Overview
- Headquarters
- Gilbert, AZ
- Average Client Assets
- $2.1 million
- SEC CRD Number
- 131458
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (2026 MARCH ADV PART 2)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | and above | 1.25% |
Minimum Annual Fee: $2,500
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $12,500 | 1.25% |
| $5 million | $62,500 | 1.25% |
| $10 million | $125,000 | 1.25% |
| $50 million | $625,000 | 1.25% |
| $100 million | $1,250,000 | 1.25% |
Clients
- HNW Share of Firm Assets
- 94.31%
- Total Client Accounts
- 1,208
- Discretionary Accounts
- 1,205
- Non-Discretionary Accounts
- 3
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Portfolio Management for Pooled Investment Vehicles, Portfolio Management for Institutional Clients, Investment Advisor Selection
Regulatory Filings
Primary Brochure: 2026 MARCH ADV PART 2 (2026-03-23)
View Document Text
ITEM 1: PART 2A FOR FORM ADV (FIRM BROCHURE)
Watts Gwilliam & Company, LLC
2730 S. Val Vista Dr, Suite 124
Gilbert, AZ 85295
480 889 8998 (t)
480 889 8999 (f)
www.wattsgwilliam.com
DECEMBER 2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Watts
Gwilliam & Co., LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please
contact us at 888-324-8998 or email jeff@wattsgwilliam.com. The information in this brochure has
not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by
any state securities authority.
Additional information about Watts Gwilliam & Co. also is available on the SEC’s website at:
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
NOTE: While Watts Gwilliam may refer to itself as a “registered investment advisor” or “RIA”,
Clients should be aware that registration itself does not imply any level or skill or training.
ITEM 2: MATERIAL CHANGES
This brochure was updated to add disclosures related to the offering of TAMP/Subadvisor
services.
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ITEM 3: TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM 2: MATERIAL CHANGES ........................................................................................ 2
ITEM 4: ADVISORY BUSINESS ....................................................................................... 4
Types of Securities ............................................................................................................... 4
ITEM 5: FEES AND COMPENSATION .............................................................................. 6
ITEM 6: PERFORMANCE BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT ....................... 8
ITEM 7: TYPES OF CLIENTS ............................................................................................ 9
ITEM 8: METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS ........... 9
Investment Strategies .......................................................................................................... 9
Income Producing Option Model (OPTIC) ............................................................................. 9
Vista Capital Fund II, LLC ........................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Vista Capital Fund III, LLC ................................................................................................... 11
Vista Capital Fund IV: AK Courtyard, LLC ............................................................................ 11
Watts Gwilliam PATH Program .......................................................................................... 12
Methods of Analysis .......................................................................................................... 13
ITEM 9: DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION ........................................................................ 13
ITEM 10: OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS ....................... 13
ITEM 11: CODE OF ETHICS .......................................................................................... 14
Client Related Securities .................................................................................................... 14
ITEM 12: BROKERAGE PRACTICES ............................................................................... 14
Order Aggregation ............................................................................................................. 15
ITEM 13: REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS ................................................................................ 16
ITEM 14: CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ......................................... 17
Separate Accounts and Solicitor Agreements ............................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
ITEM 15: CUSTODY ..................................................................................................... 18
ITEM 16: INVESTMENT DISCRETION ........................................................................... 19
ITEM 17: PROXY VOTING ............................................................................................ 19
ITEM 18: FINANCIAL INFORMATION ........................................................................... 19
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ITEM 4: ADVISORY BUSINESS
Watts Gwilliam & Company LLC was established in May of 2004. The founding members
include Jeffrey Stephen Watts, D. Bradford Gwilliam and David Bruce Watts. As of January 2026,
the firm has total assets under management of approximately $1.1Billion, managed on a
discretionary basis.
Investment Advisory Services
The primary business of Watts Gwilliam & Co., LLC is to provide investment supervisory
services. This is done through ongoing portfolio management and oversight. Prior to providing
investment advisory services, our process includes an assessment of each client’s individual
needs, goals, risk appetite, and time horizon. Thereafter, Watts Gwilliam will allocate, and/or
recommend that the client allocate, investment assets consistent with the designated investment
objectives. The client may, at any time, impose reasonable restrictions, in writing, on our services.
Portfolios receive on-going monitoring and reviews with proactive re-balancing of asset
allocation as necessary.
Optic Asset Management
Optic Asset Management (OAM) is a division of Watts Gwilliam & Co. that oversees the
company’s professionally managed option strategies (see Item 8 below). Some clients may
engage our firm for the sole purpose of accessing this strategy and not engaging in other broad-
based wealth management services. This is also the name through which we typically offer sub-
advisory services. In these situations, advisors unaffiliated with Watts Gwilliam & Co. outsource
the investment supervisory services of certain clients to our firm. Details of these arrangements
are further discussed in the section entitled Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations.
Turnkey Asset Management Platform (TAMP) and Sub-Advisory Services
Watts Gwilliam & Company, LLC (WGC) also provides discretionary portfolio management and
model portfolio services to other registered investment advisers and financial professionals,
which may be offered under the business name Optic Asset Management. In these arrangements,
the unaffiliated adviser or financial institution (the “Sponsoring Adviser”) generally maintains
the primary client relationship and is responsible for determining the client’s overall investment
goals, risk tolerance, financial circumstances, and any reasonable investment restrictions.
