Schedule Your Free Retirement Review with Bellerophon Today
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For Charleston Business Owners Worried Their Success Won't Translate to Retirement...
Give Me 30 Minutes—I'll Show You When You Can Retire, How Much Income You Could Have & How To Catch Up Even If You're 10+ Years Behind...
Give Me 30 Minutes — I'll Show You When You Can Retire, How Much Monthly Income You Could Have, And How To Catch Up Even If You're 10+ Years Behind...
Book Your Complimentary 30-Minute Retirement Readiness Review with a Local, Certified Fiduciary Advisor Trusted by Small Business Owners in Charleston for 12+ Years.
Book your FREE Retirement Review with Charleston's only CMT Certified small business advisor – our typical clients retire by 65 with $8K-$12K monthly income.
Find Out When You Can Retire, How Much Income You Could Have & How To Catch Up—Even If You're 10+ Years Behind
No sales pitch—I listen, take notes, and see how I can help get things done.
You Built the Business—But Will It
Fund Your Retirement?
You Built the Business—But Will It Fund Your Retirement?
Dear Charleston Business Owner,
Tired of working 60-70 hour weeks and still not knowing if you'll have enough to retire?
Worried you're 10+ years behind on retirement savings with no clear way to catch up?
Afraid you'll have to work until 75—or sell your business for less than it's worth?
Scared you'll lose your best employees to competitors with better benefit plans?
You're not behind because you failed.
You're behind because you've been getting W-2 employee advice that doesn't fit your lifestyle.
Like many Charleston business owners, I've seen firsthand how traditional financial advice fails entrepreneurs. Generic 401(k) strategies. Cookie-cutter SEP-IRAs. Advisors who don't understand that 80% of your wealth is trapped in your business.
Meanwhile, you're watching your corporate friends retire comfortably at 62 while you panic and wonder if your business will even sell.
It doesn't have to be this way.
👋 Hey, I'm Trent Derrick
Founder, Bellerophon Wealth Management
For 12+ Years, I've Helped Charleston Business Owners Retire by 65 – Not 75
How?
By using specialized strategies designed specifically for entrepreneurs.
You see, I discovered that the key to business owner retirement isn't working harder or saving longer—it's using the right vehicles.
Cash Balance Plans that let you contribute $200K-$300K annually instead of $66K. Tax optimization strategies that could potentially save you $40K-$50K per year. Exit planning that could increases your business value by 30-40% before you sell. Employee benefits that your employees actually want.
But finding the right strategies, building a real plan, and actually implementing it can feel overwhelming—especially when you're already running a business 60 hours a week.
That's why I founded Bellerophon Wealth Management. To help business owners like you fast-track your way to the retirement you've earned.
Whether you plan to retire in 20 years, 10 years, 5 years, 2 years, or even in the next 6 months…
I invite you to a Free 30-Min 'Retirement Readiness' Review.
Imagine a World Where You Could...
Retire by 62-65—on your terms, with enough income to actually enjoy
Potentially sell your business for 30-40% more with a proper exit plan
Add up to $250K+ in savings annually without strangling cash flow
Catch up on 10-15 years of retirement in as little as 3-5 years
Retain your best employees—with benefits that compete with the big guys, but also within your budget.
Finally feel like the business works for you—not the other way around
Leave a real legacy—protect your spouse, your kids, and your peace of mind
That's the world I want to help you create, starting with a free 30-Minute Retirement Readiness Review.
In just 30 minutes, I'll show you how we can build a personalized retirement plan tailored to your unique situation and goals.
You'll learn your 'Retirement Readiness Score'—when you can retire, approximately how much monthly income you'll have, and exactly what gaps need to be filled.
Plus, if you're a good fit, I'll map out the specific strategies to make it happen.
To book your free session, click the button below and start building the retirement you've earned.
Let me help you turn 20 years of business success into the retirement you deserve.
To your freedom,
Trent Derrick, CMT
No ‘sales pitch’ consultation. I listen, take notes,
and see how I can help get things done.
What Our Clients Say
"Trent is phenomenal! My husband and I have been with him for over 6 years, and I cannot express how fantastic he is in his communication, and financial guidance. We highly recommend Trent to those looking to seek financial gain to better their future."
Alexandra H.
