Experience

Makes all the difference

At The Cumberland River Group, we are experienced financial advisors who work diligently to help business owners, corporate executives and their families step confidently into their financial futures.

James Nichols

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

A senior member of the Cumberland River Group, James provides highly customized advice, investment solutions and financial planning services to individuals, multi-generational families and business owners in Nashville and the surrounding areas, building on his work of more than a dozen years in private wealth management.

Dedicated to truly understanding his clients, James prides himself on the relationships he has nurtured over the years.  He strives to deliver an exceptional client experience as their chief financial advocate. His mission is to develop a comprehensive portfolio that integrates a client’s unique risk/return profile with estate conservation and tax planning strategies to help them ultimately achieve their financial goals and leave the legacy they desire.

James is a graduate of Hobart College in Geneva, NY with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.  He also completed studies at the Department of Entomology Graduate Program at University of California at Riverside, applying computer science and statistical modeling to ecological analysis.

A current resident of Nashville, Tennessee, James is actively involved in numerous non-profit and educational organizations. When he is not working directly with his clients or in the many organizations he supports, James enjoys sailing, traveling, and spending time with his two young daughters, Zinnia and Elizabeth, and his bride Travis Loller.

Registered States:
  • AL
  • AR
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • DE
  • FL
  • GA
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KY
  • LA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • MS
  • NC
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • PA
  • PR
  • SC
  • SD
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA

Recognized as an industry leader:

  • Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, 2019, 2022, 2023The Forbes rating is compiled by Shook Research and awarded annually in April based on information from a 12 month period ending June of the prior year.

Eligibility is based on quantitative factors and is not necessarily related to the quality of the investment advice. For more information on third party rating methodologies, please visit ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures

3102 West End Avenue
Suite 500
Nashville, TN 37203

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Michael "Ben" Sanford, CIMA

Senior Vice President–Wealth Management

Senior Portfolio Manager

Ben is a lifelong student of the markets and investing. He works closely with clients to develop comprehensive financial plans and build diversified investment portfolios. Ben enjoys forging good relationships with his clients and seeing them reach their desired milestones. By working with a relatively small number of families, Ben is able to deliver highly responsive service.

Ben provides planning, portfolio management and equity compensation plan guidance to corporate executives and professionals. He also works with business owners in helping them prepare for and execute a successful transition. The entrepreneurial and independent aspects of Ben’s career enable him to understand his clients’ needs and motivations.

Ever since he joined an investing club in the sixth grade, Ben has felt drawn to the markets. Over his 20 years as a financial advisor, Ben has witnessed extraordinary market cycles, including some of the worst declines in history. As a result, he prioritizes capital preservation and risk management, and seeks to design resilient portfolios for his clients.

While he thrives on the in-depth details of investing and planning, Ben finds the relationships with his clients to be the most rewarding part of his job.


Outside of work
Ben and his wife, Jelena, have three children. He enjoys flying airplanes, and earned his private pilot’s license in 2018. Ben is the founder and president of TopFlight Aviation, Inc., a Nashville-based flying club. He also enjoys playing tennis, cooking and spending time with his family. Ben helps in the community by serving as a Cub Scout den leader.


At a glance
– Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®)
– B.A. in economics, Mississippi State University

Registered States:
  • AL
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KY
  • LA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MS
  • NC
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • PA
  • SC
  • SD
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA

Education

  • Mississippi State University, B.A. in Economics

Credentials

  • Senior Portfolio Manager
  • Certified Investment Management Analyst®
3102 West End Avenue
Suite 500
Nashville, TN 37203

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Brandon Sullivan, CFP, CEPA, CSBC

Vice President–Wealth Management

Financial Advisor

Brandon has over 13 years of experience as a financial advisor. Brandon holds the designation of Corporate Stock Benefit Consultant and has an expertise of executive benefits and equity compensation plans. He designs and implements the financial plan to suit the lifestyle and legacy the family wants to achieve. He frequently spends time volunteering at local and national charities and currently serves on the Board of Directors at Hands on Nashville and a board member of the finance committee at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Franklin, TN. Brandon lives in Franklin, Tennessee and is married with two children. He enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid golfer and outdoorsman.

