Gwendolyn D. Hodges - Founding Principal

Gwen, originally from eastern North Carolina, began her journey into public accounting almost 35 years ago after taking an elective accounting course at Meredith College. Through this course, Gwen discovered her passion for accounting and decided to redirect the trajectory of her life from becoming a kindergarten teacher to following the numbers and joining the accounting world. While enrolled at Meredith College, Gwen became an intern at James A. Lucas and Company, LLP where she continued to work for the next 31 years, and served as a partner for the last 23 of those years.

While working at James A. Lucas and Company, LLP Gwen enjoyed working with small to medium-sized businesses over the years and learning about their needs. She developed a niche in estate planning and trust administration and developed a network of financial advisors, attorneys, and satisfied clients. Gwen’s greatest joy during this time was creating relationships with clients.

Gwen’s clients continually requested more guidance, advice, and help to understand their day-to-day functions and big-picture moments. This made her excited to be able to provide services that were important to clients, so she chose to step back from what she had built to better focus on a core set of clients with common goals and needs to make a difference in their lives. In order to accomplish this to the best of her abilities, Gwen branched out and created a new business alongside her business partner, Anna Hergenrader, with whom she has worked for the past 22 years. Gwen’s passion is to help business owners achieve lasting success and create a legacy for their families.

Throughout Gwen’s professional career she has also raised three children and made a life for her family in Raleigh. Gwen's daughter, Jenna, and her two sons, Jonah and Jordan, keep her busy most days. Gwen enjoys outdoor concerts, NC State football games, time at Kure Beach, trips to Disney World, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Gwen is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the North Carolina Association of Public Certified Accountants. She remains active as an Alumnae of Meredith College and attends Raleigh’s Devoted City Church.