Dwayne M Dills, CPA, CFP^®

I've been running my own financial and accounting practice since 1997, but my interest in this work started much earlier. In high school, I had a teacher who introduced me to accounting and stock investing, and something clicked immediately. We ran paper trading competitions to see who could build the best portfolios, and I won twice. Those contests taught me that accounting and investing share a lot of the same data points, and that connection has shaped how I approach financial planning ever since.

What sets my practice apart is the ability to speak to both sides of the equation. I'm licensed as both a CFP® and CPA, which means I can create financial plans that genuinely integrate tax planning. Many advisors have to refer out for tax advice, which can leave room for opportunities to get missed. Investment decisions and tax implications aren't separate conversations. They affect each other constantly, and handling both gives clients more complete guidance.

After 22 years in this industry, what still fascinates me is how every client situation requires its own solution. There's no standard template that works for everyone. Each person walks in with unique circumstances and goals, and my job is to figure out how to bring the right strategies to their specific needs. I'm a bit of a numbers geek, which helps, but the real work is understanding what each client is trying to accomplish and building strategies around that.

I graduated from UNC Asheville and have been securities licensed since 2003. My wife Karen and I work together in the practice, and we've built something we're proud of. We have two adult children, Allison and Chris, who are both married now. In August 2025, we welcomed our first grandchild, Arya Grace. Becoming a grandfather has reinforced why I do this work: helping people get their finances in order matters, and I want my own family prepared just like I want that for every client.

Outside the office, I'm usually outdoors. Fly fishing, golf, beekeeping, just being out in these mountains we're lucky enough to live in. I've been playing percussion since sixth grade and still play with the music ministry at Brookstone Church. I'm also a bit of a sci-fi nerd: Star Wars, Star Trek, The Matrix. I love all those movies.

I'm active with the AICPA, NCACPA, and FPA. Years ago, I was involved with Scouting when my son Chris earned his Eagle Scout. These days, whether it's professional organizations or personal interests, everything comes back to the same idea: being thorough, following through, and helping people reach their goals.