Heidi Wheatley founded Sponsor Growth Solutions to support and guide companies seeking to raise capital within the independent broker-dealer and RIA channels. With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry across the broker-dealer, RIA, and sponsor channels, she has successfully developed and executed sales strategies, resulting in the raising of hundreds of millions of dollars. Heidi is skilled at analyzing organizations to identify strengths and weaknesses, devising plans to address growth challenges, and implementing strategies to position alternative investment products within the independent broker-dealer and RIA channels. She excels in cultivating thriving corporate cultures, fostering long-term relationships with investors and stakeholders, and helping organizations achieve their objectives. Her prior experience includes building and leading high-performing teams, implementing capital-raising strategies for product sponsors, and enhancing the profitability of independent broker-dealers and RIAs. In 2021, she was named to the New York Real Estate Journal's Women in Commercial Real Estate for creating a distribution platform for Keystone National Properties' net leased DST offerings. Heidi holds a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and advertising from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and a Master's in Business Administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management in Atlanta.

Committed to giving back to her industry and community, Heidi serves on the Conference Planning Committee for ADISA, where she collaborates with industry leaders to develop educational sessions for attendees. She was awarded "Best Session" for "Part II: To 506(b) or not to 506(b) that is the 506(c) question" held during the 2023 ADISA Annual Conference and Trade Show. She served as the 2017 Chair of ADISA's Spring Conference and is a 506(c) working committee member.

Heidi is an active volunteer in her hometown of Atlanta, donating time and money to Meals on Wheels Atlanta, where she was named "2023 Volunteer of the Year", Big Brothers Big Sisters, French Bulldog Rescue Network, Girls on the Run, and Atlanta Lab Rescue.

Melissa Wendt brings nearly 20 years of experience in the financial services industry to Sponsor  Growth Solutions, where she supports the firm’s mission of guiding companies in raising capital within the independent broker-dealer and RIA channels. With a strong focus on national account services and solutions, Melissa’s expertise lies in creating and executing targeted business development and sales strategies to drive the profitable distribution of complex investment solutions.  

Her extensive industry network is a testament to her ability to establish and cultivate strategic relationships,  fostering a consultative, client-first approach. Throughout her career, Melissa has demonstrated a unique ability to simplify complex investment strategies, foster collaboration, and drive substantial sales growth.  Her leadership and contributions have earned her multiple awards and top rankings, underscoring her capacity to lead high-impact sales initiatives.  

Previously, as Regional Director with Horizon Investments, she was instrumental in promoting complex investment products across a 13-state region, achieving significant growth of 70% or greater increase in sales across the region. Her hands-on role in executing national account strategies, engaging with key influencers, and regularly participating in industry conferences, seminars, events, and workshops has further solidified her reputation as a leader in distribution.