Our Team
As an independent wealth advisory firm our singular focus is on the client. We do not have mandates from a corporate home office on how to serve clients, manage portfolios or use proprietary products. We work with our clients to find the strategy that bests suits them, and then, through planning, execution, and adaption of that strategy keep them on track.
Our goal is to enhance your financial independence.
Justin Souma CFP®, AAMS®
Managing Director
Justin Souma is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and an Accredited Asset Management Specialist™. He began his career as a financial advisor in 2004 with A.G. Edwards & Sons in Charlotte, NC. Holding securities licenses Series 7, 66, and 24 through LPL Financial, Justin also has various Life and Health insurance licenses for many states. The Highlands/ Cashiers area has been home for Justin since 2015 and he is active in the community, having held several board positions for non-profits and currently enjoys being a Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Highlands. When he is not in the office, he can be found on hiking trails, fishing local rivers, or on his tractor!
Patrick Neville
Client Relationship Manager
Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Patrick brings a deep-rooted sense of community to the Hickory Ridge Wealth Advisors team. Armed with a BSBA in Finance from UNC Charlotte, he combines a strong analytical foundation with a genuine passion for connecting with people. As our Client Relationship Manager, Patrick is dedicated to truly understanding our clients' unique needs and delivering thoughtful, personalized value. When he’s not in the office, you can usually find him staying active on the tennis or pickleball courts, hitting the golf links, or exploring new destinations and local restaurants with his family.
Barbara Fish
Client Services Associate
A life long resident of Highlands, Barbara has an extensive background in financial services. Her finance career began at Bank of America in 2009 where she eventually served as the assistant branch manager in Highlands. She joined Justin in 2019. Now as a Client Service Associate, Barbara manages the Client Experience while keeping the office running smoothly.
Kelly Souma
Marketing Director
Kelly Souma grew up in Jacksonville, FL. She holds dual Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Marketing and Transportation & Logistics from the University of North Florida, as well as an MBA from Jacksonville University. She spent nearly two decades in the transportation and logistics industry, primarily in sales and marketing roles at CSX Transportation, where she was recognized with the Chairman’s Award of Excellence. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and riding her horses.
Benji Souma
Goodwill Ambassador
Benji's duties include welcoming guests, boosting morale, and offering a comforting presence during busy days. When not hard at work, he enjoys long runs in the countryside, napping hard in the sunshine and as many treats as his stomach can hold.