"What separates Trent from all the others is his combination of expertise and genuine care. Communication is always prompt, transparent, and reassuring. It's rare to find someone who is both knowledgeable and truly invested in their clients' success. 100% recommended."
Ray H.
"Trent is by far the best financial advisor I’ve ever worked with! He truly cares about his clients and goes above and beyond to make sure you feel confident and supported every step of the way. He’s not just knowledgeable — he’s kind, patient, and genuinely wants to see you succeed."
Katherine R.
"Trent Derrick at Bellerophon Wealth Management has been my advisor for nearly 10 years. He’s responsive, proactive, and truly understands personal goals beyond the numbers. I trust him completely and highly recommend his team for comprehensive wealth management!"
Maria B.
"He is very knowledgeable and has the heart of a teacher. His goals, and achievements, are providing the customer with the best recommendations and advice in order to reach their desired potential"
William R.
"Trent is consistently available to answer my questions and provide clear guidance. I have been extremely satisfied with the level of service and expertise he provides. He is kind and easy to work with."
Amanda E.
Get the Retirement Clarity You've Been Missing When You Work With Us
Get Your Complete Retirement Readiness Score
Within 30 minutes, you'll know approximately when you can retire, about how much monthly income you'll have, and exactly what gaps need to be filled. This alone is worth the call. Most business owners have never seen these numbers clearly laid out.
Advanced Tax Strategies That Have the Potential to Save $40K-$50K+ Annually
We implement business-owner tax optimization your CPA might not know about – Cash Balance Plans, wealth extraction strategies, and deductions that actually apply to your situation.
Business Exit Plan That Maximizes Your Sale Value
We identify the 5-10 specific improvements that help increase your business value by an estimated 30-40% before exit – so your life's work has the potential to fund the retirement you've earned.
No ‘sales pitch’ consultation. I listen, take notes,
and see how I can help get things done.
1.) We Only Work With Charleston Business Owners. Period.
No W-2 employees. No retirees. No divided attention. Just business owners like you. We speak your language and understand challenges generic advisors may miss – irregular income, business-tied wealth, succession planning, and tax complexity.
2.) You Work Directly With Me (Trent). Always.
My cell phone number is in your contacts. When the market drops 800 points and you're panicking at midnight, you get an answer from someone who knows your entire situation—not a voicemail, not a junior associate, not a call center. Same person from first consultation to retirement day. That's the deal.
3.) Charleston's Only CMT® Exclusively Serving Business Owners
The Chartered Market Technician certification is held by only 3% of financial professionals. It's the same advanced market analysis used by hedge funds and institutional traders. I'm the only one in Charleston who uses it exclusively for small business owners.
Translation: I don't depend on "buy and hold" strategies, I use technical analysis to identify trends, spot opportunities, and help protect your portfolio during downturns.
4.) We Don’t Get Paid Unless Your Investments Are Growing
There’s no question where our loyalty lies. We’re compensated solely through a percentage-based model, typically 1% annually for accounts under $1 million, and around 0.75% for larger portfolios. The bigger your portfolio, the more we’re willing to negotiate. For business retirement plans like SIMPLE IRAs, we offer a reduced rate of 0.5% for participants’ accounts.
5.) Deep Charleston Market Knowledge
We understand what it's like to run a restaurant through hurricane season, navigate tourism ups and downs, and deal with Charleston's cost of living. Your plan is built for your specific market – not textbook advice from New York or anywhere else.
6.) We work with businesses of all sizes—from startups to established Businesses
At Bellerophon Wealth Management, we see you. As your small business financial advisor, we’re here to support entrepreneurs with the same dedication you pour into your business every day — providing the clarity and strategy only a trusted financial advisor for entrepreneurs can deliver. Regardless of whether you're just getting started or own a business that's been passed down for generations.
How It Works
Our process for retirement readiness
STEP #1
Book Your Complimentary 30-Min Retirement Review
Book a call with our founder Trent. In this 30-min review we'll explore your unique goals, assess your current situation, and lay the foundation for a personalized retirement plan. You'll receive your precise "Retirement Readiness Score" – when you can retire, estimate how much monthly income you'll have, and what gaps need to be filled.
