Gary Bonner is the senior executive and the visionary founder of 36North, a consulting firm known for its expertise in enhancing operational efficiencies, strategic planning, and technology implementation across the wealth management industry. With a career spanning over three decades, Gary has established himself as a leader capable of steering complex projects to success and generating significant enterprise value, exceeding $200 million.
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Before founding 36North, Gary served as the Chief Operating Officer at Plancorp Wealth Management, a $6.5 billion assets under management (AUM) registered investment adviser (RIA), where he played a pivotal role in refining operations and enhancing revenue, contributing to a substantial increase in the firm's annual revenue and enterprise value. His tenure at Avalon Advisors, a Houston-based RIA, marks a significant chapter in his career, where he was instrumental from inception, enabling growth of the firm's assets from $450 million in AUM to an impressive $9 billion in AUM, while also expanding the team to serve hundreds of client families.
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Gary’s extensive experience is highlighted by his dual role as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Avalon Advisors, where he led the implementation of innovative technological solutions and created an infrastructure that catapulted the growth of the firm. His expertise in operations, technology, strategy, cybersecurity, human resources, and compliance is highly regarded, ensuring resilient and efficient business practices.

A proactive leader, Gary has also been actively involved in the RIA community, contributing to numerous panels and advisory boards, and sharing his insights on emerging trends and challenges. His thought leadership is well recognized, with contributions to prominent industry publications and speaking engagements at key conferences.
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At 36North, Gary continues to drive innovation and strategic growth, helping clients navigate the complexities of modern business landscapes with foresight and integrity. His dedication to operational excellence and his commitment to client success are the hallmarks of his professional ethos and are embedded in the culture of 36North.

Benton Tatum is a data-driven business transformation leader who specializes in turning complex operational challenges into measurable growth opportunities. Benton delivers high-impact solutions that optimize revenue, reduce costs, and streamline processes. Originally from Texas, Benton earned his MBA with a specialization in Information Systems from Baylor University before relocating to Nashville in 1992. His career spans multiple industries includingHealthcare, Real Estate Development, Book Wholesaling and Distribution, WealthManagement, and Business Consulting, giving him a diverse perspective on business challenges and opportunities.

‍Areas of Expertise Revenue & Profit Optimization: Identify and implement strategic initiatives that drive revenue growth while removing operational obstacles.

‍Data Architecture & Analytics: As a skilled architect of comprehensive scorecard systems and employee health indexes, Benton transforms raw data into actionable business intelligence. His custom analytics solutions have helped organizations make data-driven decisions without expensive enterprise tools.

‍Performance Management Systems: Benton develops robust benchmarking and performance measurement frameworks that enhance team productivity and business outcomes. His innovative approaches include clinician health indexes, advisor benchmarking systems, and leading measure tracking tools that directly improve bottom-line results.

‍Operational & Financial Decision Modeling: With exceptional financial planning and analysis skills, Benton creates dynamic models that support strategic decision-making, process analysis, and forecasting. His models provide real-time visibility into the impact of assumption changes, empowering leaders to make confident decisions.