10 Questions With Ry Hudnall… Disrupting Wealth Management Through Vision, Transparency & People-First Leadership

When Ry Hudnall talks about wealth management, he doesn’t begin with numbers, charts, or investment products. Instead, the Founder & CEO of Hudnall Capital Advisors starts with three words: love, transparency, and people. Those principles, he says, are at the heart of his firm’s mission to disrupt an industry often associated with jargon and confusion.

Hudnall’s entrepreneurial roots go back to childhood. From mowing lawns in his neighborhood to working as a professional drummer, he developed an early appreciation for how hard work and creativity can be tied directly to results. That spirit carried him into financial services, where he quickly discovered a passion not just for building his own career but for helping others succeed. After more than a decade leading a large wealth management franchise, Hudnall decided it was time to chart his own course. In 2024, he launched Hudnall Capital Advisors with a vision that was both simple and bold.

“People hear the word ‘disruption’ and think it’s about ego,” Hudnall says. “But really, it’s about creating a new standard. I wanted a firm where clients and advisors alike know exactly what to expect—where trust isn’t implied, it’s demonstrated every day.”

At Hudnall Capital, that new standard rests on three pillars. The first is leading with love. “You don’t often hear the words ‘love’ and ‘business’ in the same sentence,” Hudnall admits. “But the most successful teams—whether in sports, music, or finance—share a genuine respect and care for one another. That’s what creates a culture of accountability and growth.”

The second is what Hudnall calls radical transparency. For clients, that means candid conversations about fees, strategies, and expectations. “We won’t move forward with a plan until a client can explain back to us how we’re compensated,” he says. “It’s not about the dollar amount—it’s about the statement it makes.” Hudnall believes that openness not only strengthens client relationships but also sets Hudnall Capital apart in an industry where complexity often clouds understanding.

Finally, Hudnall emphasizes winning with people. From his leadership team to his newest recruits, he focuses on surrounding himself with individuals who share his drive and values. “I may not be the smartest person in the room, but I can outdream anyone,” he says with a laugh. “The key is having the right people to help make those dreams real.”

That vision has fueled rapid growth. In less than a year, Hudnall Capital Advisors has gained traction across South Carolina and beyond, thanks in part to a strong investment in marketing and a distinctive company culture. Hudnall credits his team—many of whom he describes as family—for embracing the firm’s mission wholeheartedly. That includes his former wife, now the company’s Chief Operations Officer, a partnership he calls “unique but powerful.”

Beyond the business, Hudnall is committed to giving back. He has been deeply involved with First Tee, a nonprofit that uses golf to teach life skills to young people, and more recently with the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston. For him, community engagement is another way of living out his firm’s core values. “There are three ways to give—time, talent, and treasure,” he says. “Writing a check matters, but showing up with your energy and skills can change lives.”

Hudnall’s approach may not appeal to everyone, and he’s fine with that. “We’re not trying to be everything to everybody,” he says. “But for those who value honesty, compassion, and a long-term vision, we’re here to partner with them.”

It’s a message that resonates with clients ranging from high-net-worth individuals to families just starting their financial journey. “The sky’s the limit,” Hudnall says. “What matters most is helping people be proud of themselves—because when they are, real wealth follows.”