What Our Peers Say About Us

"A model of what a financial advisor should be."

I have long looked up to Doug as a model of what a financial advisor should be. His commitment to his clients goes far beyond standard expectations—he truly puts in the work to ensure every detail is accounted for. What I admire most, however, is his unwavering integrity. You always know exactly where you stand with Doug, and that level of trustworthiness is exactly why he is so highly respected in our field. 

Jeffrey Kropp 
Owner Brandywine Financial Advisors

"It's clear you genuinely care about helping others succeed, and that's something I deeply respect."

I wanted to reach out and thank you for taking the time to speak with me the other day. It genuinely means more to me than you know.

Over the past few years, I've been navigating the ups and downs of transitioning into financial planning and have spoken with a lot of people along the way. The straightforward, actionable advice and data you provided was exactly what I needed at the right time. After our call, I couldn't help but feel like our paths crossed for a reason. I'm confident the insights you shared are going to help me get to where I want to be.

What struck me most was that you were willing to carve out nearly an hour and a half at the end of a long day, during your busy season, for a complete stranger. That speaks volumes about who you are as a leader and as a person. It's clear you genuinely care about helping others succeed, and that's something I deeply respect.

Thank you again for your time, your wisdom, and your willingness to invest in someone you didn't know.

Jared Deutsch
Wealth Advisor, Clear-Wealth Planning Solutions

"High Character and High Competence"

In life, you simply want to work with people that are both high character and high competence. Well, that’s Doug. It is rare to find someone with such strong technical expertise that is matched with a deep and authentic care for others and a commitment to serve. It has been my pleasure and honor to work closely with Doug in a professional capacity for many years. It is even more of a pleasure and honor to count him as a friend. 

Adam Birenbaum
Chief Executive Officer, Focus Partners Wealth & President, Focus Financial Partners

"A trusted leader in our industry"

Doug is a trusted leader in our industry and delivers comprehensive wealth management advice that enables his clients to see 'the big picture' and make informed investment decisions. He understands the importance of every client interaction and how the work he does can impact lives and families for generations to come. 

I appreciate how Doug truly listens to his clients to understand their unique needs and goals. His comprehensive planning approach makes his clients feel comfortable and empowers them on their financial journey.

Jamie Price
Chief Executive Officer & President, Osaic Wealth, Inc.

"Top in the Class!"

Doug is one of the very few advisors who strives daily to improve his knowledge base so that he can better serve his clients. I have personally observed how he actively searches out through industry gatherings other advisors who he believes have an expertise in an area he would like to know more about. This is from an individual who already brings an incredible knowledge base with over thirty plus years of solving client's financial challenges. As in any great small company the staff take their lead from the owner, so clients are treated with an incredible amount of professionalism and respect. There are several sources one can go to for financial advice but when you combine business acumen, daily commitment to clients, with an ethical approach that always seeks to put the client in the best possible position…my experience tells me Doug, and his team are Top in the Class!

Cliff Harris
Regional Vice President, Osaic Wealth, Inc.

"Doug and his team stand out from the crowd"

It is with great pleasure and confidence that I endorse Doug and his company, Sapphire Wealth Management. As their technology partner, advisor, and Managed Service Provider, I have had the privilege of witnessing their unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and white glove service in every aspect of their operations.

Doug and his team at Sapphire Wealth Management have instilled a profound sense of trust in their clients, not only through their financial acumen but also through their transparent and ethical approach to business. They have consistently demonstrated genuine concern for the well-being of their clients, ensuring that each relationship is built on honesty and respect. Doug and his team go beyond the standard white glove service and welcome you as part of the Sapphire Wealth Management family. At the heart of every discussion there is a focus on the best interests of their clients. Their client-centric approach is evident in every decision they make, prioritizing client needs and goals. This unwavering commitment is a testament to their care and concern for those they serve.

As the IT provider and partner, we’ve been an integral part of several acquisitions that Sapphire Wealth Management has achieved. Doug understands the importance of client retention and a smooth transition in all facets of the acquisition phase. He treats previous business owners as family and makes it a focus to ensure their legacy is something they can be proud of. His ability to navigate these complex transactions is what sets Sapphire Wealth Management apart from other firms.

From a technical perspective, Doug and his team stand out from the crowd. They are dedicated to being at the forefront of technology and cybersecurity measures. Each year, we work together to perform a comprehensive review of their policies, procedures, and systems to ensure the utmost safety and security of their clients' personal data. This proactive approach exemplifies their commitment to maintaining state-of-the-art practices and security. Few local businesses perform such rigorous and regular updates to their written technology and cyber security policies to ensure their clients are protected.

Doug and Sapphire Wealth Management epitomize the highest standards of trust, business acumen, commitment to clients, ethical conduct, and mutually beneficial partnerships. It is an honor to work alongside their team, and I wholeheartedly endorse them for anyone considering working with them as a client or a business partner.

