Thomas Hamlin, the driving force behind Somerset, brings 35 years of annuity and financial planning experience—equivalent to more than 50 years of full-time dedication. Since 1991, he has been a top performer and producer at every firm he has joined, earning a reputation for helping clients retire confidently and maintain financial independence. His expertise in fixed and indexed annuities, paired with a relentless focus on client success, anchors Somerset’s mission to deliver peace of mind.

Hamlin has built a team of top-tier talent, with its five most senior members collectively boasting 92 years of industry experience. Andrew Murdoch, president of Somerset Wealth Strategies, joined Hamlin in 2004 at its Lake Oswego office, while Derek Stamos, the firm’s relentlessly positive registered representative advisor, came aboard in 2012. They are supported by Megan Odermatt (assistant manager and Thomas’ executive assistant, 2013), Kristen Odermatt (manager and Andrew’s executive assistant, 2014) and Meagan Sinniger (operations and compliance manager, 2015). This seasoned team ensures every client benefits from deep knowledge and cohesive teamwork—qualities rarely matched by competitors.

Unlike single-focus firms, Somerset operates through three distinct entities, each excelling in its domain:

• Somerset Securities Inc. handles all securities-based transactions as a broker-dealer.
• Somerset Wealth Management LLC, a fee-based, fiduciary registered investment advisory (RIA) firm, manages assets with transparency and care.
• Somerset Wealth Strategies LLC focuses on fixed products like annuities, life insurance and long-term care solutions.

This structure allows Somerset to tailor strategies across securities, fee-based management and fixed-income products, offering clients a one-stop solution unavailable at many fragmented firms.
Explanation:

Somerset’s influence spans all 50 states, powered by its marketing arm and the AnnuityFYI.com platform. The firm averages more than $100 million annually in premiums and investments—a testament to its ability to attract and serve a substantial clientele. This scale reflects not just volume but trust, as clients nationwide turn to Somerset for its proven strategies and competitive offerings.

With relationships spanning more than 800 insurance companies and top wealth managers, Somerset’s independence ensures clients work with the safest, most competitive providers in the industry. This extensive network allows the firm to select solutions that align perfectly with each client’s goals, a flexibility that captive or less-connected firms simply can’t match.

Somerset’s commitment to customer service goes “over and beyond,” driven by a proactive, solutions-oriented attitude. Whether it’s navigating complex financial needs or simplifying the process via phone or Zoom, the team—including recent additions such as Porsch Anthony (senior assistant, formerly at Merrill Lynch, 2023) and Brian Hamlin (registered representative and Thomas’s son, 2023)—makes things happen. This dedication has earned Somerset 80 glowing reviews and a perfect 5-star rating.

Somerset attracts a discerning group: highly educated, high-net-worth individuals who value efficiency and excellence. These clients appreciate the firm’s preference for virtual collaboration—phone calls and Zoom meetings—knowing they are working with annuity and investment experts who stand above local alternatives. This focus on quality over proximity resonates with those who demand the best.

Somerset blends seasoned wisdom with fresh energy, exemplified by Brian Hamlin’s journey from licensed intern (June 2023) to full sales team member (September 2023) while completing his degree at the University of Oregon’s Lundquist School of Business. This family-driven ethos ensures Somerset’s values endure, adapting to modern needs while staying true to Thomas Hamlin’s founding vision.