The Fortress Team
The Fortress Companies is a unique collective of three specialized entities: Fortress Business Advisory, Fortress Financial Services, and Fortress Insurance Services.
Together, these companies operate as a Multi-Family Office (MFO), serving high-income families and business owners with a holistic approach to wealth management and business growth.
Meet the Team of Business Professionals
Brett Andrews
CEO & Business Advisor
Rebecca Andrews
Risk Analyst
Toree Gibson
Marketing and Business Development
Sara Hallam
Operations Coordinator
Randy Daugherty
Marketing Manager
Tara Groody
Business Analyst
Founder & CEO
Meet Brett Andrews
Brett Andrews is a business advisor with over a decade of experience in exit planning, business valuations, value building, and tax planning. With advanced training as a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Business Valuation Specialist, he helps business owners maximize their company’s value, structure efficient transitions, and implement tax-conscious strategies. His deep knowledge of business growth and succession planning allows him to create customized solutions that align with both business and personal financial goals.
Brett’s approach is grounded in proven methodologies, leveraging the Certified Value Builder system and the CEPA Value Acceleration Methodology™ to strategically enhance business value. By implementing targeted improvements, he helps clients maximize their company’s worth and achieve their financial objectives. His background in non-qualified planning also enables him to design executive compensation and employee retention strategies that support long-term business success. Whether guiding owners through a third-party sale, internal transition, or continuity planning, he brings a structured, data-driven approach that minimizes risk and enhances value.
As the owner of three companies, Brett brings a deep, firsthand understanding of the unique challenges that business owners encounter. This valuable experience, paired with his expertise in exit and succession planning, drives his passion for helping clients build sustainable, profitable businesses that thrive long-term. His process involves identifying inefficiencies, collaborating with other key advisors, and implementing strategies that position business owners for financial success.
As the founder of The Fortress Companies, Brett works closely with business owners to optimize operations, increase enterprise value, and ensure a seamless transition when the time comes. His hands-on, strategic guidance empowers business owners to take control of their financial future and achieve their long-term objectives.
Professional Business Designations
The Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) credential, held by Brett Andrews, is a designation awarded by the Exit Planning Institute (EPI). It signifies expertise in helping business owners plan and execute successful exits, whether through a sale, succession, or other transition strategies. CEPA® advisors take a holistic approach, integrating business, personal, and financial planning to maximize business value and ensure a smooth transition.
The Business Valuation Specialist certification signifies that Brett Andrews has advanced expertise in assessing the value of businesses. It equips him with the skills to provide accurate valuations, identify opportunities to enhance value, and help business owners make informed decisions about transitions such as sales, succession, or growth strategies. This credential ensures Brett can offer strategic, value-driven advice to maximize business worth and minimize risks.
Brett Andrews holds the Certified Exit Planner (CeXP™) credential, a designation awarded by the Business Enterprise Institute (BEI) that signifies expertise in exit planning for business owners. CeXP™ professionals are trained to develop comprehensive strategies that align business, personal, and financial goals, ensuring a smooth transition while maximizing value. This designation demonstrates a deep understanding of succession planning, risk management, and financial preparedness to help owners achieve a successful exit.
As a Certified Value Builder™, Brett specializes in helping business owners enhance their company's worth by identifying key drivers of value and implementing strategic improvements. His expertise in this proven system allows him to develop tailored growth strategies that strengthen financial performance, streamline operations, and position businesses for a successful transition.
As a Professional ExitMap Advisor, Brett Andrews leverages the proprietary ExitMap™ methodology to guide business owners through the intricate process of exit planning. This role underscores his advanced expertise in evaluating key factors such as value maximization, tax efficiency, and succession planning, enabling him to craft tailored strategies for each client's unique exit goals. Whether preparing for a sale, facilitating a smooth family succession, or exploring alternative transition strategies, Brett’s personalized approach ensures that every detail is managed with precision, helping business owners achieve a successful and confident transition
Professional Financial Designations
The Certified Wealth Strategist® (CWS®) designation reflects Brett Andrews' expertise in comprehensive wealth management strategies. With this certification, Brett is equipped to develop personalized, holistic strategies that address all aspects of his clients’ financial lives, including investments, tax planning, estate planning, and business succession. His approach integrates technical knowledge with a deep understanding of clients’ goals, ensuring that wealth is managed effectively to meet both current and future needs.
As a Non-Qualified Plan Consultant (NQPC™), Brett specializes in designing and implementing customized executive compensation and retention plans. By leveraging advanced non-qualified planning techniques, he ensures that businesses can attract, retain, and reward top talent while optimizing tax efficiency and long-term financial security. Non-qualified plans can significantly enhance the value of a business while offering often-overlooked tax strategies for business owners.
The Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA™) designation demonstrates Brett Andrews' expertise in retirement plan consulting and fiduciary responsibility. With this certification, Brett is trained to provide businesses with guidance on managing retirement plans in compliance with regulations, while ensuring the best interests of plan participants are met. His knowledge allows him to help business owners structure and optimize their retirement plans, offering solutions that balance employee needs with business goals, all while minimizing fiduciary risk.
