McLeod & Associates Team Photo
McLeod & Associates
1604 E Main St
Spartanburg SC 29307
864.596.5474
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Whatever your life priorities, our team works closely with you to help you achieve the goals that matter most to you, your business and your family.
Welcome

Welcome to McLeod & Associates, where we work with business owners and families to help navigate their unique financial journeys. Whether you're preparing for the next chapter in your business life or planning for long-term family wealth preservation, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Led by Chip McLeod and Tom Clark, our team is dedicated to understanding your individual goals and aspirations. We work closely with business owners to design thoughtful exit strategies, helping to ensure you’re ready for your next act in life. For families, we focus on creating customized, multi-generational plans that help preserve and grow your wealth for years to come. At McLeod & Associates, we are committed to providing you with the trust, experience, and personalized care needed to help you and your family achieve lasting financial success. Let’s start the conversation about what truly matters to you.

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McLeod & Associates Team Photo
McLeod & Associates
Forbes "Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams", 2025
About Us
Philosophy

Our philosophy is grounded in the belief that financial planning is about more than just managing assets—it's about understanding what truly matters to you and aligning your financial decisions with your long-term goals. We see ourselves as more than financial advisors; we work closely with you to create and execute a plan that reflects your unique vision for your future, your family, and your legacy.

Client-Centered, Values-Driven

Our approach is rooted in deep, personal relationships. We take the time to listen, understand, and learn what drives you—your values, priorities, and the aspirations you hold for yourself and your loved ones. Whether you're planning for the future of your business, designing an estate plan, or managing wealth across generations, we recognize that your financial journey is deeply intertwined with your personal and family values.
This is why we focus on building a tailored financial strategy that aligns with your specific objectives. We don't apply cookie-cutter strategies. Instead, we create a roadmap that reflects what matters most to you and evolves with your life's changes. Whether that's helping a business owner transition into retirement, family wealth across generations, or a comfortable retirement, our goal is to empower you to live the life you envision, on your terms.

Holistic, Integrated Planning

We believe in taking a tailored and integrated approach to financial planning. Your wealth, business, and personal goals are all interconnected, and any financial strategy we design must reflect that interconnectedness. This is why we don't just focus on investment management or estate planning needs in isolation—we look at the big picture. From risk management and tax minimization strategies to retirement funding and philanthropy, our team collaborates to help ensure that every aspect of your financial life is in harmony.
Our goal is to simplify your financial life by helping you navigate complexities and stay focused on what matters most.

A Personal Approach

While our firm offers sophisticated financial strategies, we take a personal approach to every relationship. We understand that every client has unique circumstances, and we take pride in providing tailored, one-on-one attention. We're not just advisors; we're your professional guides in your financial journey, dedicated to supporting you and your goals. Our experience, combined with our dedication to understanding your individual needs, allows us to offer insights and strategies that empower you to make informed, confident decisions.
In a world where financial landscapes are constantly changing, we stay ahead of the curve by continually learning, adapting, and growing. Our commitment to your success is unwavering, and we take pride in offering the care and dedication needed to help.
At McLeod & Associates, we're not just managing wealth; we're building relationships that help you and your families' financial future —today and for generations to come.

Meet Our Team
Victor McLeod,

CFP®, SE-AWMA™

Senior Vice President, Senior Resident Director
864.596.5474
McLeod & Associates Team Photo
Thomas Clark,

AAMS™, CEPA®

Financial Advisor
864.596.5408
McLeod & Associates Team Photo
Dawn Michele Gerlach Smith
Wealth Management Client Associate - RDA
864.596.5423
Additional Resources
The following specialists do not make securities recommendations. Please contact your Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor if you have questions about how a specialist might be able to assist you.
Louis Li
Alternative Investments Sales Desk Specialist
Bank of America, N.A.
Jamie Mehaffey
Wealth Management Banking Specialist
Merrill
Tom Lawson
Endowment and Foundation Specialist
Bank of America, N.A.
About Merrill

Bringing fresh perspectives to your financial life

The financial decisions you make today can help determine the future you build for yourself and your family. Carving a clear path forward starts with connecting your life and finances. A Merrill advisor provides access to the investing insights of Merrill and banking capabilities of Bank of America to help you make informed decisions as you pursue your goals.

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Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and the CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™, SE-AWMA™, and the SE-AWMA™ logo are certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States.
Accredited Asset Management Specialist™, AAMS™, and the AAMS™ logo are certification marks or registered certification marks of The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp. in the United States.