Trey Wilkinson, President & CEO, Trinity Legacy Partners

In an interview with Invest:, Trey Wilkinson, president and CEO of Trinity Legacy Partners, highlighted achieving record assets under management of $458 million in 2024 and targeting $500 million in the near future. He credited the firm’s growth to client-focused investment strategies and the adoption of AI for faster financial analysis. “Houston is a city of opportunity. It’s where innovation meets action,” he added.

What were the key milestones for Trinity Legacy Partners over the past year?

We ended 2024 with record assets under management, reaching approximately $458 million — our highest to date. This growth came from both new client acquisition and the expansion of assets within our existing client base. We also added a new full-time employee, bringing our team to eight. It was a strong year for the firm, and I’m incredibly proud of our team’s contributions.

What makes Houston an ideal location for your firm?

Houston is the best city in the world for entrepreneurship. I’ve said it before, but you don’t hear the word “can’t” here. We built the first domed stadium, put a man on the moon, and turned a bayou into the nation’s third-largest port. Houston has an entrepreneurial spirit — it’s about opportunity, taking smart risks, and building something great. The city doesn’t care where you came from; it cares about what you plan to do. It’s a wonderful place to live, work, and grow a business.

It’s a remarkable, open, and collaborative city. Its growth has been fueled by a culture of innovation and a welcoming spirit for people from all walks of life. We’re proud to call Houston home and to contribute to its thriving business community. I believe Houston’s best days are ahead, and I’m excited for what the future holds, both for our city and for our firm.

How would you describe the financial and wealth management landscape in the region?

Houston has always been known as an energy hub, but it’s also home to a strong and underappreciated financial sector. I used to work for AIM Investments, which became the 10th largest mutual fund company globally before merging with Invesco. There’s a legacy of successful, independent investment firms here, and the University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business is producing outstanding finance talent. You don’t need to go to New York or Dallas for world-class financial expertise; it’s right here in Houston, and that’s something we should promote more.

What additional sectors are driving Houston’s growth?

Energy and healthcare are the biggest, but NASA and the space industry remain vital. Houston is Space City — the first words spoken on the moon were “Houston,” after all. There’s also continuous commercial development. I’ve been here since 1988, and I’ve seen neighborhoods transform through cycles of growth — Montrose, East Downtown, and Sugar Land, to name a few. Technology and AI are also emerging sectors, with significant growth in data centers west and north of the city due to available land. Houston is a city of opportunity. It’s where innovation meets action.

Have there been any adjustments to your daily liquidity investment strategy?

Liquidity remains central to our approach. We focus on investments that can be accessed or sold daily, providing clients with flexibility. This sets us apart from private equity, real estate, or private credit plays, where money can be tied up for years. Our clients know that if they need their money tomorrow, they can get it. At the same time, we structure portfolios to generate strong dividend income. It’s a space we know well, and it continues to be a winning strategy for our clients.

How will the new presidential administration impact your business and clients?

A more business-friendly environment, particularly for domestic energy exploration and mergers and acquisitions, could be a significant boost for Houston. We have the natural resources to become energy independent, and I think we’ll see policies supporting that goal. With the new administration, we may also see a stronger focus on making deals, both globally and domestically. There’s a sense of optimism here in Houston that the business climate will be more favorable, and I think that’s justified.

How is the firm using technology to enhance its operations and investment strategies?

We’ve invested heavily in technology to streamline operations and improve analysis. We use AI to analyze financial statements quickly, identify trends, and support our investment thesis, which focuses on companies whose earnings are exceeding Wall Street expectations. We also hired a dedicated data analyst to help us crunch numbers more effectively. Technology is helping us get information faster and more efficiently, which allows us to make better investment decisions.

How is Trinity Legacy Partners engaging with the local community?

Community involvement is a core part of our firm’s values. I remain active with the University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business, serving on advisory boards for both the business school and the Cougar Investment Fund, which gives students real-world experience managing actual investment portfolios. Within the firm, we identify five charities to support annually and invite our clients to vote on how the donations are distributed. In 2024, we supported Folds of Honor, Special Olympics, Inspiration Ranch, Goodwill, and The Women’s Home. We also support the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which is terrific. Houston has a rich tradition of giving back, and we’re proud to be part of it.

What are your top priorities for the next two to three years?

A major milestone for us will be surpassing $500 million in assets under management — that’s half a billion dollars, and it will be a significant achievement for our firm. We grew by about $100 million last year, and we aim to keep that momentum going. Our priority is always helping clients reach their financial goals through prudent investment management. Additionally, we’re focused on building our team and creating opportunities for our employees to grow professionally. Most importantly, we never lose sight of the fact that we manage our clients’ money — not ours — which guides every decision we make and, ultimately, drives our growth through client referrals.