STEP #2
We'll Build a Retirement Plan That Actually Works For You
Once we've defined your objectives, our team will craft a tailored retirement strategy. We'll discuss Cash Balance Plans allowing you to contribute up to $200K-$300K, tax-saving strategies that could save you thousands annually, and a business exit roadmap—while you focus on running your business.
STEP #3
Execute, Optimize, and Grow (Ongoing)
Trent will personally handle everything from quarterly reviews to exit planning, systematically building wealth outside your business until the day you retire. You get direct access to me whenever you need it – no junior associates, no phone trees, just answers.
No ‘sales pitch’ consultation. I listen, take notes,
and see how I can help get things done.
Why Charleston Business Owners Love Working With Bellerophon
"Trent is an exceptional financial advisor. He’s knowledgeable, thoughtful, and takes the time to truly understand your goals. He explains things clearly, offers honest and strategic advice, and makes you feel confident in every decision. As a small business owner himself, he brings a level of care and personal investment you don’t find at larger firms."
Trace C.
Business Owner In Charleston, SC
How Our Service Helps You Pursue Financial Freedom
Catch Up on Lost Time
We implement Cash Balance Plans that let you contribute $200K-$300K annually – helping catch up on 10-15 years of lost savings in just 3-5 years.
Potentially Save Thousands Annually in Taxes
Advanced business-owner tax strategies that your CPA might not know about – savings that could be re-invested into your retirement.
Maximize Your Business Value
We identify specific improvements that could increase your business sale price by 30-40% before exit – so you get every dollar you've earned.
Direct Access When You Need It
Text at 2 AM if you're worried. Call on weekends if news spooks you. No phone trees or junior associates – just immediate answers.
Know When You Can Retire
Turn vague hopes into concrete timelines – you'll know exactly when you can stop working and how much monthly income you'll have.
Charleston Market Expertise
We understand running a business through hurricane season, tourism fluctuations, and Charleston's cost of living – your plan fits your reality.
Diversify Beyond Your Business
We systematically move wealth outside your business so you're not trapped with 80% of net worth in one asset.
Specialized Business Owner Expertise
No generic W-2 advice. We only work with business owners like you—we speak your language and understand your challenges.
No ‘sales pitch’ consultation. I listen, take notes,
and see how I can help get things done.
Charleston's Respected Small Business Owner Wealth Advisor Since 2014
For over 12+ years, I’ve dedicated myself exclusively to helping Charleston small business owners retire comfortably. Specifically business owners like you who need specialized strategies—not generic W-2 employee advice that doesn't fit your life.
I believe true retirement security for business owners requires understanding what typical advisors miss: irregular income patterns, business-tied wealth, advanced tax optimization, and exit planning. As a fiduciary, every strategy I implement serves your best interests without conflict or compromise.
Whether you're catching up on lost savings, maximizing your business
value before exit, or finally getting clarity on "when can I retire?" – my process gives you the roadmap and confidence you need to move forward. You don't have to figure this out alone.
IMPORTANT
Delaying Specialized Financial Planning Could Stop You From Retiring On Your Terms
Time is your greatest asset as a business owner. Every year you wait to implement proper retirement strategies is a year of compound growth lost forever.
Right now, you could be overpaying thousands annually in taxes because your CPA doesn't implement the same business-owner strategies I can share with you.
That's money that should be building your retirement, not funding the IRS.
Generic W-2 advice doesn't work for business owners. Without specialized planning, you're stuck with a $66K SEP-IRA limit when you could be contributing $200K-$300K annually through Cash Balance Plans – potentially catching up on 10-15 years in just 3-5 years.
Your business value deteriorates without proper succession planning. Most business owners sell for 30-40% less than they could have because they waited too long to optimize.
Market timing matters for retirement planning too. Without professional guidance, you're likely making emotional decisions – panicking during downturns and chasing returns during rallies – that’s a strategy that destroys wealth.
Finally, your family depends on you. If something happens tomorrow, do they have a clear roadmap? Or just hope that your business eventually sells?
So, are you actually on track to hit the number you want to retire… or are you just guessing and hoping it works out?
You don't get a do-over. You have one chance to turn 20 years of business success into the retirement you've earned.
No ‘sales pitch’ consultation. I listen, take notes,
and see how I can help get things done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about working with us.
Can I actually trust you? How do I know you're different and won't screw me over?
I am a fiduciary advisor required to act in your best interest. No commissions. No product kickbacks. My only compensation comes from managing your assets well.