WGC is engaged to design, implement, and monitor investment strategies, which may be
delivered as model portfolios, separately managed account strategies, or similar programs
available on participating custodial and platform providers. Depending on the platform, the Firm
will either: (i) exercise discretionary authority to place trades directly in client accounts; or (ii)
provide model portfolio instructions to the platform or Sponsoring Adviser, who is then
responsible for implementing the trades.
The Firm typically does not meet directly with the underlying clients of Sponsoring Advisers and
does not provide individualized financial planning or broader wealth management services to
those clients. Instead, the Firm relies on the Sponsoring Adviser to obtain and update client
information and to determine whether the strategies offered by the Firm are appropriate for each
client. The same strategies used in TAMP programs may or may not be offered to clients who
invested directly with WGC.
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Types of Securities
Watts Gwilliam & Co., LLC generally limits its investment management to a broad range of
securities in order to construct diversified portfolios tailored to each client’s investment objectives
and risk tolerance. These securities include, but are not limited to:
• Equities (publicly traded stocks)
• Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
• Mutual Funds
• Bonds and Fixed Income Instruments
• Debt Securities
• Hedge Funds
• Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
• Private Placements
• Government Securities
• Options (both listed and over-the-counter)
We may also utilize other securities as appropriate to help diversify client portfolios.
Use of Interval Funds
At times, the firm may invest client assets in interval mutual funds (commonly referred to as
"interval funds"). These are closed-end funds registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940 that do not trade on the secondary market. Instead, they offer to repurchase shares from
investors at periodic intervals, typically quarterly, and only up to a pre-specified percentage of
the fund’s assets. As such, liquidity is limited and not guaranteed, even during scheduled
repurchase windows.
Before allocating to interval funds, Watts Gwilliam & Co. carefully evaluates the client's liquidity
needs, time horizon, and overall investment profile to ensure the appropriateness of such an
investment. However, clients should understand that in the event of a termination of the
advisory relationship, liquidation of these positions may require a wind-down period, during
which full redemption of the fund may not be immediately possible due to the fund’s liquidity
constraints.
Financial Planning
On certain occasions, we advise clients on matters not directly involving securities. This general
guidance, commonly considered Financial Planning, may include advice related to issues such as
retirement, education, and estate planning. Often, the result of this planning is used to better
advise the client on issues related to the investment supervisory services discussed previously.
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Cybersecurity and Information Protection
Watts Gwilliam & Company maintains a written cybersecurity and information security program
reasonably designed to safeguard client information and protect firm systems from unauthorized
access, misuse, or disruption. The program includes policies and procedures addressing data
protection, employee access controls, incident response, third-party vendor oversight, and
business continuity planning. The Firm reviews and updates its cybersecurity policies
periodically considering technological developments and regulatory expectations.
ITEM 5: FEES AND COMPENSATION
Watts Gwilliam & Co., and its division Optic Asset Management, offer its services for a fee based
on a percentage of assets under management. Fees are determined on a case-by-case basis,
considering such things as account value, complexity, and other factors. While fees vary based on
many factors, our maximum fee is 1.25% per year. The value of accounts used for billing is based
on the market value of investments held in the account (see Billing Process). At times, we may
instead propose a fixed fee for portfolio management.
Fixed fees for financial planning services are based on the complexity of the planning and agreed
to by the client in advance. We project our fixed fees to range from $500 to $3,500 for the initial
plan development. Update sessions and follow up work may require separate arrangements. At
times, the advisor may decide to waive these fees, or apply fees paid for financial planning
services toward the client’s annual assets under management fees.
Fees paid by the client are disclosed on the signed client agreement and reported on custodial
statements for the month in which they are assessed.
Minimum Annual Fee
We have established a minimum annual household fee of $2,500. This account minimum may
have the effect of making our services impractical for accounts with fewer assets. Watts Gwilliam
& Co. may decide to waive this minimum based upon certain criteria such as anticipated future
earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, related accounts, account composition, pro
bono activity, etc.
Billing Process
Watts Gwilliam & Co. bills client accounts for a given quarter on or around the first business day
of that quarter by applying one-fourth of the applicable annual fee to the closing market value on
the just-concluded quarter’s last trading day. An account billed on the first business day of
January, for example, applies one-fourth of the appropriate household rate to the account’s
market value on the last trading day of December. Accounts are normally billed on the first
business day of January, April, July and October. On occasion, various factors may cause a delay
in the actual billing of an account. However, when this occurs, the billing is still calculated as if it
had been done on the first day of the quarter. Market value is determined by the account
custodian and is reported on client statements. In certain situations, such as illiquid private
placement investments, the custodian may not report a value. In this case, the amount will be
determined as the value on the books and records of the issuer of the investment. This amount
may be higher or lower than the market value if that investment were to be sold. Clients
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authorize us in our client agreement and custodial paperwork to deduct fees directly from their
account.
When an account is first placed under Watts Gwilliam & Co.’s management, billing begins on the
first business day of the account being managed. In this case, fees are calculated on a daily, pro-
rata basis, based on the number of days remaining in the quarter. The fee is applied to the initial
value of the account on the first day of Watts Gwilliam & Co.’s management.
If an account is fully removed from Watts Gwilliam & Co.’s management during a billing
quarter, the already-billed quarterly fee is pro-rated as specified in the client agreement and the
difference between the assessed fee and the pro-rated fee is refunded promptly to the client.
Clients may close accounts without penalty on the last day of any month, upon written
notification of Watts Gwilliam & Co.
