followed Apex Investment Services, Inc. a new partnership formed between Al and Lynn, resulting in the company’s name transitioning to Wooster Corthell Wealth Management, Inc. As partners, they continued to believe that providing the highest level of client service was key to the continuing success of the firm.
    The firm moved its office to Glastonbury, making it within easy commuting distance for all of central Connecticut.
  • 2017
    Al and Matt were able to join Charles Schwab & Co., Inc on Wallstreet to join in ringing the closing bell. This just happened to be the same year the firm hit its most prestigious milestone of having $250 million in assets under management.
  • 2018
    Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (Schwab) recognized Wooster Corthell Wealth Management, Inc. as the recipient of its 2018 SOLUTIONS® Operational Excellence Award to recognize excellence in the business of independent financial advice. This was the first year Schwab offered this prestigious award, and we are proud to have been chosen.
    The Operational Excellence Award recognizes an independent investment advisory firm that has demonstrated excellence through digital tool adoption and operating discipline designed to help 1) increase their productivity and efficiency; 2) enhance and modernize the client experience; and 3) improve fraud prevention. (Disclosure: No direct or indirect compensation was provided by Wooster Corthell in connection with this award.)
  • 2019
    Matt and Katherine joined Al and Lynn as partners. Together they continued leading the firm, expanding guidance to our ever-growing client base, and further growing Wooster Corthell.
  • 2022
    After dedicating over 30 years and leading with his heart, our founder, Al Wooster made the hard decision to retire with the desire to spend more time with his family. While this was a change for Al, he left knowing the firm is in good hands with Lynn, Matt, and Katherine remaining as leaders to safeguard his legacy. Matt was appointed as President and CEO of the firm.
  • 2023
    With over $400 million in assets under management, Wooster Corthell is run by Matt, Lynn and Katherine. Working with our team, we support over 300 managed clients, including individuals, families, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. At Wooster Corthell, we collaborate with our clients on their financial goals so that they are empowered to live their best possible lives.