Meet the professionals who can help you pursue your goals
We help individuals and families pursue their ideal retirements.
Meet The Team
Somerset Wealth Strategies was founded in 1997 by Tom Hamlin. Learn more about each of our team members below.
Thomas B. Hamlin
Founder & CEO
Thomas B. Hamlin
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Thomas B. Hamlin is the Founder and CEO of the Somerset Family of Companies and a highly acclaimed financial professional with more than 35 years of experience in retirement planning, wealth management, and income-focused strategies. He is widely recognized for building a client-first, fiduciary-driven organization that integrates disciplined planning, robust supervision, and an exceptional client experience.
Tom serves as CEO and Chief Compliance Officer of Somerset Securities, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC; broker-dealer established in 1963), overseeing a comprehensive securities platform that includes mutual funds, alternative investments, private placements, DST/1031 strategies, variable annuities, and other securities-related offerings. He is also the Founder and CEO of Somerset Wealth Strategies, LLC, specializing in fixed insurance solutions such as fixed and fixed index annuities and life insurance, and Somerset Wealth Management, LLC, a fee-based registered investment advisory firm providing fiduciary wealth management and institutional-style portfolio management through its relationship with Charles Schwab.
Registrations and professional credentials
Tom holds multiple securities and insurance licenses that reflect both client-facing capability and supervisory responsibility:
- Series 7 (General Securities Representative): Authorizes the offer and sale of a broad range of securities products.
- Series 24 (General Securities Principal): Qualifies supervisory oversight of registered representatives, branch activities, and key broker-dealer functions.
- Series 14 (Compliance Official): Supports broker-dealer compliance leadership and oversight functions, including supervision of regulatory policies, procedures, and controls.
- Series 99TO (Operations Professional): Recognizes proficiency in broker-dealer operations, including trade processing, clearance/settlement workflows, account servicing, and operational controls.
- SIE (Securities Industry Essentials): Establishes baseline knowledge of the securities industry, including products, markets, regulatory agencies, and ethical practices.
- Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law): Commonly referred to as “blue sky,” supporting securities business across states where registration is required.
- Series 65 (Investment Adviser Representative): Demonstrates competency in advisory regulations and fiduciary standards applicable to fee-based investment advisory services.
- Series 6 (Investment Company & Variable Contracts): Authorizes activity in packaged products such as mutual funds and variable contracts.
- Life & Disability Insurance License: Supports the implementation of insurance-based strategies, including annuity and life insurance solutions, where appropriate.
Experience, leadership, and industry recognition
Since entering the financial services industry in 1990, Tom has helped thousands of individuals and families nationwide implement retirement and wealth strategies. Over the course of his career, he has overseen the placement of more than $1 billion in client assets and has served nearly 5,000 clients across all 50 states and U.S. territories. In addition, Tom works with clients in more than 20 countries worldwide, reflecting the increasingly global lives and retirement goals of the families he serves. In many cases, his guidance has helped clients build the clarity, confidence, and financial structure necessary to retire abroad—enabling them to relocate to and enjoy retirement in a wide range of destinations around the world. Notably, more than 98% of his business is derived from long-term client relationships and referrals.
Tom’s leadership foundation was built at nationally recognized firms where he consistently performed at the highest levels. At Raymond James Financial Services (NYSE: RJF), he served as a top-producing advisor and Branch Manager for 15.5 years and was a seven-year member of the firm’s Elite Chairman’s Council, ranking among the top 30 advisors nationally (out of approximately 5,000) based on total production. He was also recognized as Raymond James’ number-one annuity producer in the United States for nine consecutive years based on annual annuity premiums. In 2012, Tom acquired Bay Colony Securities (BC Securities, Inc.), a broker-dealer founded in 1963 in the Boston area (Member SIPC), establishing the foundation for what is now Somerset Securities, Inc.