Investors who use margin to purchase securities will be billed on the total value of all
investments in the account, including assets purchased with borrowed funds. As a result, the
billable account value will be higher than if the account were not leveraged.
Similarly, clients who utilize our Optic Equity Access (“OEA”) strategy (see Item 8 below) and
choose to reinvest the loan proceeds will increase the total assets in the account on which
advisory fees are calculated. Because advisory fees are based on assets under management,
reinvestment of loan proceeds will generally increase the advisory fees paid to the Firm.
This creates a conflict of interest, as the Firm has a financial incentive to recommend strategies
that increase assets under management. However, we evaluate the appropriateness of margin or
OEA transactions based on each client’s individual financial circumstances, risk tolerance, and
investment objectives, independent of any fee considerations. Clients are under no obligation to
reinvest loan proceeds, and the decision to do so remains entirely at the client’s discretion.
Billing Process (Financial Planning)
We bill clients for financial planning fees upon completion of the agreed-upon services. Fees for
financial planning services are invoiced directly to the client rather than deducted directly from
an investment account.
Other Fees & Expenses
Watts Gwilliam may charge a quarterly fee up to $15 per account to cover technology costs for
various platforms available for client use. This will be disclosed on the client agreement.
Your account will incur fees and expenses charged by third-party service provided that are not
related to our advisory fees. For example, brokerage firms may charge transaction fees to
purchase and sell securities in your accounts. These transaction fees, or ticket charges, will vary
based on the type of security being traded. Your account may incur other activity fees such as
IRA fees and wire fees. Custodial and brokerage (transaction, account, and activity) fees will be
disclosed in your brokerage account-opening paperwork.
TAMP / Sub-Advisory Fees
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For TAMP and sub-advisory services (see Item 4), the Firm generally charges an asset-based fee,
calculated as an annual percentage of the assets managed in the strategy or program and billed
quarterly (in advance, as specified in the applicable program or sub-advisory agreement). The
specific fee schedule applicable to each strategy or program is described in the Sponsoring
Adviser’s client agreement, platform disclosure documents, or a separate fee schedule.
Fees for the Firm’s services are typically in addition to the advisory fees charged by the
Sponsoring Adviser and any applicable platform, custodial, or transaction-related charges. As a
result, clients who access the Firm’s strategies through a TAMP or similar platform may pay
higher total fees than they would pay if they invested directly in similar investments without the
use of multiple advisers or a platform provider.
The Firm’s fees may be debited from client accounts by the custodial or platform provider and
remitted to the Firm (and, where applicable, to the Sponsoring Adviser) in accordance with the
program’s billing procedures and client authorization.
The Firm reserves the right to negotiate fees based on factors such as the overall relationship,
assets placed in the strategies, the services requested, and other relevant considerations.
ITEM 6: PERFORMANCE BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT
Watts Gwilliam & Company does not charge performance-based fees on accounts held and
managed through our institutional custodians. However, members of the firm may, from time to
time, be involved in the management of private placement investments simultaneous to
managing client assets as described in the section Advisory Business (above). These private
investments may include performance-based fees. There may be times when certain of our clients
choose to participate in these private investments. In these situations, money invested by our
clients into these funds is not considered a billable asset for fee calculations. Instead, assets held
in private funds are assessed a fee at the fund level (meaning there is no double-dipping of fees).
Because some members of the firm may receive additional compensation through performance
fees based on the success of the investment, a conflict of interest exists. In other words, we may
have an incentive to recommend these funds over lower-cost alternatives. Details of these
offerings are outlined in the investment’s disclosure documents.
Currently, certain members of Watts Gwilliam & Co. are also managers of the Vista Capital Fund
III, LLC, Vista Capital Fund IV: AK Courtyard and Zona UC, LLC. These funds seek to generate
returns by investing in both commercial and residential real estate, and real estate backed
investments. David Watts, Brad Gwilliam, and Jeffrey Watts advise on the strategic direction of
the funds and are responsible for servicing the clients. Certain clients of Watts Gwilliam & Co.
may also invest in these offerings and the fees and compensation paid to us may be different than
what are paid through more traditional investments. Fees for these funds may be higher and,
therefore, may present a conflict of interest for members of Watts Gwilliam to recommend these
funds over other investments. Additional information on the funds can be found in Item 8 of this
brochure.
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ITEM 7: TYPES OF CLIENTS
Watts Gwilliam & Co. provides investment advisory services to individuals, participants in
pension and profit-sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, pooled investment
vehicles and corporate or business entities. In addition, the Firm provides TAMP and sub-
advisory services to other registered investment advisers, broker-dealer programs, and financial
institutions that utilize the Firm’s strategies for the benefit of their own clients.
ITEM 8: METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS
Investment Strategies
When managing client portfolios, Watts Gwilliam & Co. generally places an emphasis on
strategic asset allocation, utilizing investments from a broad spectrum of asset classes to achieve
diversification. As such, investments are generally done with a long-term time horizon. This
helps minimize both taxes and trading expenses.
From time to time, and where suitable to client circumstances and preferences, we may use short
sales, margin transactions, structured investment strategies, and other trading strategies,
including options (see OPTIC below).
OPTIC Option Strategies
Our firm offers options trading services for investors seeking a professionally managed solution.
Some investors who utilize this service have large, concentrated stock positions. Others desire
that an option overlay be placed on some, or all, of the portfolios we manage for them. While all
such strategies can be customized, the four composite overlay strategies we offer are referred to
as SPY Optic, Div Optic, Growth Optic, and TLT Optic. These are also offered as Separately
Managed Accounts. More information on each of these specific strategies is available upon
request.