Registered States:
  • AL
  • AR
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • FL
  • GA
  • IA
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KY
  • LA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MS
  • MT
  • NC
  • ND
  • NH
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OH
  • OK
  • OR
  • PA
  • SC
  • SD
  • TN
  • TX
  • UT
  • VA
  • WA

Credentials

  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
  • Certified Exit Planning Advisor
  • Corporate Stock Benefit Consultant
3102 West End Avenue
Suite 500
Nashville, TN 37203

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Matthew Gentzkow

Senior Wealth Strategy Associate

An integral team member of the Cumberland River Group, Matt provides operational and administrative support for clients.  He helps meets their day-to-day needs and strives to earn their long term trust with his consistent, accurate work.

Dedicated to serving his clients, Matt is glad to deliver on his commitment to keep track of every last detail.  He strives to deliver an exceptional client experience. His mission is to continuously deliver the full resources of our firm to our clients.

Matt is a graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH, where he completed his Bachelors of Science degree in finance with a minor in economics.

Upon graduation from Xavier University in 2013, Matt joined UBS and relocated to Nashville.  He joined Cumberland River Group in 2015 and became an invaluable member of the team immediately. When not working or in the office, Matt enjoys spending quality time with his two children, Caroline and Noah, bride Brianne, and beloved puppy Cooper. All together, they enjoy exploring the exciting city of Nashville and being with family. 

Registered States:
  • AL
  • CA
  • CO
  • DE
  • FL
  • MD
  • ME
  • NH
  • OH
  • PR
  • TN
  • TX
  • VA
  • WA
3102 West End Avenue
Suite 500
Nashville, TN 37203

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Virginia "Nell" Hughes

Wealth Management Associate

As the team's Wealth Management Associate, Nell provides the initial point of client contact for all things financial and administrative. She specializes in anticipating client needs, providing solutions, and delivering proactive and responsive service.

Nell is a native of Jackson, MS. She earned her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Alabama and began her career at UBS in 2011. Nell currently serves on the UBS CSA Coaches Committee. As a coach, she trains other CSAs (Client Service Associates) in our area on processes and procedures while promoting best practices in client services and solutions.

Nell is a member of the Get Involved Committee at UBS and has served as project manager for numerous UBS Community Service events benefiting Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Special Olympics, United Way and many more.

Nell lives with her husband in Nashville, TN. She enjoys hiking, travelling, reading and loves animals.

Registered States:
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CT
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • IN
  • LA
  • MA
  • MD
  • MN
  • MS
  • NC
  • ND
  • NJ
  • NV
  • NY
  • OR
  • SC
  • SD
  • TN
  • TX
  • VA

Education

  • University of Alabama, Bachelor of Arts
6100 Tower Circle
Franklin, TN 37067

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Erin Thomas

Senior Client Associate

A valued team member of the Cumberland River Group, Erin provides administrative support to clients. She meets their day-to-day needs and assists with the administrative responsibilities aimed at helping clients achieve their goals.

Erin is dedicated to providing exceptional client service and strives to ensure that a client's experience exceeds their expectations. She recognizes consistent follow up and proactivity are fundamental to building trust and strengthening relationships.

Erin is a graduate of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, where she double majored in History and Environmental Sciences. She began her career in the financial services industry working as an Administrative Assistant for M. Safra & Co., Inc. in New York City. Before joining UBS in 2014, Erin worked for a private family endowment, where she helped organize and maintain daily operations.  When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul, attending Titans and Sounds games, playing golf and travelling.

Registered States:
  • PR
  • TN
3102 West End Avenue
Suite 500
Nashville, TN 37203

Email Me