Earlier in his career, Tom served as First Vice President at Prudential Securities from October 1994 to May 1997, where he ranked in the top five nationally in personal annuity and insurance production and led his Los Angeles branch to the number-one position in the nation for annuity sales from 1996 to 1997. Prior to Prudential, he ranked number one and number two in production for four consecutive years at Independent Advantage Financial, Inc., contributing to its growth as the nation’s largest independent shopping service for annuities and insurance products.
A nationally recognized authority on retirement income and annuity strategy, Tom is the founder of AnnuityFYI.com, one of the nation’s most trusted independent resources for annuity education and analysis. He also co-hosts the podcast “Conquering Retirement with AnnuityFYI,” a practical, client-first program designed to help investors make smarter retirement decisions with greater confidence and clarity. Joined by Megan L. Odermatt, his Executive Assistant of nearly 13 years, and Brian Hamlin, a Financial Advisor, fiduciary, and Tom’s son, he brings a real-world perspective to today’s most important planning topics—from income design and product selection to market conditions, behavioral pitfalls, and implementation best practices. His insights have been featured for decades by leading national outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, InvestmentNews, Financial Planning Magazine, and MarketWatch, and he has frequently been recognized among America’s Top 100 Independent Financial Advisors by multiple publications.
Philosophy and client experience
Tom’s work is grounded in a simple principle: recommendations must be appropriate, understandable, and aligned with a client’s objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. He is known for a planning approach that emphasizes retirement income, principal-risk management, diversification, and legacy considerations—supported by high standards for communication, implementation, and service.
Giving back
Philanthropy is central to Tom’s mission and Somerset’s culture. Through Somerset’s charitable initiatives, a portion of the firm’s net profits is donated annually to a broad range of nonprofit organizations. Tom’s long-term vision is to expand Somerset’s positive impact—helping clients achieve financial independence while contributing meaningfully to the communities Somerset serves.
Family
Outside of Somerset, Tom values time with his longtime partner, MacKenzie, and his family. He is the proud father of five children: Brian, who now works alongside him at Somerset; Lindsey (University of Miami); Sydney (University of Arizona); Harper (age 11); and Tommy (age 2.5). Tom’s favorite hobby is traveling the world with MacKenzie and his family; he has visited more than 70 countries and has a personal goal of exploring over 100.
Andrew Murdoch
President
Andrew Murdoch is president of Somerset Wealth Strategies, a Certified Financial Planner™, and fiduciary. Andrew has a Bachelor of Science degree from the Russ College of Engineering and Technology at Ohio University.
Andrew holds several securities and insurance licenses including:
- Series 7 (securities license)
- Series 63 (blue sky, allows selling securities in states outside of his resident state)
- Series 65 (Registered Investment Advisor Representative, which allows selling on a fee-only basis)
- Life and Disability License (which allows for the selling of insurance products and annuities)
Andrew has been a financial professional since 2000 and has over 30 years of investment experience. He worked as a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley advising clients on a variety of financial instruments including managed money, mutual funds, municipal and corporate bonds, stocks, annuities, and option strategies.
Andrew also served as a wholesaler for Jackson National Life, where he aided advisors in over $250 million in annuity sales. He is well-versed in a variety of annuity and retirement strategies as well as potential pitfalls other financial professionals may overlook. He draws on this experience to help retirees avoid purchasing the inappropriate or unsuitable annuities. He has worked with Tom Hamlin’s team since 2002. He worked on the institutional side for two years and currently helps Tom develop financial plans for high net worth clientele.
Andrew believes in following an appropriate asset allocation model based on client risk tolerance and financial objectives. Andrew also knows this is a complex, confusing marketplace, and in order to gain his clients’ trust and confidence, the focus must be on information. As a seasoned member of Tom’s team, he knows he is only 33 percent as effective over the phone as he would be face to face, so he knows he must be three times better than the competition. Andrew strives to accomplish this in three ways:
- Being well-versed on current product knowledge in the industry
- Choosing suitable retirement income plan for the clients’ needs
- Unmatched customer service for the plans they work with
Andrew is dedicated to continuing learning and completed his Certified Financial Planner™ in 2010 and is looking into pursuing additional certification to increase his knowledge base.