Optic strategies seek to provide income through the receipt of option premiums, while
attempting to provide the client appreciation in the underlying stock or index. While the goal of
the strategy is to participate in as much upside as possible, the performance can’t be guaranteed.
When utilizing an Optic strategy, clients typically continue to hold the underlying stock position
and thus maintain the downside risk in the stock. If the stock position losses value, the client’s
return is the loss in stock price less the returns of the Optic strategy. The underlying stock may
also appreciate above the strike prices of options sold. In this case, the client may not fully
participate in the appreciation. Clients who use an Optic strategy without owning the
underlying stock (naked options) are subject to additional risks, including theoretically unlimited
risk in the case of naked calls. These risks should be carefully considered prior to investing.
While we do not assist clients in establishing concentrated stock positions, for those investors and
institutions who do have large, single stock positions, we may be hired to assist them in
diversifying or seeking to add income through the receipt of option premiums. Watts Gwilliam &
Co. does not liquidate these kinds of positions without communication with the client. Instead,
we work with clients to establish a structured exit strategy that includes the use of options.
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At times, we may combine the selling of calls with the purchase of a put option. This structure,
called a collar, will limit the upside growth in the stock (through the call option), but protect the
downside risk through the put option. We often refer to this strategy as “Dynamic Collars”, as
the selling of calls can be done actively through an Optic strategy while a longer-term put is held
statically in the account. There are times that we use this strategy for clients as a moderate-risk
approach to investing in stocks or as a fixed-income alternative.
Watts Gwilliam may advise clients on the use of other structured investments designed for
specific purposes such as hedging, monetization, etc. These strategies may be managed by Watts
Gwilliam, or, in certain situations, we may partner with investment banks for specific purposes.
OPTIC Equity Access
The Optic Equity Access (OEA) strategy allows investors to generate immediate liquidity from
large, single-stock positions by using these stocks as collateral for a loan. This strategy includes
certain protections and risks that investors should understand.
How It Works:
The OEA strategy uses your stock holdings as collateral to secure a loan. To protect the value of
your shares, the strategy employs a “collar” approach. A collar is done by purchasing a put
option to limit potential losses if the stock's value decreases. A call option is also sold to generate
cash flow to help fund the cost of the put protection. This call option caps the potential gains if
the stock's value increases. Because the stock position is protected through the collar, the investor
can then obtain a loan secured by the structure. Typically around 90% of the stock’s value can be
accessed through this strategy. The proceeds can be used for any purpose you choose.
Ownership & Income:
You continue to own the stock during the strategy and are entitled to any dividends the stock
generates. Stock value appreciation is possible, but only up to the strike price of the call option.
The downside risk of the stock’s value is limited to the strike price of the put option.
Considerations:
If you use the proceeds from the OEA strategy to make other investments, it’s important to
consider the costs. The return from the new investment, combined with the capped return on the
call option, must exceed the interest costs incurred from the loan for the strategy to be profitable.
If you use OEA proceeds to invest through Watts Gwilliam & Company, it may increase the total
value of your investment portfolio. This increase could result in higher portfolio management
fees, creating a potential conflict of interest.
Important Note: Neither Watts Gwilliam & Company, LLC, nor its Optic Asset Management
division, provides tax advice. You should consult with a tax advisor before participating in Optic
Equity Access transactions, including any rollover transactions.
The IRS’s ‘constructive sale’ rules under Section 1259 of the Internal Revenue Code are complex
and ambiguous, lacking clear Safe Harbor guidelines. If the IRS determines that an initial or
subsequent Optic Equity Access transaction constitutes a constructive sale, you may be required
to recognize any previously unrealized gains on the underlying asset immediately, rather than at
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its maturity. Watts Gwilliam & Company, LLC, will not be liable for any IRS decisions requiring
you to recognize unrealized gains or for any related taxes, penalties, fines, or fees you may owe.
Private Funds and Other Investment Strategies
Galaxy Plus Hedge Fund-Watts Gwilliam Overlay Fund
The Galaxy Fund is a private placement fund that is available only to accredited investors with a
minimum investment amount of $100,000. The fund invests in stocks while using the OPTIC
strategy as an income enhancement. The fund will generally invest in the S&P 500 index through
ticker symbol SPY. However, the fund may utilize other holdings to achieve its objective. The
investment is administered through New Hyde Park Alternative Funds, LLC and offers weekly
liquidity to investors. Watts Gwilliam does not have custody of the money in the Fund. The
investment is packaged in this format to allow Watts Gwilliam to manage the strategy as a single
pool, as opposed to trading the stocks and options on an account-by-account basis. Doing so
provides more efficiency for the manager while lowering trading costs. Fees for the investment
are charged at the fund level. Therefore, Watts Gwilliam’s client holdings in the Galaxy Fund are
excluded from billing at the individual account level (not double charged). Although this fund
does not include performance-based fees, fees for investing in the Galaxy Fund may be different
than those charged at the account level. Investors should refer to the fund’s legal documents for
more information on fees, risks, and other important disclosures.
