Thomas Hamlin: Shaping a $1.2 Billion Financial Legacy Built on Character and Trust
Thomas Hamlin is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Somerset Wealth Strategies. He is based in Lake Oswego, Oregon. He specializes in retirement planning, annuity strategies, and comprehensive wealth management.
The Measure of a True Legacy
Thomas Hamlin has spent more than three decades quietly redefining the metrics of success. As the founder of Somerset Wealth Strategies and the visionary behind AnnuityFYI, Hamlin’s influence extends far beyond the balance sheets of his clients. His work is guided by a conviction that leadership is ultimately a moral exercise—one measured not by the size of a portfolio, but by the lives improved through wisdom, integrity, and service.
Hamlin often reflects on a specific belief that has shaped both his professional trajectory and his personal conduct:
“As you move through life it’s of the utmost importance to remember that a true man, his character and his success are not measured by the thickness of his wallet – Your character and success are measured by the good and great deeds that you perform and the value you add in the lives you touch. And the ultimate goal is to touch as many lives as possible, not so that your name will be held high, but so that you know, and God knows, that you did all that you and he could ever hope that a single human could achieve.”
This perspective has become the foundation upon which his career in financial services was built. It is a philosophy that prioritizes the human element of finance—the peace of mind, the security of a family’s future, and the ability to retire with dignity—over the cold calculus of profit.
From Ice Cream to Assets: Building a Foundation
Hamlin’s professional journey began well before he entered the world of wealth management. His early career provided a diverse education in the principles of accountability, customer trust, and relationship-based business. In the mid-1980s, specifically from 1984 to 1988, Hamlin worked as a territory manager for Breyers Ice Cream under Kraft Foods in California. This role, while far removed from the complexities of financial markets, instilled in him the discipline required to manage territories and meet the needs of a broad client base.
Following his tenure at Kraft Foods, Hamlin transitioned into real estate, working as a top-rated agent from 1988 to 1990. This period sharpened his ability to listen, negotiate, and advocate—skills that would later become central to his advisory philosophy. However, it was in 1990 that he found his true calling. Hamlin transitioned into the financial services industry as a Vice President at Independent Advantage Financial in Marina del Rey, California. He quickly distinguished himself, ranking as the number one and number two producer for four consecutive years. His efforts contributed significantly to the company’s growth, helping it become the nation’s largest independent shopping service for annuities and insurance products at the time.
From 1994 to 1997, Hamlin served as First Vice President at Prudential Financial. During this period, he ranked in the top five nationally for personal annuity and insurance production and led his Los Angeles branch to the number one position in the nation for annuity sales. These early successes were not just victories on a leaderboard; they were proof of concept for Hamlin’s belief that deep product knowledge combined with genuine client care results in superior outcomes.
The Genesis of Somerset Wealth Strategies
In 1997, Thomas Hamlin founded Somerset Wealth Strategies LLC in Lake Oswego, Oregon. His mission was clear: to provide clients with specialized expertise in variable annuities, fixed annuities, fixed index annuities, and a wide range of life insurance products. Unlike generalist firms that offered a shallow understanding of many products, Hamlin aimed to build a firm that offered deep, specific expertise in the instruments that secure retirement income.
Under his leadership, Somerset expanded its professional scope to meet the evolving needs of high-net-worth individuals. Hamlin purchased and became the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Somerset Securities Inc., a move that allowed the firm to work with mutual funds, alternative investments, variable annuities, opportunity zones, and other securities-related products. Additionally, he founded Somerset Wealth Management, LLC, which focuses on fee-based Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) services. This institutional-style management, facilitated through relationships with custodians like Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade Institutional, allows Hamlin and his team to offer a truly comprehensive financial ecosystem.
