John C. Gower, CFP, EA

John C. Gower serves as the sole principal, holding both the CFP® and Enrolled Agent credentials. In a practice of this structure, he directly manages all client relationships, financial planning, and portfolio decisions. This is typical of independent RIA solo practitioners who build their firms around personal service rather than a multi-advisor team model.

An Enrolled Agent is the highest credential the IRS awards, permitting unlimited practice rights to represent taxpayers at all administrative levels before the IRS. This means Gower can prepare tax returns, handle audits, and negotiate collection matters directly for clients. Most financial planners lack the EA license and must refer clients to a CPA or tax attorney for tax compliance and representation work.

As a registered investment adviser, the practice is likely compensated through fee-only or fee-based arrangements—typically a percentage of assets under management for investment services and a flat or hourly fee for financial planning and tax preparation. The specific fee schedule is not publicly disclosed, but the RIA structure legally obligates the firm to act as a fiduciary under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, placing client interests ahead of its own.

The practice appears built around individual and family clients seeking coordinated financial planning and tax services. Given the solo-practitioner model and dual credentials, the client base likely consists of retirees, pre-retirees, and professionals with complex tax situations—including equity compensation, self-employment income, or estate planning needs—who value a single point of contact for both investment management and tax compliance.

No succession plan has been publicly disclosed. Single-principal RIA practices face inherent continuity risk if the founder retires, becomes incapacitated, or dies without a defined transition agreement. Prospective clients considering a long-term advisory relationship should inquire directly about the firm's succession arrangements, continuity agreements, or any plans to merge or sell the practice.