Charles Culver

Passion is hard to find.

From an early age, my father instilled in me the power and fascination of computers before the internet took off, while my mother taught me about the stock market and investing. My high school years included selling software on my friend's website, co-founding the computer club, and becoming an Eagle Scout.

After graduating from Clemson University with a major in computer science and a minor in business, I was fortunate to find a career that combined both of my passions - helping a pension and high-net-worth consultant with billions under management improve its technology stack and help understand the myriad of interesting investment ideas that came through the door.

Fifteen years later, I was at a crossroads. I enjoyed being on the side of helping people, but the faceless pension funds for whom we consulted just didn't do it for me.

I value relationships.

At the time, a family close to mine was going through retirement. They had been preyed upon by a "financial advisor" that sold them products they didn't need, and this set them back quite a bit. I started down a road that helped me understand that there is a calling higher than digging through data and statistics to try to eke out a slight edge - one that would both help people and allow me to satisfy my passions.

In 2017, sharing the same values and vision, Artie and I made the bold decision to leave the institutional consulting world and create what is now known as Martello Retirement & Wealth. Our mission has always been clear: to help families manage their wealth and retire successfully.

Before starting this journey, we sought advice from someone we deeply respect. His words resonated with us and continue to guide our work:

"Follow your instincts to provide meaningful, objective advice, because if you don't, people will be left with no choice but to turn to the guy down the street just looking for a payday."

Since then, I've embraced the belief that providing the best advice requires relentless commitment to learning and growth. We take our responsibility to our clients seriously - after all, their lives and futures are in our hands.