Our People

Donald W. Ames, CLU, ChFC, Financial Planner  

A career spanning 38 years, Don has served over 1,000 individual and business clients as a financial services professional. In 1996, Don launched a successful financial services partnership, Ames & Weinheimer. As senior partner, Don provides wealth management, business planning and personal financial planning services. During Don's tenure he has been honored with numerous awards. Among the honors, Don was recognized as a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table, an insurance industry organization. From 1978-1990, Mutual of New York recognized Don as their associate of the year for Southeast Texas. From 1990 to present, Don has won additional recognition for his work with clients' investment accounts through his broker-dealer, Ameritas Investment Corp.

 Industry involvement is important to Don.  He has served on the board of directors for the Beaumont Association of Life Underwriters as well as the the Austin Association of Financial Planners.  Currently, Don is an active member of the Austin Estate Planning Council, and the Austin Association of Financial Planners.  Don earned his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation as well as his Chartered Financial Consultants (ChFC) designation in 1978 and 1992 respectively.  These designations were earned through studies with the American College. 

Don is very involved in the Austin community. For several years, Don has been a dedicated volunteer for The Samaritan Center for Counseling and Pastoral Care, a faith-based mental health organization. While serving on the Board of Trustees, Don developed the Minister's Cup, an annual golf tournament that brings area churches and its ministers together to raise money for The Samaritan Center's counseling services.

 Matthew Weinheimer, Financial Planner

Matt brings over 10 years of experience in investments, insurance, financial planning and wealth management. Matt has completed several securities examinations to include the Series 7, Series 24 and Series 63. Matt also holds a Group 1 insurance license in the State of Texas. He has completed the course work for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Matt graduated in 1997 from Texas State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration with a major in Finance. After graduating, Matt began working with Don Ames. Don and Matt had continued success working together to assist clients achieve their financial goals.

In 2002, Matt became a partner at Ames & Weinheimer. As a partner, Matt provides wealth management, business planning and personal financial planning services. Matt is instrumental in new business development. Currently Matt works with existing clients on a continual basis. Matt also reviews the clients' financial progress throughout the relationship.

Matt is very involved with the Austin community, most prominently with YMBL Austin Sunshine Camp where he has served on the Board of Directors for over four years. While serving as Alumni Coordinator, Matt co-established the YMBL Austin Sunshine Safari Event. Matt is the YMBL Austin past President. Matt is also involved in the Downtown Rotary.

 Matt MacWilliams,  Investment Advisor Representative

Matt MacWilliams provides fee-based financial planning*, and has been in the financial services industry in Austin, Texas, for 20 years.  Known as "Mac" around the office, he joined Ames & Weinheimer in spring 2005. He currently holds insurance and securities licenses in Texas and other states to be able to provide the various investment and insurance products needed, and is an Investment Advisor Representative with Ameritas Investment Corp, member FINRA & SIPC.   Matt also maintains relationships with professionals in other fields to help bring added expertise to specific cases when needed.

Matt's practice has evolved from initially catering to the life and health insurance needs of small business owners, to a comprehensive needs-based planning approach that addresses all aspects of risk analysis and investment planning.  His focus is to present a roadmap with clear action steps listed to help you reach your goals.   Matt works primarily in the areas of Personal Financial Planning and Business Planning. 

Continuing Education is important in every career, and to that end Matt has completed the University of Texas Certified Financial Planner Certificate program.  This is a comprehensive, in-depth course taught by local CFP's, CPA's, and Attorneys.  Matt passed the comprhensive 10 hour CFP® exam in November, 2009.

Matt helped organize  the Oak Hill STEP Chapter of BNI , a professional business organization focused on word of mouth referral marketing, and is a graduate of the Certified Networker Program.  Through his association with BNI, CNP, and his 20years in the financial services industry, he has a wealth of networking contacts that he can leverage for his clients benefit. 

Matt is a Board Member of The Samaritan Center For Counselling and Pastoral Care, and currently chairs the Capital Campaign Committee.
 

Matt and his wife Barbara Jo live in the Texas Hill Country near Dripping Springs. They both enjoy and support the arts and music in Austin.  Barbara is a Psychotherapist in private practice.  She is also deeply involved in the Austin dance community, and offers therapeutic movement groups.  Matt and Barbara enjoy spending time with their two grown children, Brandon and Laura, and have several pets, including Maggie, a Texas Blue Lacy.  Matt's hobbies include cross-country dirt bike racing, racquetball, music, golf, and camping.

David Johnson, Director of Operations 

*Through our affiliation with Ameritas Investment Corp.