For Chris Coleman, Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Clarendon Private, personal finance isn’t just about markets and math. It’s about people—what they value and how they see their future.
As a fifth-generation Rhode Islander, Chris brings an uncommon mix of perspective and presence to his work: equal parts generational insight, team mindset and local know-how. His great-grandfather owned and operated a real estate business that was passed down through the family, giving Chris an appreciation for the opportunities and challenges that come with not only owning a business but also building wealth across generations.
“I’ve seen firsthand the decisions families make and the tradeoffs they weigh when there’s a business involved,” he says. “That perspective helps me better understand where my clients are coming from, especially when their business is a significant part of their net worth.”
Leaving to Learn, Coming Back to Build
Though Chris left Rhode Island to attend college and launch his career, the pull of home was always there. After earning a B.A. from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania, where he majored in political science and played soccer and hockey, he spent a decade in Washington, D.C., working as a lobbyist for the confectionery and natural gas industries. He also earned a Master of Professional Studies from The George Washington University. “Washington was a great place to grow professionally,” he says, but the commitment to family and the Ocean State drew him back home.
When Chris and his wife eventually returned to his hometown of Barrington with their infant daughter, it wasn’t just to be closer to family. It was to build the kind of life they envisioned. As he says, “Barrington’s a small town, it has this incredibly tight-knit community and it’s a very special place to raise a family.”
Choosing Sweaters Over Suits
That strong sense of community inspired Chris to trade his conventional lobbyist job for a career that allowed him to make a direct impact on the people he works with. The boutique approach at Clarendon Private fit the bill. “When I lived and worked in D.C., I wore a suit every day,” he says. “I have about 10 of them hanging in my closet that I haven't touched since I moved back to Rhode Island.”
There’s also a level of quiet affluence in Rhode Island that Chris feels does not get talked about much—wealth built through family-owned businesses like industrial manufacturing facilities, auto body shops, or a pet food chain, he explains. “People here are generally smart with their money, and they value discretion, relationships, independence and trust.”
He believes trust is the most valuable currency between a wealth manager and their client. “The first question a client needs to ask is pretty simple: ‘Do I like this person?’ The next question is, ‘Do I respect this person?’ And finally—and most importantly— ‘Do I trust this person?’ They need to have confidence that they can count on you.”
Trust isn’t just a value for Chris, it’s a daily practice. “There are days when I pull into the driveway and my eight-year-old son is sitting on the front porch with his golf clubs, just waiting,” he explains. “If I told him we’d go to the driving range, I’m going to honor that commitment, no matter how long my day is. That’s what trust looks like. You say something, you do it.”
With clients, Chris leads with authenticity. “A lot of my clients are high-net-worth individuals and families who’ve built their success over decades. They’ve seen a lot, and they can tell quickly whether someone’s genuine or not. For me, it’s about listening before offering advice. You have to take the time to understand what makes each individual or family tick—their goals, their blind spots and their legacy.”
Leading Like a Coach, Listening Like a Teammate
As a former college athlete and now a volunteer coach for his three kids’ sports teams, Chris draws a direct line between the lessons on the playing field and the dynamics of a successful team at work. “Sports taught me discipline, how to lead, follow and bounce back from setbacks,” he says. “Coaching reminds me that every player—and every person—needs something different to thrive.”
He also views wealth through a multigenerational lens, shaped by his own experience growing up in a family where the business was handed down through the generations. “Wealth planning is about more than investments. It’s about legacy, impact, and communication, especially between generations. I want to help families have the conversations that matter.”
Investing in the Community
Chris’s understanding of legacy extends to how he shows up in his own community. He volunteers not just to give back to the place he loves, but to stay grounded in the lives of those around him. “It’s important for my kids to see that,” he says. “Community isn’t just where you live—it’s something you build, shape and give back to.”
During the summer, he and his family spend Sundays boating on the same coastal waters his family has appreciated for generations. He’s also a self-proclaimed history buff who enjoys documentaries and reading about American politics and global affairs. “That goes back to my time in D.C., and it definitely plays a role in how I think about markets and long-term planning.”
Other interests include music. “I’m probably dating myself,” he laughs, “but give me some Grateful Dead or Led Zepplin, and I’m good.” That down-to-earth personality resonates with clients who appreciate his approachability and his ability to cut through complexity.
He values making personal connections, sharing stories and working closely with clients as their trusted advisor. He says, “I want every client to feel like they’re being treated the way I’d want my parents or my closest friends to be treated.”
That mindset—treating every client like family, has been the foundation of Chris’ practice and has contributed to his success in working with multigenerational families, from the coastal waters of Rhode Island and all throughout New England.