Cornerstone Advisor Group represents the merger of two successful financial firms: National Financial Services, Inc. (NFS) and The Abbate Agency (TAA).
Founded in 1904 by Samuel Rhodes Jr., NFS—originally known as The Virginia Agency of National Life Group—was led for over 50 years by the Richardson family. After W.B. Richardson and his son Jack, Eddie F. Hearp, CLU, ChFC, took over in 1981 through a succession plan with Jack. Eddie grew the firm into a regional powerhouse, known for his strong ties to Virginia Tech and his commitment to Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) values. In 2004, Eddie’s son, Todd F. Hearp, CLU, became CEO and expanded NFS into a dominant financial services provider across Southwest Virginia and North Carolina.
The Abbate Agency (TAA) was founded in 2005 by Robert “Bob” Abbate with a vision to build a faith-based community by offering financial products and services that align with clients' core values and beliefs. In 2018, Bob’s son, Nick Abbate, joined the firm and expanded its offerings by introducing holistic, faith-based wealth management services. By 2023, TAA had grown to become a leading Catholic Insurance and Investment agency in Virginia.
In 2024, after many years of friendship and collaboration, the Hearp and Abbate families decided to unite their expertise and resources, forming Cornerstone Advisor Group.
With over 200 years of combined experience, Cornerstone Advisor Group serves clients through an extensive network of financial professionals, tax experts, and attorneys. Our offices are located in Virginia and North Carolina, and we are expanding into South Carolina, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Maryland.
Wherever you are in life, we are here to add "Excellence in Life Planning"!
