Meet The Team
The team behind Premier Wealth Partners, LLC is made up of qualified financial professionals who are passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their ideal retirements.
Matthew Pontius, RFC®, CLTC President and Owner
Matthew is focused on helping clients work toward their retirement dreams by creating easy-to-understand plans that address their retirement concerns.
After beginning his career at Lincoln Financial and Carolina Capital Management, Matt eventually decided to branch out on his own. In 2010, Matt founded Charleston Financial Strategies, which would eventually evolve into Premier Wealth Partners, where he continues to serve as both owner and Investment Advisor Representative. It was during this time when Matt saw the power of independent planning, and as the leader of Premier Wealth Partners, he strives to bring his fierce dedication and extensive knowledge of independent advising to each of his clients.
Matt has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of Charleston and received his Certificate in Financial Planning in 2009 from Kaplan University, allowing him to retain the Registered Financial Consultant designation (RFC®). He is a member of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants, the Financial Planning Association, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the College of Charleston Alumni Association.
Matt lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife, Lisa, their three children, Lyla, Miles, and Levi, and their dog, Tucker. When not in the office, Matt enjoys boating with his family and golfing. Matt and Lisa are both foodies who enjoy cooking, eating, and traveling. While Matt loves the low country and the beach, he also has a passion for the Blue Ridge Mountains and spends a good bit of time there enjoying the tranquility.
Pete Hennrikus Chief Operating Officer, Investment Adviser Representative
Pete joined Premier Wealth Partners in June 2017. Before joining the firm, he held the dual role of COO and financial advisor at Bank of America Merrill Lynch for the largest retirement services team in the Charleston area. He led one of only 119 designated retirement services teams in the U.S. for Bank of America Merrill Lynch, handling 401(k) plans $50 million and above and doing financial planning for executives.
Pete is a graduate of Merrill Lynch’s Practice Management Development program with a specialty in business management. Before joining Bank of America Merrill Lynch, he was a financial advisor with LPL Financial in Charleston. Pete founded an IT consulting firm in 1999 in Washington, D.C., and served as president and CEO until his firm was acquired in 2010.
Pete is a graduate of The University of Maryland at College Park with a Bachelor of Arts in English language and literature.
Pete and his wife, Liz, live in Mount Pleasant. In his free time, Pete volunteers for and supports charities benefiting animals and the environment.
Gene Potes Investment Adviser Representative
Gene joined Premier Wealth Partners in July 2019 after serving as a financial advisor and bank financial advisor for Merrill Lynch. Before entering the financial services industry, Gene was honorably retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after serving 21 years of active duty and moved to North Charleston in 2010.
Gene grew up in Sparta, Michigan, and graduated from Sullivan University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration/management. He and his wife, Cindy, live in North Charleston, and their daughter, Kali, attends The Citadel’s nursing program.
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