H&C Financial Planning Process

About Us

At Hartwell and Company, we are a trusted financial advisory firm based in Michigan and Colorado. We specialize in tailoring financial solutions for individuals, families, and businesses seeking to achieve their unique financial goals.

Our client-centric approach involves in-depth consultations to understand your financial circumstances. We then craft personalized financial plans and investment strategies, regularly reviewed and adjusted to adapt to changing realities.

What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to a long-term, holistic approach. We are dedicated to building lasting partnerships to ensure your financial success.

Watch the video above to learn about our philosophy, implementation and team. Read more below about our Financial Planning and Investing Principles. And lastly see our history and team. 

Financial Planning Principles

Financial Planning Principles

When choosing a financial advisor, sharing a common set of principles and beliefs is critical to a successful relationship. As such, below are our financial planning principles for your review.

Financial Planning Principles
Investing Principles

Investing Principles

Years of experience have prepared us to guide you through your life transitions.

Investing Principles

Our History and Team


Jim Hartwell earned his designation as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1986 and followed that up with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation in 1989. Later that year he opened an office in downtown St. Joseph, Michigan, and Hartwell & Company was founded.

During that time period, Hartwell & Company provided guidance to clients in Southwest Michigan by offering comprehensive tax, accounting, and financial planning advice. In 2015, growth led to the opening of a second Michigan office in Kalamazoo, thereby expanding the reach of our services over a greater geographical area.

Looking toward the future, Jim formed Hartwell & Company into a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in October of 2022, and correspondingly became registered himself as an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR) with the state of Michigan. Jim’s son, Ryan, also offers investment guidance as an IAR with the state of Michigan and Colorado.

The knowledge and experience gained through the years is what Hartwell & Company leverages as we work with individuals, families, and business owners to make planning a part of your journey so that you have confidence as you look towards your future.

James V. Hartwell, CPA, CFP®

President and Founder

269-983-2212

jhartwell@hartwellcompany.com

"I believe the best plans are built on wisdom, discipline, and stewardship, and I consider it a privilege to help others pursue their goals with confidence and purpose."
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Ryan Hartwell CFP®, EA

Financial Advisor

720-802-9001

9832037996

rhartwell@hartwellcompany.com

"A great financial plan isn't just about the numbers—it's about helping people feel confident, prepared, and excited about their future."
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Dawn Stewart

Executive Assistant

269-983-2212

dstewart@hartwellcompany.com

"Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but with gratitude, perseverance, and a little courage, you can find joy in the journey and strength you never knew you had."
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Paul Genua

Executive Assistant

269-932-7090

pgenua@hartwellcompany.com

"The best investments in life are often the people, relationships, and experiences that shape who we become."
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Deb Richardson

Client Services Associate

269-983-2212

drichardson@hartwellcompany.com

"The older I get, the more I appreciate that life's greatest treasures aren't things—they're the people we love and the moments we share together."
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Dawn Hartwell

Administrative Assistant

269-983-2212

"I enjoy helping create an environment where our team can thrive and our clients feel cared for and supported."
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Lauryn Hartwell

Planning Assistant

720-802-9001

lhartwell@hartwellcompany.com

"Growth often happens one day at a time. Whether it's in a garden, a career, or life itself, faith, patience, and consistency can produce something beautiful."
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Michael DeRosa

Planning Assistant

269-983-2212

mderosa@hartwellcompany.com

"Confidence comes from taking the first step, continuing to learn, and trusting the process along the way."
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