Vista Capital Fund III, LLC
Vista Capital Fund III, LLC (Fund III) is a private fund investing primarily in real estate
(commercial and residential), with a focus on purchasing properties that require some
development and improvement prior to resale. As a secondary option, the properties will be held
as income producing assets. We believe that current economic conditions favor development in
small retail, commercial, industrial and residential, particularly in situations where a purchase
agreement or long-term lease is in force prior to investing. This fund is illiquid and may be
purchased by only our clients who qualify according to the investment’s legal offering
memorandum. VIII Partners, LLC, manages fund II. This management LLC is owned and
managed by Jeffrey Watts, David Watts, Brad Gwilliam and Ben Cooper. Client assets that are
invested in the fund are charged fees at the fund level. The value of client assets put into the fund
are excluding from other billing. Because the fund offers a performance-based incentive fee, there
is a conflict of interest in recommending this investment to clients. However, within our fiduciary
duties, we are careful to ensure that no client invests at a level that would create excessive risk to
their total portfolio allocation. Vista Capital Fund III is currently closed to new investors.
Vista Capital Fund IV: AK Courtyard, LLC
Vista Capital Fund IV: AK Courtyard, LLC (Fund IV) is a private fund investing primarily in the
development, construction and operation of a Courtyard Marriott hotel located in Anchorage
Alaska. This fund is considered non-diversified as its investing in a single project. Fund IV is
illiquid and may be purchased by only our clients who qualify according to the investment’s
legal offering memorandum. Vista Partners AK, LLC, manages the fund. This management LLC
is managed Ben Cooper, Jeffrey Watts, David Watts and Brad Gwilliam. Fund IV will not be
accessed a fee and serves as a pass-through vehicle to the actual investment LLC. All fees will be
charged at that level, with the manager (Vista Partners AK) being compensated through that
LLC. We’ve used this structure to eliminate any double charging of fees. The value of client assets
put into the fund are excluded from other billing done by Watts Gwilliam & Co. Because the
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principals of Watts Gwilliam are compensated through the performance of the fund, there is a
conflict of interest in recommending this investment to clients. However, within our fiduciary
duties, we are careful to ensure that no client invests at a level that would create excessive risk to
their total portfolio allocation. Vista Capital Fund IV is currently closed to new investors.
Zona UC, LLC
Zona UC, LLC is a private fund investing in the real estate entity known as Utah City Holdings
(UCH). UCH is a multi-asset development company that includes Flagship Homes, a Utah based
home builder, land development and entitlement assets, various income producing real estate
assets and a Utah City town center development, consisting of residential and commercial
development. Zona UC is managed by V-III Partners, LLC. This management LLC is owned and
managed by Jeffrey Watts, David Watts, Brad Gwilliam and Ben Cooper. The value of client
assets put into the fund are excluding from other billing (excluded asset). Because the fund offers
a performance-based incentive fee, there is a conflict of interest in recommending this investment
to clients. However, within our fiduciary duties, we are careful to ensure that no client invests at
a level that would create excessive risk to their total portfolio allocation. Zona UC, LLC is currently
closed to new investors.
Watts Gwilliam PATH Program
The PATH Program is a technology-based advisory platform designed for investors in the
accumulation phase of their financial lives. The program allows clients to establish accounts
electronically, define financial goals, and systematically invest toward those objectives.
Unlike Watts Gwilliam’s traditional private wealth clients, PATH clients are serviced primarily
through electronic communication, including email, virtual meetings, and educational webinars.
While our advisors are available to provide assistance when needed, PATH clients generally
receive less individualized and ongoing one-on-one consultation than private clients.
Investment management within the PATH Program is delivered through an automated
investment platform designed to streamline deposits, portfolio allocation, and rebalancing.
Portfolios are constructed using exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and typically include exposure to
U.S. and international equities, fixed income securities, cash equivalents, and other liquid
investments. Technology-driven monitoring tools are used to maintain portfolios within targeted
allocation ranges. Rebalancing may be triggered by market movements, cash flows, or other
portfolio changes and occurs on a discretionary basis.
The PATH Program utilizes Betterment Securities (“Betterment”) as custodian and technology
provider. Client accounts are opened in the client’s name at Betterment, with Watts Gwilliam
designated as the investment adviser. Betterment is responsible for providing custodial services,
account statements (at least quarterly), trade confirmations, and tax reporting. In addition to
client-facing tools such as goal tracking and automated investment features, Betterment provides
certain operational and administrative support services that assist us in managing PATH
accounts.
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We selected Betterment for the PATH Program based on our evaluation of the overall scope,
quality, efficiency, and cost of its custodial and technology services for clients. Our selection was
not based on the receipt of economic benefits that would primarily benefit the Firm.
Fees and associated costs for the PATH Program are disclosed in the client agreement. Advisory
fees for PATH accounts are calculated as described elsewhere in this brochure; however, unlike
traditional private client accounts that are billed in advance, PATH advisory fees are billed in
arrears.
As PATH clients accumulate assets and their financial circumstances become more complex, they
may be offered the opportunity to transition to the Firm’s traditional private client service model,
which provides a higher level of individualized planning and ongoing advisory support.
TAMP / Sub-Advisory Fees
The investment strategies described in this Item are also used in the Firm’s TAMP and sub-
advisory relationships. When the Firm provides model portfolios rather than trading directly in
client accounts, there may be timing differences between when the Firm updates a model and
when the change is implemented in each client account. As a result, performance for clients
whose accounts are managed by the Firm directly may differ from the performance of clients
whose accounts are managed by a Sponsoring Adviser or platform using the Firm’s models.
Methods of Analysis
Watts Gwilliam & Co. uses a combination of charting, technical and fundamental methods to
assess risks and opportunities in the financial markets.