When Andrew isn’t working, he enjoys spending his time with his two boys, Grayson and Harrison. Andrew is an avid skier and enjoys playing hockey a few times a week and boating in the summer.
Andrew is also active in the Portland community and is involved with several local and national charities on a regular basis. He also holds an annual event during the holiday season and raises money for Toys for Tots.
Derek Stamos
Financial Professional
Derek Stamos has been an integral part of the Somerset team and family of companies for 14 years, serving in a client-focused role while working directly with—and reporting daily to—CEO and Founder Thomas Hamlin, a highly acclaimed 35-year veteran of the financial services, retirement planning, and wealth management industry who has frequently been recognized among America’s Top 100 independent advisors by numerous publications. Derek helps ensure a consistently high-touch client experience across Somerset Wealth Strategies, LLC (fixed insurance solutions including annuities, life insurance, Medicare, and long-term care insurance), Somerset Wealth Management, LLC (fee-based, fiduciary wealth management), and Somerset Securities, Inc. (a FINRA-registered, SIPC member broker-dealer established in 1963).
Derek is a Registered Representative with Somerset Securities, Inc. and holds the Series 7 and Series 63 securities registrations. The Series 7 reflects broad qualification across a wide range of securities products. The Series 63 is a state securities registration (“blue sky”) that supports securities-related business in states outside an individual’s resident state, as required by applicable state law. While Thomas Hamlin is responsible for all client-specific recommendations and investment guidance, Derek plays a critical role in facilitating the planning and implementation process—supporting discovery, coordinating key details, ensuring accurate documentation, maintaining timely follow-through, and helping clients experience a seamless progression from initial planning through execution.
A significant part of Derek’s value is delivered behind the scenes. Working in close coordination with Somerset’s tenured A-Team of administrative and operational professionals, he helps orchestrate the moving parts that turn planning into action. Derek manages workflows across the firm’s core software systems and operational platforms, coordinates account setup and servicing processes, supports meeting preparation and follow-up, and helps maintain the cadence of communication that keeps each engagement organized, responsive, and on track. This operational discipline—paired with a relationship-first mindset and strong team alignment—enables Thomas and the broader Somerset team to remain focused on delivering clear guidance and exceptional outcomes for clients.
Originally from Bend, Oregon, Derek attended college in Walla Walla, Washington, where he studied professional golf management. He later worked as a golf professional at premier clubs, including Avila Country Club in the Tampa Bay, Florida area and Pronghorn Country Club in Bend, Oregon—experience that strengthened his service mindset and commitment to relationship excellence. Derek began his professional career in luxury client engagement with Aston Martin Jaguar of Tampa Bay and subsequently worked with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, supporting players and senior leadership.
In keeping with Somerset’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy and community impact, Derek believes in adding value every day—giving back and making a positive difference in the lives of those he serves. That commitment aligns with Somerset’s charitable mission: the firm donates a portion of its net profits to support the organizations highlighted on Somerset’s Charitable page, reinforcing a culture of stewardship that puts clients first and extends Somerset’s impact well beyond the work itself.
Outside of work, Derek enjoys golf, fitness, and spending time with his wife, Clasien, and their children—London, Luca, and Lottie—as well as friends and family.
Brian Hamlin
Financial Advisor
Megan L. Odermatt
Executive Assistant for Thomas
Assistant Office Manager
Kristen Odermatt
Executive Assistant for Andrew
Office Manager
Brian Hamlin is a licensed registered (Series 7) representative. He is a Registered Representative with Somerset Securities, Inc. Somerset Securities works with mutual funds, alternative investments, private placements, DST-1031, variable annuities and other securities related business. Brian is also a licensed insurance producer with Somerset Wealth Strategies, LLC, working with fixed annuities, fixed indexed annuities, life insurance and other non-security related products.
