Forbes/SHOOK Research Top Best-in-State Wealth Management Team. Published on01/07/26. Rankings based on data as of 03/31/25.Cole joined Hilliard Lyons in Dyersburg, Tennessee in 2012 after working in a similar role with Merrill Lynch, then transitioned to Baird in 2019. Cole is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and specializes in retirement planning, tax planning, and reducing investment risk through calculated portfolio allocation. He is also a CERTIFIED PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR™ practitioner that focuses on strategies for high-net-worth clients to help maximize growth, mitigate taxes, and protect assets. Cole’s primary focus is to help clients build a financial roadmap that will define their outlook for the future, but organize it in a way to make it understandable. In 2019, 2023, and 2024 Cole was honored by Forbes as a Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor, a recognition reserved for talented advisors who represent the future of the wealth management industry. In 2025 and 2026, the Shelton Group was named as a Forbes Top Best-in-State Wealth Management Team.
Cole earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis, where he was a Division I baseball player, and acknowledges the role the sport played in building his work ethic and team mentality. Most of Cole’s time outside the office is spent with his wife, Ellen, a former Miss Tennessee, and their daughters, Willa and Merritt. He and his family are actively involved with First Baptist Church of Dyersburg, where he serves as a deacon and is on the Finance Committee. Cole also serves on the Union University Foundation Board.
Forbes/SHOOK Research Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisor. Publication as of July 24, 2019. Rankings as of March 31, 2019.
Forbes/SHOOK Research Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisor. Published on 8/8/2023, rankings based on data as of 3/31/2023.
Forbes/SHOOK Research Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisor. Published on August 8, 2024. Rankings based on data as of March 31, 2024.
Forbes/SHOOK Research Top Best-in-State Wealth Management Team. Published on 01/09/25. Rankings based on data as of 03/31/24.
Forbes/SHOOK Research Top Best-in-State Wealth Management Team. Published on01/07/26. Rankings based on data as of 03/31/25.