A Solid History.
A Strong Future.
“I really value that my relationship with Colton Groome extends beyond myself and involves my family. Together we have developed a financial plan that will see us through the long haul AND extend to the generations that follow us.”
CGF Client
(unpaid testimonial, 12/15/20)
Our History
Founding Ideals
Colton Groome Financial was established on a solid foundation, set in place by two giants: Henry E. Colton and George M. Groome. Because of their work, our company is thriving today. And the guiding principles they put in place continue to pave our way forward.
Henry served his community with boundless enthusiasm. Through Henry’s educational and life experience, the firm was founded with the precision of an engineer, the thoroughness of an attorney, and the courage of a WWII combat aviator. These ideals were adopted by George M. Groome and used to innovate and transition an insurance- and pension-focused business into the comprehensive wealth advisory firm known as Colton Groome Financial.
Colton Groome is now led by led by its third generation of management, through George’s sons: Tate and Matt Groome. Under their leadership, the firm has continued to grow its highly credentialed and robust team and continues to serve our community, led by the same guiding principles set forth by our founders more than 70 years ago.
Through the values of client-first, excellence-always, integrity, flawless execution, and teamwork, Colton Groome provides skilled financial services to individuals, corporate retirement plans, trusts, nonprofits, and multi-generational families.
The History of Colton Groome
Rollover the years below to view more information.
Click on the years below to view more information.
1950
1953
1966
1974
1977
Martha Jones joined Colton Groome.
1980
1984
1986
Colton Groome expanded, and began offering in-house Third Party Administrative (TPA) services, becoming Asheville’s leading pension (corporate retirement) planning firm, and the only fully comprehensive TPA in Western North Carolina.
1988
1999
2003
2004
In addition, George established CG Advisory Services, the Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) arm of Colton Groome (now Colton Groome Financial Advisors).
Colin Larsen joined the firm to begin growing the planning and investment arm of CG.
2009
Martha Jones retired after 33 years of service.
First-Lady, Marie Colton, was inducted into the North Carolina Women’s Hall of Fame.
2010
2011
The Colton Groome Board Room was dedicated in memory of Henry (1921-2011).
2013
2015
2016
2018
2020
Colton Groome celebrated its 70th Anniversary!
2021
EMPTY - DO NOTE DELETE!
1950
Colton Groome was founded by Henry E. Colton as a New England Life Insurance and Pension Planning firm in Morganton, NC.
1953
Henry moved the office to Asheville, North Carolina, in the historic Jackson Building in Pack Square.
1966
Henry moved into the former BB&T Building (now the Kimpton Arras Hotel).
1974
George M. Groome graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and joined Henry’s firm.
1977
The firm expanded and moved to Executive Park.
Martha Jones joined Colton Groome.
1980
1984
George M. Groome became President & CEO of Colton Groome.
1986
The firm expanded and built a new building at 34 Orange Street.
Colton Groome expanded, and began offering in-house Third Party Administrative (TPA) services, becoming Asheville’s leading pension (corporate retirement) planning firm, and the only fully comprehensive TPA in Western North Carolina.
1988
Martha Jones became Group Benefits Department Manager.
1999
2003
G. Tate Groome joined the firm, specializing in Insurance Strategy.
2004
George transitioned the firm to a Broker/Dealer relationship with Valmark Securities to become independent from New England and MetLife products.
In addition, George established CG Advisory Services, the Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) arm of Colton Groome (now Colton Groome Financial Advisors).
Colin Larsen joined the firm to begin growing the planning and investment arm of CG.
2009
Matt Groome joined the firm to manage Colton Groome’s Corporate Benefit Programs.
Martha Jones retired after 33 years of service.
First-Lady, Marie Colton, was inducted into the North Carolina Women’s Hall of Fame.
2010
Colton Groome continued to expand and built new offices at 1127 Hendersonville Road.
2011
Henry Colton passed on August 29, 2011.
The Colton Groome Board Room was dedicated in memory of Henry (1921-2011).
2013
G. Tate Groome and Matt Groome joined George as owners in Colton Groome & Company – now Colton Groome Financial.
2015
Tate Groome published his book …the Best Policy.
2016
2018
Colton Groome expanded with the acquisition of Versalūs Insurance.
2020
Tate released the Second Edition of his book …the Best Policy.
Colton Groome celebrated its 70th Anniversary!
2021
Colton Groome Financial completed the final step in George’s succession transition plan as George announced his retirement from Board Chair. Tate and Matt continue providing full operational and visionary leadership now and into the future.
Looking Ahead
We’re already taking RSVPs for Colton Groome’s 100th Anniversary party on October 1, 2050. Does your advisor have a plan in place through 2050 and beyond?
Our vision for the next 70 years is to enrich the lives of our clients, our team and our community by building lasting relationships that transform possibilities into reality.
Learn more about our work,