Throughout the investment process, we review numerous sources of information such as
financial newspapers and magazines, research materials prepared by others, annual reports,
prospectuses and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, rating services and
company press releases.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss. Despite all due care, investment decisions made for
our client accounts are subject to various market, currency, economic, political and business risks,
and those investment decisions will not always be profitable. Examples of specific risks are
described in more detail below.
ITEM 9: DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION
Watts Gwilliam & Company has no disciplinary events. As a registered investment advisor,
Watts Gwilliam & Co. adheres to all SEC reporting requirements and promptly discloses any
material disciplinary actions, should they arise.
ITEM 10: OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS
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Certain of Watts Gwilliam & Co.’s associated persons are also licensed insurance agents. Within
this capacity, they may recommend the purchase of insurance products, such as life insurance
and index annuities. These advisors may be compensated by the insurance company for selling
insurance or fixed (or index) annuities. This does present a potential conflict of interest and all
such transactions are done with proper disclosures.
As described in Item 4, the Firm provides TAMP and sub-advisory services to other investment
advisers and financial institutions. In these arrangements, the Firm may receive asset-based fees
for managing client assets in strategies that are also available to the Firm’s own direct clients.
This creates a potential conflict of interest because the Firm has an economic incentive to
encourage the use of its strategies by Sponsoring Advisers and to retain assets in those strategies.
The Firm seeks to mitigate these conflicts through its oversight and compliance program, by
applying its investment process consistently across client types, and by disclosing the layered fee
arrangement to Sponsoring Advisers and, where applicable, to their clients through program
documents.
ITEM 11: CODE OF ETHICS
Watts Gwilliam & Co. has a duty of utmost good faith to act solely in the best interests of each of
our clients. Our clients entrust us with their funds, which in turn places a high standard on our
conduct and integrity. Our fiduciary duty compels all employees to act with the utmost integrity
in all our dealings. This fiduciary duty is the core principle underlying our Code of Ethics and
represents the expected basis of all our dealings with our clients. Our written code of ethics
includes standards of conduct, protection of material, non-public information, and personal
conduct. A copy of our code of ethics is available upon request.
Client Related Securities
From time to time, our officers, and other employees, may invest alongside the firm’s clients. This
is done to both align the interests of the firm personnel and firm clients and as an expression of
confidence in our portfolio management efforts. It is also acknowledged that we perform
investment management for clients with varying investment goals and risk profiles. As such, the
investment advice may differ between clients and investments made by the company’s officers.
When a decision is made to purchase, or sell, a security, priority will always be given to the
client’s orders before those of a related or associated person to the advisor.
ITEM 12: BROKERAGE PRACTICES
Watts Gwilliam & Co. uses Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab & Co., Interactive Brokers and
Betterment Securities (PATH Program discussed above) as its custodians for private client assets.
The firm has chosen these custodians based on reasonable, straightforward commission structure,
integrity, and financial stability. As a function of using the services of these custodians for its
private clients’ assets, the firm enjoys access to certain research reports to which we might not
otherwise have access. The availability of these reports is in no way a function of the number or
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type of trades the firm executes on behalf of its clients. Watts Gwilliam & Co. receives no cash
benefits from the custodians.
Watts Gwilliam participates in the Schwab Advisor Network (the “Program”) offered by Charles
Schwab & Co., member FINRA/SIPC (“Charles Schwab“), an unaffiliated SEC-registered broker-
dealer and FINRA member. Charles Schwab offers to independent investment advisors services
that include custody of securities, trade execution, clearance, and settlement of transactions.
Watts Gwilliam receives some benefits from Schwab through its participation in the Program.
(Please see the disclosure under Item 14. below.)
In addition to the custodians listed above, Watts Gwilliam & Co. may, from time to time, utilize
other custodians for transactions not available through Fidelity, Schwab, Interactive Brokers or
Betterment. Such cases are generally not applicable to most of the firm’s clients. However, when
such cases arise, only custodians that are widely recognized for their financial size and strength
are used.
For TAMP and sub-advisory relationships, the Firm generally is required to place trades through
the custodians and/or broker-dealers designated by the Sponsoring Adviser or program sponsor.
The Firm does not typically have authority to select the broker-dealer or custodian for these
accounts and therefore does not seek best execution by comparing the services or prices of other
broker-dealers or custodians for such accounts.
In model-delivery arrangements, the Firm provides model portfolio updates to the platform or
Sponsoring Adviser, who is responsible for implementing trades in client accounts. In those
cases, the Firm does not select broker-dealers, determine commission rates, or oversee trading
away practices, and the brokerage practices of the Sponsoring Adviser or platform may differ
from those described for accounts managed directly by the Firm.
Order Aggregation
Transactions for each client account generally will be affected independently, unless we decide to
purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the same time. We may
choose to aggregate such orders to obtain best execution or to allocate equitably among our
client’s differences in prices and commissions or other transaction costs that might have been
obtained had such orders been placed independently. Under this procedure, transactions will be
averaged as to price and will be allocated among our clients in proportion to the purchase and
sale orders placed for each client account on any given day.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
The trading fees paid by our clients comply with the duty to obtain “best execution.” In seeking
best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the
transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a
Financial Institution’s services and the fees for those services, including among others, the value
of research provided, execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness. Watts
Gwilliam & Co. seeks competitive rates but may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible
commission rates for client transactions. It is also our policy to not accept client’s instructions for
directing brokerage transactions to a particular broker-dealer in exchange for benefits to be made
to the client (Client Directed Brokerage Arrangements).
