Former Managing Partner, Ocean Heights Advisors
The advisors’ personal comments may not be representative of the experience or opinions of other advisors and there is no guarantee of future performance or success.
From Independence to Integration: A Deliberate Growth Path
For Kevin Barlow, managing partner of Ocean Heights Advisors, the transition from Mariner Independent to becoming a fully integrated Mariner advisor wasn’t an abrupt decision—it was the culmination of a well-planned, multi-year journey designed to enhance client service, expand team opportunities, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Building a Business: The Early Years
The team’s journey in wealth management began in 2005 when Ocean Heights Advisors, then known as Palo Capital, was founded with just two clients in a home office by Kevin O’Grady and Nella Webster. Over the years, the firm grew steadily, expanding its client base to over 200 families with eight team members including five partners. “One of the things that made us very successful was being a multi-generational team,” Kevin noted. “We’ve built deep relationships with clients that mirror that multi-generational approach.”
Ocean Heights Advisors emphasized a “friends and family” philosophy, ensuring that every client relationship was built on trust, familiarity, and long-term commitment. By late 2021, the firm had evolved significantly, leading Kevin to explore a new path for expansion and enhanced services.
A Strategic Partnership with Mariner Independent
Recognizing the need for additional infrastructure, Kevin and his team joined Mariner Independent in 2022. “Mariner Independent gave us the platform to grow while still doing what was right for our clients, employees, and partners,” Kevin explained.
The decision was driven by the desire for autonomy without having to build every component of the business from scratch. “There really wasn’t an option that allowed us to have full control while still providing clients with everything they needed,” he said.
Over the next three years, the firm nearly doubled its assets under advisement to $730 million*, leveraging Mariner’s operational, compliance, and marketing support. “The partnership with Mariner was instrumental in accelerating our growth,” Kevin noted. “We didn’t have to reinvent the wheel—we focused on what we do best: serving our clients.”
The Inflection Point: Why Transition Now?
By late 2024, Ocean Heights Advisors had reached a crucial turning point. Clients’ needs had expanded beyond traditional wealth management to estate planning, tax strategies, and investment solutions requiring a more robust infrastructure. “We either needed to invest heavily in building these capabilities or partner with someone who had already built them out,” Kevin said.
Beyond client services, Kevin wanted to ensure long-term opportunities for his team. “Our team includes people from different generations, so we had to think about career paths for everyone at different stages,” he explained.
In December 2024, the decision was finalized, and Ocean Heights Advisors signed an agreement to fully transition into Mariner Wealth, effective April 1, 2025.
A Seamless Transition, A Stronger Future
Unlike traditional acquisitions that force firms into a onesize- fits-all model, Kevin’s transition followed a deliberate, multi-year process. “Mariner didn’t push us into anything. We had three years to get to know them and determine if this was the right fit,” he said. “It wasn’t a leap of faith—it was a logical next step.”
As of April 1, 2025, all members of the Ocean Heights Advisor’s team, including founders Kevin O’Grady and Nella Webster, will continue in their roles as part of a longterm, multi-generational succession plan. Current partners, Kevin Barlow, Danielle Bronner and Kara Devar, will become shareholders in Mariner. Kevin Barlow will lead Mariner’s expanded Newport Beach footprint. “This wasn’t just about today—it was about creating continuity and opportunity for future generations of leadership,” he said.
Ultimately, Kevin’s transition exemplifies how Mariner’s flexible pathway supports independent advisors in scaling their businesses on their own terms. By aligning with Mariner, Kevin has positioned his practice for sustainable growth while preserving the client relationships and core values that have defined Ocean Heights Advisors from the start.
Kevin’s Advice to Other Independent Advisors Evaluating a Transition:
- Focus on the People – “Look beyond the financials and evaluate who you’re going to be working with. The culture, the values, and the team are what matter most.”
- Think Long-Term – “Don’t just think about what’s best for you today—consider what will best serve your clients and employees five, ten, or twenty years from now.”
- Simplify the Decision – “Avoid getting bogged down in every little detail. Trust the process and focus on the bigger picture of how a transition can enhance your ability to serve clients.”
*Data as of March 5, 2025
This material is intended for informational and educational purposes only. This information is not intended to be complete or exhaustive, and no representations or warranties, either express or implied, are made regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. Any opinions expressed are as of the date referenced and are subject to change without notice. Reliance upon information in this material is at the reader’s sole discretion.
The personal comments and results referenced may not be representative of the experiences of other advisors and there is no guarantee of future performance or success.
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