Alan McClain: From Early Ambitions to Financial Leadership

Alan McClain’s journey into the world of finance began with humble beginnings and a determination to understand and help others manage money. Now a partner at Prime Capital Wealth Management, McClain has built a career focused on financial planning, wealth management, and client-centered service. In a candid interview, he shared insights into his path, the evolution of financial advising, and the importance of building trust with clients.

McClain’s interest in finance started when he was just 13 years old. “We didn’t have a lot of money, so I started working full-time when I was 13,” he recalled. “One of my best friends came from a wealthy family. I had to work for the things I wanted, and he didn’t. I was never envious, but I realized that if he didn’t learn how to take care of his money, he wouldn’t have it forever. That’s when I decided I wanted to help people understand money, respect it, and appreciate what they have.”

By the time he finished high school, McClain had already gained experience in accounting before earning a degree in finance. He secured an internship at an investment advisory firm in Texas, which eventually led to a full-time job. “The firm did both commission-based stockbroking and fee-based wealth management,” he explained. “I realized I didn’t want to be in sales, pitching the hot stock of the day. I wanted to focus on comprehensive financial planning.” When McClain informed his firm he planned to leave, they instead handed him the reins, allowing him to transform the business into a full-scale wealth advisory firm with multiple offices in Texas.

His career took another major leap when his firm was acquired in 2005 and became part of a startup that grew into the first national financial planning business in the U.S. “We had about a hundred offices around the country and 750 employees,” he said. “Goldman Sachs acquired us in 2019, and I became the longest-tenured advisor there.” However, in 2023, Goldman Sachs decided to exit the individual client business, leading McClain to join Prime Capital Wealth Management, a $25 billion firm based in Kansas City, where he now runs the Houston office.

As a partner at Prime Capital, McClain plays a dual role. “As a partner, I help shape the overall direction of the firm—new investment ideas, client acquisition, technology implementation, legal matters, and new services,” he explained. “Locally, I oversee the Houston office—hiring, office management, and working directly with clients, which takes up about 85% of my time.”

McClain emphasized the importance of financial advisors providing more than just investment advice. “AI and digital tools are great at handling investment basics, but they can’t replace human connection,” he said. “Everyone has a different background and experience with money. You need to understand the person, not just the portfolio.” He also pointed out the growing role of AI in estate planning and tax preparation, predicting that technology will soon handle many routine financial tasks, allowing advisors to focus on personalized planning.

One of the biggest challenges in the industry, according to McClain, is finding young professionals willing to put in the time to learn the craft. “With technology, it’s easy to see the end result and look for shortcuts, but when you’re dealing with people’s lives and finances, there are no shortcuts. It takes time and experience.”

Building long-term trust with clients is central to McClain’s philosophy. “The first thing I do is listen,” he said. “People might come in talking about performance or retirement, but my job is to understand what they really want—what will help them sleep well at night, what will allow them to spend more time with family, or give back to their community.” He described wealth management as more than just financial returns, emphasizing that a strong financial plan should reflect a client’s personal values and goals.

Reflecting on his career, McClain finds the most rewarding moments in helping clients achieve their dreams. “I’ve worked with clients who thought they’d never be able to retire, never be able to leave money for their kids or grandkids. Seeing them put a plan in place and get there—it’s incredibly rewarding,” he shared. “Money isn’t just about numbers. It’s about freedom, security, and making the most of our time.”

For students and young professionals aspiring to enter finance or entrepreneurship, McClain emphasized three key elements: education, practical experience, and mentorship. “Study math, accounting, and history—history is crucial because financial trends repeat,” he advised. “Work in small businesses to see how they operate. And find a mentor—someone you can learn from, even if it means doing the small tasks they don’t want to do.

The world is full of successful people willing to share their knowledge if you’re willing to put in the effort.”

McClain’s journey, from a small-town teenager working at a bike shop to leading a major wealth management office, is a testament to persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to helping others navigate their financial futures.

The 6 Degrees team extends its gratitude to Mr. McClain for sharing his inspiring journey and insights, and looks forward to his continued success in empowering individuals through financial literacy and personalized wealth management.