Parkwoods Wealth Partners adds Gessner Wealth Strategies in Houston

Parkwoods Wealth Partners said Houston-based Gessner Wealth Strategies joined the firm on Aug. 31, 2026, giving Parkwoods a second advisor presence in Houston. The deal expands Parkwoods’ footprint while keeping Michelle Gessner and her client relationships in place.

Why it matters: - The combination expands Parkwoods Wealth Partners’ presence in Houston, one of the firm’s growth markets. - Gessner Wealth Strategies adds $65 million in assets under advisement, as of June 30, 2026. - Existing clients keep the same advisor relationship while gaining access to a larger advisory platform.

What happened: - Parkwoods Wealth Partners announced that Gessner Wealth Strategies joined the firm. - The transaction closed on Aug. 31, 2026. - Gessner Wealth Strategies is a Houston-based registered investment adviser founded by Michelle Gessner in 2015. - Michelle Gessner joins Parkwoods as a Senior Wealth Advisor. - Lauren Morris remains with the practice as Client Service Manager. - Parkwoods now has a second advisor presence in Houston, alongside Wealth Advisor Cole Wheeler, CFP®.

The details: - Gessner Wealth Strategies reported $65 million in assets under advisement as of June 30, 2026. - The practice is built on an independent, fiduciary approach to financial planning. - Parkwoods said that approach aligns with its Purpose First Planning philosophy. - Parkwoods said Gessner clients will continue working with Michelle Gessner as their advisor. - Lauren Morris will remain the day-to-day point of contact for service needs. - Parkwoods Wealth Partners helps individuals, families and employees of plan sponsor clients through evidence-based investing and Purpose First Planning. - Parkwoods is headquartered in St. Louis and has offices in St. Louis, Syracuse, Nashville, Tucson, Carmel, New Castle, Lake Oswego and Houston. - Parkwoods also has advisors based in Austin, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.

Between the lines: - The deal suggests Parkwoods is using advisor additions to deepen its presence in targeted markets rather than reshape the client experience. - Michelle Gessner’s move gives Parkwoods a local Houston platform with an established book of business and a planning-first brand fit. - Parkwoods’ messaging emphasizes continuity for clients, which can help reduce disruption in advisor transitions.

What's next: - Gessner clients will transition under the Parkwoods umbrella while keeping their existing advisor and service contact. - Parkwoods is likely to continue building in Houston around its two-advisor footprint. - Michelle Gessner will operate within Parkwoods’ larger evidence-based advisory network.

The bottom line: - Parkwoods picked up a Houston advisory practice that strengthens its market presence without changing the client-facing relationship.