By Trent Derrick, CMT®
After years working within the walls of traditional financial institutions, I realized something needed to change, not just for me, but for the people I serve. I wasn’t interested in pushing products, hitting quotas, or operating under someone else’s priorities. I wanted to give real, personalized advice rooted in what’s best for the client. That desire for clarity, independence, and integrity led me to create Bellerophon Wealth Management, a fee-only financial advisory firm based in Charleston.
Starting my own firm wasn’t just a business decision; it was a values decision.
Breaking Free From the Mold
Like many advisors, I began my career inside well-known firms, gaining knowledge and experience. But behind the polish and branding, I saw what clients didn’t always see: pressure to sell, constraints on which strategies we could use, and a constant tension between company interests and client needs.
I knew there had to be a better way. So in December, I stepped away from the familiar path and founded a firm where I could lead with purpose, not pressure.
At Bellerophon Wealth Management, everything begins with the belief that fiduciary financial advice should be independent, collaborative, and deeply personal.
Independence Isn’t Just a Business Model, It’s a Belief System
To be clear: I didn’t go independent so I could work less or answer to no one. I did it to answer only to my clients.
Being an independent, fee-only financial advisor means I’m not tied to selling financial products, earning commissions, or appeasing shareholders. I work directly for the people who hire me, including business owners and professionals who value clarity, trust, and transparency in their financial lives.
That independence gives me the freedom to:
- Choose the right clients based on shared values, not account minimums.
- Set transparent fees that reflect the value of the service, not hidden agendas.
- Recommend only what’s best, not what benefits anyone else.
This isn’t just how I operate day to day. It’s why I started this firm.
Why “Bellerophon”?
Greek mythology has always intrigued me, and the story of Bellerophon felt like the perfect metaphor for the kind of work I do. Bellerophon was the mortal hero who tamed Pegasus and rose to the skies—ambitious, disciplined, and courageous.
That’s what I help my clients do: harness their ambition, master financial complexity, and rise with intention. My clients are builders and people forging their own paths, and my job is to be the qualified partner who helps them stay the course.
The Clients I Serve
As a financial advisor in Charleston, I work closely with small business owners and professionals who are actively building something that matters. These clients don’t want generic advice. They want a partner who understands the stakes and respects their time.
They want strategy, not sales. They want someone who can navigate not just markets, but milestones, like selling a business, transitioning into retirement, or growing wealth with purpose.
Why Our Fee-Only Model Matters
At Bellerophon, we operate under a fee-only structure, typically charging 1% of assets under management (with discounts for larger portfolios and retirement plans). We don’t earn commissions, sell products, or get paid for anything that doesn’t benefit you directly.
That means when your portfolio grows, we succeed together. If markets drop, so does our compensation. That alignment matters. It means we’re always sitting on the same side of the table, focused solely on your long-term goals.
Built for Clients Who Think Differently
I didn’t start this firm to be the biggest. I started it to be the best fit for clients who value depth over volume, clarity over complexity, and relationship over transaction.
If you’re someone who thinks differently (someone who’s ready to take control of your financial future with a guide who shares your values), you’ve found your place.
Start the Conversation
Let’s explore what your future could look like with a fiduciary financial advisor fully in your corner. Contact me to schedule a no-pressure, get-acquainted conversation by emailing trent.derrick@lpl.com or calling 843-868-4042.
About Trent
Trent Derrick is a financial advisor and the founder of Bellerophon Wealth Management. He specializes in working with small business owners and professionals, providing comprehensive financial planning services including tax planning strategies, cash flow management, and retirement planning. As a Chartered Market Technician® (CMT®), Trent also brings deep technical market analysis expertise to help clients make informed investment decisions.
Trent obtained his bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston, studied economics at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, and is a Chartered Market Technician® (CMT®) professional. Outside of the office, he serves as a guest lecturer for the College of Charleston’s MBA program and acts as chairman of the Market Technician Association’s Charleston chapter. To learn more about Trent, connect with him on LinkedIn.
The opinions voiced in this article are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.
Bellerophon Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not offer tax advice or services.