We provide individuals, families, trusts, and corporations with a level of financial expertise and service that makes us a valued and trusted partner. We specialize in high-quality investment management services, with a focus on long-term, tax-efficient results.
Anchor Investment Management, LLC was founded in 2000, by W. Patrick Dorn, Jr. Pat decided to form Anchor after a 30-year tenure in the investment industry with Wachovia Bank.
Pat was thrilled to serve his clients with the new standard of a fee-only, fiduciary relationship. In 2002, he made his first hire, Margaret Ellen Pender, who still serves as a firm Principal today. Anchor is continuing to hire as our client base grows, ensuring that each client has two dedicated financial advisors and a client service associate.
In 2013, Anchor merged with Ward Financial Advisors, Ltd., a local firm with a lengthy history of success in the investment management field. Growth continued and in 2017, Anchor merged with Watkins Financial Group, LLC, a Columbia, SC, firm with a long history of financial planning and insurance expertise. The strategic combination of these two firms has provided an even greater depth of personnel, investment research, financial planning, and 401(k) knowledge for Anchor’s clients.
While our team is based in Columbia, SC, we have clients in 20 states and can provide impactful, long-term financial solutions wherever they may reside.
Our team works together to help our clients achieve outstanding results. With minds open to learning from one another and working hard toward a common goal, we bring the best we have to offer to the table each day.
Senior Relationship Manager
"I really enjoy helping others navigate through their financial journey and strive to make a positive difference in their lives."...
Investment Associate
"I value the trust and confidence our clients place in us, and it brings me immense joy when I know we've exceeded their expectations with our work."
Client Services Associate
"What stands out most to me about Anchor is the culture of putting clients first, supported by a genuinely selfless team."...
Controller
"This is a firm that values collaboration, integrity and long-term relationships—not just with clients, but within the team." ...
Principal
Pat Dorn Pat Dorn, CFA® Principal “I strive to develop the best company I possibly can.”...
Investment Associate & Lead Research Analyst
“Doing investment research and building portfolios is my passion here at Anchor.”...
Principal
“I enjoy working with all of our clients to help develop an infrastructure that will help them achieve a lasting legacy.”...
Senior Client Services & Insurance Associate
“Clients go where they are welcomed and stay where they are appreciated.”...
Client Services Associate & Estate Planning Coordinator
"I really enjoy working with a brilliant team of Estate Planning experts and find it rewarding that our clients recognize this as well."...
Director of Operations
“It is my goal to provide the best possible administrative support to our management team and clients daily."...
Principal
"I enjoy my job every day. We have terrific clients and wonderful teammates. The market always provides us challenges, but the relationships are the reward."...
Client Services Associate
"I value being part of a team that feels more like a family that is driven, supportive and focused on doing what’s best for clients and their families."...
Investment Associate
“I enjoy working with a team of professionals while helping to facilitate financial advice and a continuous learning experience for our clients.”...
Principal
“I’m most passionate about facilitating learning related to finances, helping people chart their goals and track their progress towards them.”...
Client Services Associate
“Working with a team whose focus is the best interest of the client is a constant reward."...
Senior Client Associate
“It has been over 30 years that I have been helping clients with their finances and I still enjoy it every day.”...
Principal & Director of Financial Planning
“Fitting together the pieces of each client’s financial puzzle in pursuit of their goals is what makes my job so rewarding.”...
Principal
"My mission is to help clients develop a very clear view of the financial components of their lives."...
CFP Board Emeritus®
“Put the best interest of the client first, and if you do that, everything else will fall into place.”...
Contact our team today to discuss how we can best help you achieve your financial goals.
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