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Consistent with obtaining best execution, brokerage transactions may be directed to certain
broker-dealers in return for investment research products and/or services that assist us in our
investment decision-making process. Such research generally will be used to service all of our
clients, but brokerage commissions paid by one client may be used to pay for research that is not
used in managing that client’s portfolio. The receipt of investment research products and/or
services as well as the allocation of the benefit of such investment research products and/or
services poses a conflict of interest because we do not have to produce or pay for the products or
services. The products received qualify as "brokerage or research services" under Section 28(e) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act").
ITEM 13: REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS
A member of our investment committee and/or the advisor reviews individual accounts on an
ongoing basis. This process is facilitated by the fact that we run model portfolios, not unique
accounts for each household. While some client portfolios are created, and managed, outside our
investment models, using models creates efficiency in overseeing client assets. Certain clients
may impose restrictions on their holdings. In cases of such restrictions, we work carefully to align
the portfolio as closely as possible to our models. Accounts are monitored on a portfolio
management system that provides current and comprehensive information concerning account
performance, asset allocation (both globally across all household accounts and on accounts
individually), and the progress of individual positions in the portfolio.
Account reviews are a routine firm function and monitored through practice management
software. Reviews can also be triggered, or intensified, by unexpected performance, shifting
market conditions, or changing client preferences or circumstances. In both routine and unusual
circumstances, the central purpose of the review process is to ensure that the firm’s clients
understand both what and how their accounts are doing. An additional purpose is to reaffirm
that the client’s investment mix remains suitable for their changing needs.
Clients receive monthly statements for each of their investment accounts. The production of these
statements is generally outsourced to the account custodian. Upon request, clients may receive
more detailed reports through the firm’s portfolio management software (available through our
website) and may access account information using our custodian’s Internet resources. We advise
clients to compare custodian statements with any separate adviser statements.
Watts Gwilliam & Co. typically meets with clients in person, or virtually, on a quarterly or
semiannual basis. Some clients may desire more, or less, frequent meetings. During these
meetings, client accounts are thoroughly reviewed and any changes in the client’s needs and
goals are discussed. These meetings are also used to update the client’s other investment and
financial planning needs. While scheduling client meetings in advance is preferred, clients may
visit the office at any time. In addition to these written or formal methods, the firm communicates
regularly with its clients through email and telephone.
Clients are responsible to keep Watts Gwilliam & Co.’s advisors informed as to any personal
changes in their financial condition. WGC cannot make material changes to a client’s portfolio if
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it is not notified of a client’s particular developments. We remind clients to notify their advisor
promptly of any changes that could impact the management of their portfolio.
ITEM 14: CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION
Economic Benefits Provided by Third Parties for Advice Rendered to Clients
As referenced in Item 12 above, Watts Gwilliam receives economic benefits from account
custodians.
Compensation for Client Referrals
If a client is introduced to Watts Gwilliam by a solicitor, Watts Gwilliam may pay that solicitor a
referral fee in accordance with the requirements of Rule 206(4)-1 of the Investment Advisers Act
of 1940, and any corresponding state securities law requirements. Any referral fee is paid solely
from the Watts Gwilliam’s investment advisory fee and will not result in any additional charge to
the client. If the client is introduced to the Registrant by an unaffiliated solicitor, the solicitor will
provide each prospective client with a copy of the current version of this Brochure and a separate
written disclosure statement disclosing the terms of the arrangement between the Registrant and
the solicitor, including the compensation to be paid by Watts Gwilliam & Co. to the solicitor.
Watts Gwilliam may receive client referrals from Charles Schwab through its participation in the
Schwab Advisor Network (SAN). In addition to meeting the minimum eligibility criteria for
participation in SAN, we may have been selected to participate in SAN based on the amount and
profitability to Charles Schwab of the assets in, and trades placed for, client accounts maintained
with Charles Schwab & Co. Charles Schwab is a discount broker-dealer independent of and
unaffiliated with Watts Gwilliam and there is no employee or agency relationship between them.
Charles Schwab has established SAN as a means of referring its brokerage customers and other
investors seeking fee-based personal investment management services or financial planning
services to independent investment advisors. Charles Schwab does not supervise Watts Gwilliam
and has no responsibility for our management of client portfolios or our other advice or services.
Watts Gwilliam pays Schwab an on-going fee for each successful client referral. The Solicitation
Fee is an annualized fee based on the amount of referred client assets. Watts Gwilliam will also
pay the Solicitation Fee on assets received from any of a referred client’s family members,
including a spouse, child or any other immediate family member who resides with the referred
client and hired us on the recommendation of such referred client. Watts Gwilliam will not
charge clients referred through SAN any fees or costs higher than its standard fee schedule
offered to its clients or otherwise pass Solicitation Fees paid to Charles Schwab to its clients. For
information regarding additional or other fees paid directly or indirectly to Charles Schwab,
please refer to the SAN disclosure form. Watts Gwilliam’s participation in SAN raises potential
conflicts of interest. Charles Schwab will most likely refer clients through SAN to investment
advisors that encourage their clients to custody their assets at Schwab and whose client accounts
are profitable to Charles Schwab. Consequently, in order to obtain client referrals, Watts
Gwilliam may have an incentive to recommend to clients that the assets under management by
Advisor be held in custody with Charles Schwab and to place transactions for client accounts
with Charles Schwab. In addition, Watts Gwilliam has agreed not to solicit clients referred to it
through SAN to transfer their accounts from Schwab or to establish brokerage or custody
accounts at other custodians, except when its fiduciary duties require doing so. Watts Gwilliam’s
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participation in SAN does not diminish its duty to seek best execution of trades for client
accounts.
