Broker Check


The Werkman, Sawyer, Ladd & Hulst Group was recently named a FORBES | SHOOK Research
Best-In-State Wealth Management Team for 2026
by one of our industry's most respected national ranking organizations.

Published 01-07-2026; Ranking Data as of 03-31-25.

THE WERKMAN, SAWYER, LADD, AND HULST GROUP

Our clients prefer our team of experienced and credentialed financial professionals to quarterback their financial affairs. Underlying our expertise is a unified purpose to optimize your finances and way of life. From coast to coast, clients entrust us with over three quarters of a billion dollars of investment assets.

Meet Our Team
Services<br/>

Services

We help you navigate pivotal life transitions and financial goals: retirement planning, business exit planning, estate planning, long-term care planning, investment management, and advanced planning.

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Team &#38; Approach

Team & Approach

Retirees, business owners, corporate executives, and families alike appreciate our powerhouse of expertise and collaboration.

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Resources

Resources

We empower you to run alongside our team via quick links for market insights, an extensive financial library, and easy-access client guides and forms.

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Employee-Owned Culture

Employee-Owned Culture

Being part of an employee-owned firm gives us the freedom to place your interests first –– without answering to outside shareholders. This culture has led to Baird being one of the FORTUNE® 100 Best Companies to Work For® since 2004.

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Our advisors are just a click or call away.

View Our Bios

Gary Werkman, JD, CFP®

Director | Senior Investment Consultant

616-546-6700

gwerkman@rwbaird.com

Gary has no regrets about transitioning from a law career into wealth management decades ago. Right out of law school, he knew he preferred working with clients on a long-term basis, as a trusted advisor. To this day, clients seek him out regarding financial strategies that can help them enhance their quality of life, as well as weather life changes and market challenges.

He has over 30 years of financial planning experience, and especially enjoys retirement income planning, estate planning, and portfolio design and monitoring, supported by accountability.

He received his BA degree from Trinity Christian College and his JD from DePaul University College of Law. He is also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner.

Gary’s community involvement spans multiple terms on the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Board of Directors, the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Foundation Board of Governors, the Hudsonville Christian School Foundation Board, and other faith-based boards in West Michigan.

When Gary catches a moment of free time, you’ll find him traveling with his wife and their four children, and/or swimming, reading, or skiing.

Guy Sawyer, CFP®

Director | Senior Investment Consultant

616-546-6700

gsawyer@rwbaird.com

An education in philosophy and complex problem solving and an early career in ministry, fundraising, and counseling set Guy on his unique path of investment management and overall wealth management. This blend of capabilities gives him a holistic perspective on client financial assets––from their marketable investments to their business and real estate investments, as well.

His expertise centers on collaborative leadership, bringing together the best possible team solutions for each client, and coaching clients on how to effectively transfer their wealth for the benefit of their families and/or communities. Additionally, dozens of business owners can speak to Guy’s positive impact on the value of their businesses—ranging from his advice on ownership and management transitions to his management of their financial affairs as they enjoy retirement.

Guy earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Wheaton College and studied Philosophy of Religion at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School––both in Illinois. Throughout his career of 25+ years, he’s earned these additional recognitions: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (heightening his expertise in tax planning, estate planning, and investments), Certified Exit Planning Advisor, and Advising the Family Enterprise (at the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University).

He and his wife Donna are active supporters of Young Life and attend Crossroad Bible Church in Grand Rapids. 

In his free time, Guy works on his golf game, staying in shape, and adding more books on neuroscience and World War II history to his personal library. Guy and Donna reside in Holland, Mich., enjoying its natural beauty along with time spent with their adult children, Joseph and Sara.

 

Thomas R. Ladd

Director

616-546-6700

tladd@rwbaird.com

From his early career days in community banking to his recent years as a wealth management director, Thomas has been arming clients with an elevated understanding of their unique financial goals and challenges. He listens first and then guides each client through the financial strategies best suited for their desired outcomes.

Small business owners, retirees, and individuals nearing retirement value Thomas’ ongoing expertise, as well as his combined style of accountability and empowerment.

His current community involvement includes serving as the board chair for Muskegon Catholic Central and being a member of the Muskegon Catholic Education Foundation Investment Committee. Previous service roles include board membership for the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra, St. Mary’s Catholic School, and Grand Haven Rotary.

Thomas and Jennifer, his cherished wife of 30 years, have five daughters and one granddaughter. Together, they enjoy attending family sporting events and golfing.

 

Brad Hulst, CFP®, CPWA®

Vice President

616-546-6700

bhulst@rwbaird.com

Brad’s always enjoyed the process of planning, which is what led him into a wealth management career. Since joining Baird in 2006, he’s found deep fulfillment in helping people plan for great financial outcomes that lead to increased stability. The constant changes in people’s lives, financial markets, planning strategies, and technology are many. Brad’s always ready to help clients sort through the information that’s important to their unique situations, and provide peace of mind along the way.

Intent upon providing the best service possible, Brad is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Certified Private Wealth Advisor®, which focuses specifically on high-net worth planning strategies. Additionally, he successfully completed the Yale School of Management Wealth Management and Theory program, and earned his BBA degree in both accounting and finance from Grand Valley State University. He had the opportunity to study international business abroad at Kingston University, just outside of London.

Brad lives in Holland, Mich. with his wife Kelli and their three kids. In his free time, Brad enjoys running, reading non-fiction books, boating, watching basketball, and attending his children’s various activities.

Get more than a wealth management advisor. Get a dedicated, collaborative team that’s unified toward your best financial solutions.

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