Brian holds several securities and insurance licenses including the following:
- Securities Industry Essentials
- Series 7 (Securities License)
- Series 63 (Blue Sky, allows selling securities in states outside of his resident state)
- Series 65 (Registered Investment Advisor Representative, which allows for selling on a fee-only basis)
- Life and Health License (allows for the selling of insurance products and annuities)
Brian was able to achieve all of his securities industries licenses at the age of 20 years old. Brian firmly believes that the best financial decision that one can make is the most informed decision. He prides himself on providing all of his clients with the most recent and relevant information. This focus on education and information allows for a meaningful discussion about their retirement planning strategy.
Brian grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and then played baseball for two years at Yakima Valley College in Yakima, Washington. From there, Brian went on to graduate from the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon with a major in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, along with a minor in Economics. Brian was a baseball trainer for numerous years during his playing career, and had his start in sales with Venus Concept, specializing in high-end medical devices.
In his spare time, Brian enjoys cooking, going to the gym, golfing and spending time with his friends and family.
Megan Odermatt is the executive assistant for Thomas B. Hamlin and assistant office manager at Somerset Wealth Strategies.
Before joining our independent firm, Megan co-owned and operated a successful bistro, where she was able to grow the business over the course of three years. There, she applied much of the knowledge and education she obtained, while receiving a Bachelor of Science at Portland State University, where she majored in business administration and marketing. While obtaining her degrees, Megan managed 80+ employees at the Gap, Inc. Upon finishing school, she moved to New York City, where she worked under a high-level executive at a major recording label and multimedia company.
Megan’s accumulated knowledge and diversified background led her back to her business roots. Her enthusiasm for knowledge in the financial industry paired with her necessity for excellence make her perfect for our motivated, energetic team of professionals.
In her free time, Megan enjoys traveling, spending quality time with her dog, family and friends, exploring everything outdoors and enjoying the occasional cocktail hour. She resides in Portland, Oregon.
Kristen Odermatt is the executive assistant of Andrew T. Murdoch and office manager at Somerset Wealth Strategies.
Before joining the Somerset team in November 2013, Kristen spent 13 years heading a well-known privately owned restaurant and catering business, where she was able to cultivate the customer service experience that makes her the perfect fit here. The hospitality industry has given Kristen a perfect mix of management, problem-solving and team building skills that have helped her thrive since joining our firm.
Kristen prides herself on exceeding client expectations and is dedicated to obtaining as much knowledge as she can. Her main goal is to take her client dedication and service to a national level.
When Kristen is not at the office, she enjoys cooking and baking, exercising, spending time with her friends and exploring the Oregon outdoors.
Meagan Sinniger
Operations Manager
Meagan Sinniger joins Somerset Wealth Strategies as an administrative assistant. Prior to joining Somerset in June 2015, Meagan worked for a Fortune 500 company in sales, cultivating her telecommunications and customer service background.
She attended Central Oregon Community College and majored in business administration and marketing. While earning her degree, she managed a team of 20+ employees with Limited Brands, Inc. in her hometown of Bend, Oregon, before moving and transferring to Portland.
Meagan has a passion for listening to people and exceeding their expectations. She prides herself on her self-motivation and dedication to always put the client first.
In Meagan’s free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and dancing.
Porsch Anthony
Client Service Coordinator
Porsch Anthony is the Client Service Coordinator for Somerset Wealth Strategies.
With over a decade of industry experience in investment client service, Porsch plays a key role in ensuring seamless operations and providing top-notch service to our valued clients. Before joining the Somerset team in June 2023, Porsch was part of a nationally recognized wealth management team, where he honed his skills and learned the importance of cultivating and maintaining excellent client relationships.
When he’s not working to support our clients, you will find him fulfilling his passion of being a dad and husband by spending time and having fun with his wife and 2 boys. He can also be found on stage, singing and performing with a few local bands around the Portland, OR area.
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