Robert Cleary, Chief Executive Officer & Christopher Mitchell, Vice President of Technical Operations
Clear Com IT

"A financial advisor whose expertise and integrity have consistently impressed me"

I am pleased to share my unwavering support for Doug, a financial advisor whose expertise and integrity have consistently impressed me. As a friend and professional colleague, I have had the privilege of witnessing his dedication to our mutual clients firsthand.

Doug and his knowledgeable team at Sapphire Wealth Management possess a wealth of experience in financial planning and investment management. He approaches each client's unique situation with a thoughtful and tailored strategy, ensuring that their financial goals are met with precision and care. His commitment to placing clients’ best interests at the forefront of his service truly sets him apart in the financial advisory industry.

What I admire most about Doug is his honesty and integrity. He is a fierce advocate for his clients, always going above and beyond to ensure they understand their options and make informed decisions. His transparent approach fosters trust and reassurance, allowing clients to feel confident in their financial journeys.
If you are looking for a financial advisor who is not only knowledgeable and experienced but also genuinely cares for his clients’ well-being, I wholeheartedly recommend Doug. It is a privilege to work alongside someone of such high caliber.

Dave Gaudet
Partner, Stafford, Gaudet & Associates, LLC

"[Doug] is cultivating future leaders and raising the bar for our profession"

I have had the privilege of knowing Doug Howes as a mentor, leader, and colleague since 2019. What immediately strikes you about Doug is his genuine passion for developing others - whether it is his clients, his team, or fellow professionals in our industry. He is not just building a wealth management firm; he is cultivating future leaders and raising the bar for our entire profession.

Doug has this remarkable ability to see potential in people and situations that others might miss. He consistently generates innovative ideas and approaches, not for personal gain, but to create better outcomes for everyone around him. His leadership style at Sapphire Wealth combines deep planning expertise with an authentic, down-to-earth approach to explaining complex concepts. But what is truly special is how he takes the time to share his insights and experiences, helping others grow and succeed along the way.

What sets Doug apart is his unwavering commitment to doing what is right, regardless of who is watching. His integrity is not just a professional stance – it is clearly a personal value that shapes how he leads, mentors, and serves clients. The coaching conversations I have had with Doug have been transformative, not just for my professional growth, but for how I think about leadership and service to others. Having experienced Doug's impact firsthand, I can say with confidence that whether you are a client, team member, or fellow professional, an interaction with Doug leaves you better equipped and inspired to make a positive difference in your own sphere of influence.

Divisional Manager 
With a nationwide TAMP

"Their commitment, service, and delivery to clients is a benchmark"

Doug's commitment to quality and authenticity with his marketing and communication strategy is truly awe-inspiring. He consistently goes above and beyond to make complex topics easy to understand and approachable, ensuring that every client feels informed and empowered.

The hallmark of a great advisor is their ability to deliver powerful messages and exceptional service, even if it were just with handwritten notes and a rotary dial telephone. However, effective communication with larger audiences now hinges on the quality of the tools that amplify your message. The better the tools, the more efficiently you can convey those critical communications, freeing up valuable time to focus on serving your clients. This is precisely why Doug partners with some of the most prestigious businesses in the industry. These advanced tools enable him to save time and better serve those who have entrusted him with their wealth.

As someone who collaborates behind the scenes with Doug and his team on their digital communication strategy, I can attest to their dedication to providing the best content and using the best tools to ensure their message is heard. Their commitment, service, and delivery to clients is a benchmark that my team often uses for other financial professionals as an example of how it should be done. This is what success and caring and service looks like.

Having worked with thousands of financial professionals over the past decade on their marketing strategies, I can confidently say that there is no other firm quite like Sapphire Wealth. Doug and his team are open to suggestions and eager to explore new ideas. What we've discovered is that his message has become clearer, simpler, and most importantly, it remains authentically Doug and Sapphire. It's truly a pleasure to be part of such an innovative and client-focused team!

William Gunn
Concierge Service Manager, FMG Suite

"An instrumental link in holding our group accountable to their goals"

My first introduction to Doug was memorable as he has a particular way of getting to know who you truly are as a human being, not solely a colleague or a client.

Doug and I have known each other for the better part of a decade through our Redhawk Study Group. He is open and eager to utilize the best the industry has to offer. We are also in the same accountability group within Redhawk. I state this because Doug is an instrumental link in holding our group accountable to their goals. It is one of the character traits that I most admire about him. Create a goal, work towards the goal, complete the goal!

As an advisor myself, how you interact in your relationships is important and unique to each one of us. Doug cheers you on through your goals and is always there to assist when you need the support to push through. I believe this coaching makes him an exceptional advisor. I have always been impressed with the work ethic and commitment that Doug displays. For example, his annual reviews. He has walked through the process with us and is committed to every client. He has shown what it means to become “a world class business.”

Maureen McShane
Chief Executive Officer
Capital Investment Management, Inc.