The AnnuityFYI Initiative: Democratizing Information
One of Hamlin’s most significant contributions to the industry came in 1999, when he founded AnnuityFYI.com. Launching publicly in October 2000, the platform was born from a vision to create the nation’s premier independent annuity resource. At the time, information about annuities was often opaque or gated behind aggressive sales pitches. Hamlin sought to change that dynamic.
Now approaching its 25th anniversary, AnnuityFYI continues to enable consumers to explore, select, and acquire top annuity products through unbiased specialists. The platform operates in a pressure-free, education-first setting, prioritizing informed decision-making over sales. This initiative reflects Hamlin’s core belief that an educated client is a secure client. By democratizing access to high-quality information, Hamlin has empowered countless retirees to take control of their financial futures, ensuring they understand the “how” and “why” of their income strategies.
A Legacy of Recognition
Thomas Hamlin’s dedication to his clients and his craft has not gone unnoticed. In 2026, as the industry looks for leaders who can navigate complex economic landscapes with integrity, Hamlin stands out as a “Most Trusted Financial Advisor.” His accolades serve as a testament to his sustained excellence.
Hamlin was inducted into the Hall of Fame by Advisors Excel in 2023, a prestigious honor recognizing his impact on the industry. He has also been consistently ranked among the Top 100 Financial Advisors in the United States and was recognized as the number two advisor in Oregon by Barron’s in 2010. During his time as a Branch Manager with Raymond James Financial Services, his branch became one of the top in the nation within just three years. He was a member of their Elite Chairman’s Council for seven years and the top annuity producer nationwide for nine consecutive years.
Over the course of his career, Hamlin has placed more than $1.2 billion in assets for nearly 5,000 clients across all 50 states and three U.S. territories. His expertise has made him a sought-after voice in financial media, with quotes appearing in The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, The Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, and Investment News, among others.
The Strength of the Team
Hamlin is the first to acknowledge that his achievements are the result of a collective effort. He emphasizes that he would be “incredibly remiss” not to recognize the professionals who have advanced Somerset’s mission. The team includes Andrew Murdoch, who serves as President of Somerset Wealth Strategies, LLC, and has been with the firm since 2003. Greg Shaughnessy, who took charge of marketing for Somerset and AnnuityFYI in 2004, has been instrumental in the firm’s outreach.
The operational excellence of the firm is driven by key team members such as Megan Odermatt, who joined in 2013 as Executive Assistant and Client Relations Manager, and her sister Kristen Odermatt, who serves as Office Manager. Derek Stamos, who began as a Lead Qualifier, has evolved into one of the firm’s premier advisors. Meagan Sinniger serves as Compliance Manager across all three Somerset entities, ensuring the highest standards of regulatory adherence.
In a move that signals the generational longevity of the firm, Hamlin’s son, Brian Hamlin, joined the team in 2023. Starting as an intern while pursuing his business degree at the University of Oregon, Brian has since stepped into a full-time licensed advisor role, working toward his CFP certification. Together, this group brings over 114 years of combined industry expertise to the table.
Beyond the Boardroom
While his professional accolades are numerous, Hamlin’s life is equally defined by his personal passions and philanthropic endeavors. He is deeply committed to giving back, donating tens of thousands of dollars annually to charities such as Mercy Corps, the Children’s Cancer Association, St. Jude Hospital, Toys for Tots, the Special Olympics, and the Wounded Warriors project. His future plans include dedicating himself full-time to charitable work and community service upon retirement.
An avid traveler, Hamlin has visited 70 countries and holds a goal of reaching 100. He is an enthusiast of the outdoors, enjoying golf, skiing, and hiking. At home, he draws strength from his family, including his partner of eight years, MacKenzie Stewart, and their children. As a father of five—including daughters Lindsey and Sydney, and sons Brian and Tommy—Hamlin places great importance on sharing his knowledge and guiding the next generation.
Thomas Hamlin’s story is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to the “good and great deeds” that define a true legacy. In 2026, he continues to lead not just by managing wealth, but by enriching the lives of everyone he touches.
Related Post
