Financial Planning

In 1982, Milo Hanke left a public relations job and bought a one-way ticket to San Francisco. At the time, he was closeted and working in an industry openly hostile to gay people. He knew building a future as himself meant finding a place open to reinvention.

In San Francisco, Milo began his career in financial services with a bold new vision. Back then, many “financial advisors” were stockbrokers pushing commission-based products. Real financial guidance was rare and often came with sales pressure.

Over the next decade, Milo worked at two firms, learning the business and avoiding sales quotas. He focused on creating a people-first approach to financial planning. For Milo, success meant serving clients with purpose—not just growing portfolios.

Early in his career, Milo faced the challenge of being a gay man in corporate America – a world where blending in was often seen as the only path to success. But blending in was never his style. He realized that the only way to build a career that aligned with his values was to be his own boss and create something different.

In September 1991, he took the leap and became an Independent Financial Planner with LPL Financial. Over the next 25 years, he built a practice that prioritized service over sales, moving away from commission-driven investment products and instead focusing on what actually benefits clients.

And he’s seen it all. From Black Monday in 1987 to the Dot-Com Bubble in 2000, the Mortgage Meltdown of 2007, and the COVID-19 Market Crash of 2020, Milo has guided clients through some of the most turbulent financial storms in history. These experiences reinforced what he knew all along: panic is never a strategy, resilience always wins, and smart planning makes all the difference.

By 2010, as the economy recovered from the mortgage crisis, HAWA was growing steadily. Milo, known for community support, often attended Golden Gate Business Association mixers. These events took place in San Francisco’s Castro district every month. The association was the nation’s first LGBT Chamber of Commerce. It attracted driven entrepreneurs—including a sharp-dressed board member named Manny.

At the time, Manny was balancing his role on the GGBA board with his work at a national bank, helping small business owners navigate their finances. Milo saw something familiar in him – an entrepreneurial spark, a passion for service, and a knack for making financial planning approachable.

So, he did what any good entrepreneur would do: invited Manny to lunch. What Manny didn’t know was that this casual meal was, in fact, a job interview in disguise. Not long after, he officially joined HAWA as a part-time administrative assistant – a move that would set the stage for something much bigger.

In 2015, Milo took the team to the national LPL Financial conference in Boston for a chance to connect with industry leaders, explore emerging trends, and, for Manny, realize just how few financial advisors looked like him.

That moment hit hard. Where were the advisors who understood the challenges of first-generation professionals? The ones who made financial planning feel approachable instead of intimidating? If the industry wasn’t offering that representation, Manny decided he would.

Fueled by that realization, he got to work. By 2018, he had earned a master’s degree in Financial Planning and completed his FINRA licensing. A year later, after countless late nights, hundreds of flashcards, and maybe one too many cups of coffee, he passed the rigorous CFP exam, solidifying his commitment to making financial guidance more inclusive, accessible, and human.

By 2017, it was clear: the financial industry was changing, and we were all for it. HAWA officially became a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), giving us the independence to serve clients without commissions, sales quotas, or outside influences.

Milo took it a step further by choosing not to renew his insurance license and effectively cutting ties with commission-based products altogether. No sales, no conflicts of interest – just straightforward, client-first financial planning.

In 2020, a challenging year for all, we welcomed Rafael Paschoal, MBA, as our Operations Manager. Rafael brought expertise and a fresh perspective during a highly uncertain economic period. His leadership helped guide us through market shifts and business challenges. Rafael is now completing coursework to become a Certified Financial Planner. His growth reflects HAWA’s commitment to progress and forward-thinking financial strategies.

In 2024, we made it official. Manny became a full partner, and Hanke & Co. Wealth Management transformed into Hanke & Apolonio Wealth Advisors (HAWA). It wasn’t just a name change – it was a reflection of the journey we’ve been on together, blending experience and fresh perspective into a modern, client-first approach.

With Manny stepping into a leadership role, we doubled down on our commitment to making financial planning more inclusive, approachable, and human.

Today, with over $145 million in assets under management, we continue to grow. But our mission remains the same: providing personalized, transparent advice that helps real people build real financial security.