12 years exclusively serving Charleston business owners with a high client retention rate. I’m Charleston's only CMT-certified advisor specializing in business owners. Everything is verifiable – credentials, fiduciary status, local reputation
Do you actually understand small business owners, or will I get the same generic 401(k) advice?
We ONLY work with small business owners. That's our entire practice. We understand 80% of your wealth is trapped in your business, your income is irregular, and your retirement depends on a successful exit.
We implement Cash Balance Plans ($200K-$300K annual contributions vs. $66K SEP-IRA limit), coordinate advanced tax strategies with your CPA, and create succession plans that have the potential to increase business value 30-40%.
Can you really help me catch up? I'm 54 and way behind – is it even possible?
Yes, but act now. Cash Balance Plans let you contribute $200K-$300K yearly. Combined with tax strategies saving thousands annually, you have the potential to catch up on 10-15 years in just 3-5 years.
You're 54 wanting to retire at 65 – that's 11 years. This could be enough time if we're aggressive. Wait 5 more years and the math becomes exponentially harder. The window is closing.
Will this cost me a fortune when I'm already behind on savings?
Fees: 0.75%-1.25% of assets under management. On $500K, that's roughly $3,750-$6,250 annually.
Some of our clients have saved enough annually in taxes – roughly 7-12X our fees in tax savings alone. This has allowed them more than offset financial advisor fees.
How much work is this going to be? I barely have time to breathe.
Initial consultation: 30 minutes. After that, less than 2 hours per quarter. I handle paperwork, account setup, tax coordination, monitoring, and rebalancing. You show up for quarterly reviews and make big decisions – I execute everything else.
What if my business isn't worth what I think? Will you give me the hard truth?
Yes – even if it's lower than hoped. Once we know the real number, I create a plan to increase it. I identify 5-10 specific improvements that could increase your company’s value before exit.
A $500K business has the potential to become $650K-$700K. A $2M business has the potential to become $2.6M-$2.8M. The sooner you know the truth, the more time we have to better position your company.
How do I know this isn't just another sales pitch for products I don't need?
I don't sell products. No life insurance. No annuities. I am a fiduciary – my compensation comes from managing your assets well, period. Walk away without becoming a client, I make $0. The consultation is 30 minutes of honest answers. No obligation. No pressure.
Am I too small for you? Will I actually get real attention?
You're exactly who I built this for. You work directly with me, Trent Derrick. Not a junior associate. Me. Same person from first consultation to retirement day. I’d rather have 50 business owners I serve well than 500 clients treated like account numbers.
Book Your Complimentary 30-Minute 'Retirement Readiness' Review Today
I'll look at your current situation and we'll explore what strategies might make sense for you. No pitch. No pressure. Just an honest review to see how I can help.
Limited Spots Available: Updated 03/21/2026
Trent Derrick, CMT®
Founder, Bellerophon Wealth Management
Book Your Complimentary 30-Minute Retirement Readiness Review Today
I'll look at your current situation and we'll explore what strategies might make sense for you. No pitch. No pressure. Just an honest review to see how I can help.
Trent Derrick, CMT®
Founder, Bellerophon Wealth Management
No ‘sales pitch’ consultation. I listen, take notes,
and see how I can help get things done.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Investment Risk: All investment strategies involve risk including possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee that any strategy will achieve its objectives. Past performance does not indicate future results.
Cash Balance Plans: These plans involve significant administrative requirements, mandatory annual contributions, actuarial costs, and ongoing compliance obligations. They may not be suitable for all businesses. Failure to meet funding requirements can result in penalties. Professional guidance is essential before implementation.
Hypothetical Scenarios: All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. They do not represent actual client experiences or guaranteed outcomes. Individual results vary based on numerous factors including income, business structure, age, market conditions, and tax law changes.
Tax and Legal Advice: Neither LPL Financial nor Bellerophon Wealth Management provides tax or legal advice. Consult qualified tax and legal professionals regarding your specific situation before implementing any strategy.
Fees and Costs: All strategies involve costs and fees that should be evaluated carefully. Detailed fee information will be provided separately.
© 2026 Bellerophon Wealth Management. All rights reserved.
© 2026 Bellerophon Wealth Management.
All rights reserved.