32-year-old Auburn firm joins Modern Wealth to expand client capabilities and support next-generation advisor development.
Modern Wealth, a registered investment advisory (RIA) firm founded to meet the evolving needs of today’s financial professionals and their clients, today announced the acquisition of AWA Wealth Management, an Auburn, California-based wealth management firm overseeing approximately $290 million in client assets.
Founded in 1994 by Derrick Andrews, CFP®, CEP®, AWA Wealth Management provides wealth management for multi-generational families and business owners primarily in and around Auburn and Redding, California, as well as clients across the country who have maintained relationships with the firm after moving. AWA’s planning-led approach spans financial planning, investment management, tax planning and preparation, estate planning and coordination with outside professionals.
“Modern Wealth’s approach to financial planning and advice aligns closely with the firm that we’ve built over the past 32 years,” said Andrews, president and founder at AWA Wealth Management. “Joining Modern Wealth gives our team additional resources and support while allowing us to preserve the relationships and planning philosophy that have defined AWA. It also gives me greater capacity to focus on clients, develop the next generation of our team and put the firm on a stronger path for long-term succession.”
By joining Modern Wealth, AWA Wealth Management strengthens its ability to serve clients across multiple areas of their financial lives, including access to additional estate and trust planning resources, tax capabilities, retirement-plan expertise and portfolio-management resources. The team will also gain deeper operational support, allowing its advisors to devote greater time to client relationships, business development and advisory work.
“Derrick and the team at AWA Wealth Management have built a strong relationship-driven, comprehensive practice,” said Jason Gordo, president and co-founder of Modern Wealth. “AWA strengthens our presence in California, but just as importantly, this partnership gives the team a framework for long-term succession while allowing Derrick to remain closely connected to the clients and advisors he has developed deep relationships with over his career.”
Joining Modern Wealth alongside Andrews is the entire AWA Wealth Management team, composed of Grant Andrews, CFP®, lead advisor; Toni Farkas, director of operations; T.J. Peterson, client services manager; and Chelsea Bailey, CFP®, relationship manager. The transaction will provide additional resources and development opportunities as Grant continues expanding his advisory responsibilities and Chelsea develops toward a larger advisory role over time.
“This gives me the opportunity to focus more of my time on what led me to establish AWA Wealth Management in the first place: building deep client relationships and delivering holistic financial planning and advice,” added Andrews. “Not only that, but it strengthens our succession plan and gives me more time to mentor Grant, Chelsea and the broader team as they continue taking on greater responsibilities within the practice.”
This transaction follows Modern Wealth’s most recent acquisition of Sanchez Wealth Management, and marks the sixth acquisition by Modern Wealth in 2026. Since its founding in 2023, Modern Wealth has completed 24 acquisitions, and grown to nearly $16B in AUM as it continues to expand its national footprint and deepen its presence in key markets.
For more information about Modern Wealth and its comprehensive wealth management services, please visit modwm.com.