As disclosed under Item 12 above, Watts Gwilliam may recommend Schwab to Clients for
custody and brokerage services. There is no direct link between our participation in the program
and the investment advice we give to Clients, although Watts Gwilliam receives economic
benefits through its participation in the program that are typically not available to Charles
Schwab retail investors. These benefits include the following products and services (provided
without cost or at a discount): receipt of duplicate Client statements and confirmations; research
related products and tools; consulting services; access to a trading desk serving Advisor
participants; access to block trading (which provides the ability to aggregate securities
transactions for execution and then allocate the appropriate shares to Client accounts); the ability
to have advisory fees deducted directly from Client accounts; access to an electronic
communications network for Client order entry and account information; access to mutual funds
with no transaction fees and to certain institutional money managers; and discounts on
compliance, marketing, research, technology, and practice management products or services
provided to Advisor by third party vendors. Some of the products and services made available
by through the program may benefit Advisor but may not benefit its client accounts. These
products or services may assist us in managing and administering Client accounts, including
accounts not maintained at Charles Schwab. Other services made available by the program are
intended to help us manage and further develop our business. The benefits we receive do not
depend on the amount of brokerage transactions directed to Charles Schwab. As part of our
fiduciary duties to clients, we always endeavor to put the interests of clients first. Clients should
be aware, however, that the receipt of economic benefits by our firm in and of itself creates a
potential conflict of interest and may indirectly influence the Advisor’s choice for custody and
brokerage services.
ITEM 15: CUSTODY
Custody by investment advisers means holding client funds or securities, directly or indirectly, or
having the authority to obtain possession of them. For example, advisers have custody when the
adviser has possession of client funds and securities or has power of attorney to sign checks on a
client’s behalf, to withdraw funds or securities from the client’s account, or to otherwise dispose
of a client’s assets for any purpose other than authorized trading. Investment advisers who have
custody of their clients’ funds or securities must safeguard those funds as required by the SEC’s
“custody rule.” The custody rule is designed to provide additional safeguards for investors
against the possibility of theft or misappropriation by investment advisers who are registered
with the SEC.
In most cases, Watts Gwilliam & Co. does not take possession of client funds (custody). Instead,
our firm chooses custodians to hold client accounts (see Brokerage Practices above). On occasion,
we may manage private investments that require the use of custody to manage the investment.
Currently, we manage and have custody in the Vista Capital Fund III, Vista Capital Fund IV and
Zona UC, LLC (see above). In so much as a client has chosen to invest in these funds, our firm
does have “custody” of this portion of their investments. In accordance with custody rules, these
funds complete an annual audit performed by a PCAOB-registered independent public account,
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distribute audits to investors within 120 days of the fiscal year-end, and follow other necessary
guidelines to safeguard our client’s money that is invested in these funds.
Standing Letters of Authorization (SLOA)
An SLOA is a letter signed by the client and addressed to the custodian (often on a standard form
provided by the custodian) authorizing Watts Gwilliam & Co. to instruct the custodian to
disburse funds or securities from a client account. For example, a client may use an SLOA to set
up instructions to gift shares of stock from their brokerage account to a charity of their choosing.
Establishing a pre-approved link between the investment account and the charity is done
through an SLOA. Although these instructions are set up in advance, by the client, the fact that
the advisor has the authority to initiate the transfer creates custody. Custody resulting from
SLOAs is monitored and controlled by the company’s policies and procedures. For example, all
SLOA’s must be initiated and signed directly by the client. Additionally, the ultimate beneficiary
of the transfer cannot be a related party to Watts Gwilliam & Co. Although our firm will use an
SLOA at a client’s request, policies and procedures are in place to regulate their use and to
protect the clients account.
ITEM 16: INVESTMENT DISCRETION
Watts Gwilliam & Co. generally manages assets on a fully discretionary basis. This is done only
at the client’s written request. This means that we are able to direct transactions to buy, or sell,
securities in client accounts without first approving the transaction with the client. In these
instances, we implement an investment program that is considered prudent, appropriate, and
suitable to the nature of the account and our understanding of the client’s general characteristics.
You may elect to limit this discretion. For example, you may request that we contact you prior to
trading a specified security or may impose restrictions on the types of securities used. Limitations
are listed on the client agreement.
The ability to exercise discretion and trade client accounts is limited to trading authority. Watts
Gwilliam & Co. is not authorized to move money outside of accounts registered to the client.
ITEM 17: PROXY VOTING
We do not complete or participate in proxy voting for clients. However, we may provide
guidance upon request. Clients are encouraged to review proxy materials carefully and consult
with us if they have questions. For accounts managed through TAMP or sub-advisory
arrangements, the Firm does not vote proxies and does not provide recommendations on how
proxies should be voted. Proxy voting authority is generally retained by the Sponsoring Adviser,
platform provider, or the client, as described in the applicable program documents. Clients
should review the Sponsoring Adviser’s or platform provider’s proxy voting policies for
additional information.
ITEM 18: FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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There are no financial conditions that are reasonably likely to impair our ability to meet
contractual commitments to clients.
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