Our Legacy

Bill Brooks (pictured right) retired from his position as Secretary Treasurer of Codell Construction in 1974. He dabbled in real estate until 1976 when he transitioned to investing, opening an office in Winchester for a small Louisville firm called Almstead Brothers.

At that time, Mr. Brooks and his daughter Betsy Brooks began new careers in the wealth management industry, not yet knowing that they were creating a partnership that would span three generations.

Following her graduation from Transylvania University, Betsy Brooks began her career as a stockbroker. Betsy has often said that looking back on her younger self, she was “too naïve at that point to realize [she] was in the sales business,” but that it suited her personality. Regardless of her initial naivety, Betsy had a distinguished career in the business over the next 46 years. She was passionate about educating women on investing and was a strong believer in bond ladders.

Betsy and Bill moved their practice to Prescot, Ball, and Turben around 1978 and later transitioned to Hilliard Lyons in 1980 and moved the office to Lexington.

In 1998, George Brooks joined his sister, Betsy, in furthering the family business. Prior to joining the practice, George worked as in house council for Kentucky Utilities. His legal background added another layer of complexity to the advice they gave clients. Many clients have remarked on George’s kind and patient nature, as he always took the time to listen and help them understand their finances.

Eighteen years later, George’s son John joined the family business. John spent the first part of his career working in accounting as a CPA in Washington, DC. He began as an auditor with Deloitte and later transitioned to a local tax firm when he realized he enjoyed the relationship side of the business. When John decided to return home to Lexington in 2016, he evolved his career from tax to wealth management, joining his dad and aunt in the Brooks Bulleit group.

During John’s third year in the practice, Baird acquired Hilliard Lyons in 2019. During the transition, the Brooks Bulleit group took advantage of the advances in technology Baird provided to facilitate better planning and investment management for their clients.

In 2021, the team expanded beyond family and extended an invitation to Blair Coffman Martin to join the practice. Blair had an established rapport with the Brooks family, having grown up across the street from John and George. Blair and John’s unique relationship led the Brooks Bulleit group to inherently trust Blair with their business. Prior to Blair returning home to Lexington and joining the group, she spent the first two decades of her career in New York City and San Francisco.

Following respected careers, George and Betsy retired together at the end of 2022 with a combined 70 years of industry experience. They entrusted their business and legacy to John and Blair who have continued to grow the now Brooks Martin practice.

While the firm and team names have changed throughout the years, the core values of our business instilled in 1976 remain consistent today. We always strive to do what is best for clients and honor this legacy of thoughtful planning and investment advice.