“I firmly believe that true wealth extends beyond financial assets to encompass the quality of life we build, the fulfillment we derive from it, and the legacy we leave behind. ”
CapSouth Wealth Management was formed in April 2001 when I left Merrill Lynch, along with my advisory team. My current positions are Senior Wealth Advisor, CEO and Chairman of the Board. With a career spanning over five decades, my dedication to the field of financial services and business management has been unwavering. Throughout my journey, I have aimed to build CapSouth into a leading financial advisory entity, committed to offering human-first financial advice and fostering generational wealth.
The values of hard work, positive attitude and a belief in myself was firmly grounded in me by my father, Paul L. Bolden. He dropped out of school to support his family. With four children, he was working as a farm hand in Duluth, GA when he was offered a job selling life insurance. He accepted that offer and over the next sixteen years, I witnessed what a person could accomplish with a belief in themselves, a firm vision, coupled with hard work and a dedication to serve the client. After a very successful career, he passed away in December 1973 at the age of 46.
My professional journey commenced in Jan. 1974 at the insurance firm founded by my father, where I specialized in estate planning and private client and corporate life insurance programs. This foundational experience imparted a comprehensive understanding of the complex needs of both individuals and businesses. In 1979, I began devoting full time to my positions as founder and president of a manufacturing and distribution business. This position provided me with first hand knowledge of the challenges faced by small business owners, including designing and installing a 401(k) plan. The business was sold to a French company in 1993.
In January 1994, I joined Merrill Lynch as a financial advisor, where I spent over seven years refining my expertise in financial and estate planning, investment management and advising on 401(k) plans. This period served as a catalyst for my vision to create CapSouth Wealth Management—a company designed to not only provide advisory services but also cultivate enduring relationships grounded in trust, empathy, and a shared vision for the future.
The inception of CapSouth was driven by a clear vision: to develop a company that prioritizes clients’ well-being and life goals. Today, CapSouth offers a comprehensive suite of services, including retirement plan consulting, investment management, wealth management for high-net-worth clients, financial and estate planning, and directed trust services. Under the leadership of our executive team, CapSouth has grown to be one of Alabama’s largest registered investment advisory firms, distinguished by a values-driven approach and a steadfast commitment to the principles of human-focused financial advising.
As both a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designee, I am dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in financial planning. My goal is to ensure that CapSouth remains a trusted advisor and partner for our clients, assisting them in building and preserving their wealth across generations. An important aspect of this work is to more clearly define family wealth to include financial assets, heritage, and family values and legacy.
As we look to the future, I will continue my transition from a Senior Wealth Advisor to my role as CEO and Chairman. It is essential that we continue to develop the next generation of wealth advisors. My commitment to our clients and to the company remains resolute, focusing on shaping our strategic direction and ensuring our long-term growth.
I firmly believe that true wealth extends beyond financial assets to encompass the quality of life we build, the fulfillment we derive from it, and the legacy we leave behind. Our approach to wealth management is holistic, emphasizing personal fulfillment, quality of life, and the creation of opportunities for others.
I look forward to continuing to guide CapSouth with a client-centric, values-driven approach at the core of all our endeavors.
