Who we are

A broker-dealer should make your life easier.

Private Client Services is an independent, privately owned broker-dealer and registered investment advisor. We exist to be your business partner, not your landlord.

An 1890 limestone financial building in historic downtown Louisville, Kentucky

Louisville, since 2001

Our story

Founded in Louisville. Built for advisors everywhere.

Private Client Services was founded in Louisville, Kentucky in 2001, built from the start to serve successful, independent financial advisors. We were one of the earliest firms to support the hybrid RIA, back when very few broker-dealers would stand behind both sides of an advisor's business.

More than two decades later the firm is still privately held, with no board and no outside investors. We use multiple custodial platforms, we do not sell proprietary products, and our advisors are licensed in all 50 states. The scale is national. The handshake is still the point.

"Greetings! We want to be your Broker/Dealer. I recognize Private Client Services is likely only one of many firms vying for your relationship, and choosing the one firm that best fits your needs is a hard decision to make."

Ernest Sampson, Chief Executive Officer

Full history and additional milestones to be supplied by Steve.

Leadership

The people you will actually talk to.

Our advisors are known for getting the owners' direct numbers. This is who they reach.

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Chief Executive Officer

Ernest Sampson

"We want to be your Broker/Dealer, and we know you have choices. What we offer is private ownership, a firm sized to know you, direct access to senior management and home office staff, and an emphasis on personal service and the human element."

[Personal bio to be supplied: how Ernest came to found PCS in 2001, what he was trying to fix about the industry, and what he tells advisors weighing a move. In his voice, not a credentials list.]

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Chief Development Officer

Steve Higdon

[Personal bio to be supplied.] Steve is the first call for advisors considering PCS, and he takes those conversations himself. Reach him at (502) 797-5207.

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President

[Name]

[Personal bio to be supplied.]

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Chief Information Officer

[Name]

[Personal bio to be supplied.]

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Chief Compliance Officer

[Name]

[Personal bio to be supplied.]

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Business Development Manager

Connor Higdon

[Personal bio to be supplied.]

PCS is supplying new photography for everyone, plus personal bios. Individual email addresses are intentionally omitted here.

Our philosophy

Independence, backed by everything a national firm can offer.

Access

Direct line to management

Our senior team is reachable, experienced, and invested in your practice. No layers, no runaround.

Choice

Dually registered flexibility

As a broker-dealer and an SEC registered investment advisor, we let you shape brokerage and fee-based advisory around your clients, not around us.

Economics

Competitive fees, high payouts

You keep more of what you earn. Our structure rewards the advisors who build the firm.

Protection

Practical compliance

We take a common-sense approach centered on full disclosure to your clients, so compliance safeguards your reputation instead of slowing you down.

Infrastructure

Technology & back office

Advanced technology and an experienced home-office team handle the operational load so you can focus on advice.

Custody

Respected clearing partners

We deliver the platforms and custodial relationships of the brand-name firms, through our clearing relationship with Pershing.

The Louisville Slugger factory and its landmark bat on West Main Street, Louisville

Our advisors

Every person here works for our advisors.

Behind our leadership sits a home-office team covering operations, compliance, technology, transitions, and marketing. They are reachable by name, and they know your practice. No ticket queues, no call centers.

See how we support your practice

Our locations

Rooted in Louisville, serving advisors nationwide.

Home Office

Louisville, KY

2225 Lexington Road
Louisville, KY 40206
(502) 451-0600

Operations Center

Charlotte, NC

7400 Carmel Executive Park Drive, Suite 210
Charlotte, NC 28226
(800) 966-9347

Service Center

Appleton, WI

4351 W College Avenue, Suite 420
Appleton, WI 54914
(800) 966-9347

Start the conversation

Want to know who you would be working with? Come meet us.

Every conversation is confidential, with no obligation. We will tell you exactly how PCS would support your practice.

Join PCS Talk to our team