Our story
Built on Trust. Driven by Purpose.
Founded in 2008, Optimus Advisory Group was built on a foundation of experience — Paul and Steve each began their careers as financial advisors in 1994, bringing over a decade of hard-won insight to the firm they created together.
Our mission
Protecting What You've Worked a Lifetime to Build
We founded Optimus Advisory Group with a simple belief: every investor deserves the same level of sophisticated, actively managed strategies that were once reserved for institutions and the ultra-wealthy.
For couples approaching or living in retirement, the stakes are high. A single market downturn at the wrong moment can derail decades of careful saving. That's why we built a firm centered on risk management first — and growth second.
As fee-based advisors, we hold ourselves to a fiduciary standard in everything we do. That means your interests always come first — no commissions on any securities products, no conflicts, no hidden agendas.
Fee-Based Advisors
No commissions on any securities products — our advice is never influenced by what pays us more
Fiduciary Standard
Ethically obligated to act in your best interest at all times
Advisors Since 1994
30+ years of combined advisory experience navigating every kind of market
Our journey
30 Years in the Making
From our first days as advisors in 1994 to a two-office firm serving clients nationwide.
Independent Beginnings
Paul Hewitt and Steve K. Rumsey each began their careers as financial advisors independently — developing the discipline and client-first values that would eventually define Optimus Advisory Group.
A Partnership Forms
Paul and Steve met and quickly recognized a shared philosophy: that investors deserve active, risk-managed strategies — not a passive approach that simply hopes markets go up. The seeds of Optimus were planted.
Going Fee-Based
We made the deliberate decision to move to a fee-based model — eliminating commissions on securities products entirely so our advice would always be driven by what's best for our clients, never by what pays us more.
Optimus Founded — and Tested Immediately
Optimus Advisory Group was established in Southern California. Within months of opening, the 2008 financial crisis arrived. While many investors suffered devastating losses, our risk-first approach helped clients weather the storm with significantly reduced exposure.
Steady Through the COVID Shock
The COVID-19 market shock tested every strategy. Our active management process allowed us to respond quickly — reducing risk before the worst of the drawdown and repositioning for the recovery that followed.
Expanding to Tennessee
Steve K. Rumsey opened our Middle Tennessee office, extending our reach to serve clients across the Nashville region and surrounding communities.
18 Years. Two Offices. One Team.
From our California and Tennessee locations, we continue to serve individuals and families with the same commitment to disciplined, risk-managed investing that has defined Optimus since 2008.
1994
Independent Beginnings
Paul Hewitt and Steve K. Rumsey each began their careers as financial advisors independently — developing the discipline and client-first values that would eventually define Optimus Advisory Group.
2001
A Partnership Forms
Paul and Steve met and quickly recognized a shared philosophy: that investors deserve active, risk-managed strategies — not a passive approach that simply hopes markets go up. The seeds of Optimus were planted.
2006
Going Fee-Based
We made the deliberate decision to move to a fee-based model — eliminating commissions on securities products entirely so our advice would always be driven by what's best for our clients, never by what pays us more.
2008
Optimus Founded — and Tested Immediately
Optimus Advisory Group was established in Southern California. Within months of opening, the 2008 financial crisis arrived. While many investors suffered devastating losses, our risk-first approach helped clients weather the storm with significantly reduced exposure.
2020
Steady Through the COVID Shock
The COVID-19 market shock tested every strategy. Our active management process allowed us to respond quickly — reducing risk before the worst of the drawdown and repositioning for the recovery that followed.
2022
Expanding to Tennessee
Steve K. Rumsey opened our Middle Tennessee office, extending our reach to serve clients across the Nashville region and surrounding communities.
Today
18 Years. Two Offices. One Team.
From our California and Tennessee locations, we continue to serve individuals and families with the same commitment to disciplined, risk-managed investing that has defined Optimus since 2008.
What we stand for
Our Core Values
Fee-Based & Fiduciary
As fee-based advisors, we are ethically obligated to act in your best interest — always. We earn no commissions on any securities products we recommend, so our advice is never influenced by what pays us more.
Active Management
We don't set it and forget it. Our team monitors markets continuously and adjusts your portfolio as conditions change.
Transparency
You'll always know what we're doing and why. Clear reporting, plain-language explanations, and open communication are non-negotiable.
Long-Term Partnership
We're not transactional. We build lasting relationships with our clients — because your financial journey doesn't end at retirement, it evolves.
Ready to Put 30 Years of Experience to Work for You?
Let's have an honest conversation about your financial goals — no obligation, no pressure.
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