About
Building Trust Through Values
Your choice of financial partner is one of life's most important decisions. At Tampa Bay Advisory, our values aren't just words on a page—they're the principles that guide every interaction, every recommendation, and every strategy we create for families like yours.
People First, Always
We believe that every individual is inherently valuable and deserves respect and integrity in all interactions. Strong relationships are the foundation of our business, and we prioritize trust and ethical engagement at every level. Our commitment is to serve people first while maintaining financial responsibility and excellence.
Unwavering Integrity
Trust is built through consistent actions and ethical decision-making. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, exceeding industry requirements to ensure transparency and accountability. Every recommendation we make is guided by the same care and diligence we would offer to our own families. When faced with decisions, we prioritize what is right over what is convenient, always acting in the best interests of those we serve.
Clear, Honest Communication
Financial planning should be transparent and easy to understand. We are committed to providing clear, timely, and accurate information, ensuring you stay informed and confident in every decision. Whether celebrating progress or addressing challenges, we communicate openly, so you always know where you stand and what to expect next.
Exceptional Service as Standard
Excellence is not a one-time effort but a continuous commitment. We strive for the highest level of professionalism and attention to detail in every interaction, from our warm welcome to our carefully tailored financial strategies. By maintaining exceptional standards, we strive for a consistently outstanding experience for those we serve.
Your financial future deserves a partner as committed to your success as you are. Let's build that future together.
Meet Your Advisory Team
Michael Watkins
As the Founder and Principal, Michael has strong ties to the Tampa Bay community and specializes in helping business owners, families, and individuals develop comprehensive financial strategies tailored to their unique needs and goals.
Learn more about Michael
Michael Watkins' journey to financial advisory reflects a career built on real-world experience, trust, and a genuine commitment to helping others achieve financial success. Since making Pinellas County his home in 1980, Michael has developed a deep understanding of business, relationships, and financial planning, which has shaped his approach as a Fiduciary Advisor.
Building a Foundation in Business
Michael began his career in the commercial construction industry, advancing to project manager where he not only managed projects but also forged lasting relationships with business owners across the Tampa Bay area. His ability to connect with clients and understand their challenges has been instrumental in his success as a financial advisor.
From Entrepreneur to Trusted Financial Advisor
Michael’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found a building maintenance company, which grew into a successful business with over fifty employees across two divisions. Later, he expanded into manufacturing, securing both a US Trademark and Patent. Through these ventures, Michael gained valuable insight into the complexities of business ownership, which he now applies to his work in financial advisory.
Transitioning to Financial Services
In 2010, Michael founded Tampa Bay Advisory, combining his extensive business experience with his passion for helping others. Today, as an Investment Advisor Representative with Virtue Capital Management in Nashville, TN he holds a Series 65 Registration and a Florida Life, Health, and Annuities license. He also holds several key professional designations:
- Registered Financial Consultant (RFC)
- Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP)
- Certified IRMAA Planner
These credentials highlight his dedication to providing clients with comprehensive, ethical, and informed financial guidance.
A Personalized Approach to Financial Success
Success Michael brings over 40 years of practical business experience to his role as a Fiduciary Advisor. He is deeply committed to offering clients clear, accurate, and transparent information to empower them in making well-informed financial decisions.
Deep Ties to the Community
Michael and his wife, Annie, reside in Dunedin, Florida, where they enjoy life with their three daughters and seven grandchildren. His long-standing roots in the Tampa Bay community drive his commitment to helping local families secure their financial futures.
"My diverse business experience has taught me that true success is more than just numbers—it’s about truly understanding my clients' goals and providing thoughtful strategies to help them work toward their financial aspirations." - Michael Watkins
Where Experience Meets Understanding
Rick Miller
As Senior Advisor, Rick brings decades of experience in retirement and estate planning to assist Tampa Bay residents in securing their financial futures. His expertise is focused on helping clients navigate the complexities of retirement, ensuring they can enjoy their retirement years with confidence and peace of mind.
Learn more about Rick
Rick Miller: A Trusted Advisor with Real-World Experience
Few financial advisors bring the depth and breadth of experience that Rick Miller offers his clients. His journey from the classroom to the boardroom has shaped a unique approach to protecting and growing family wealth, always with the goal of providing comprehensive, clear, and objective financial guidance.
A Strong Foundation in Education and Leadership
Rick’s educational background, with two Master's degrees and experience as a college instructor in English and Communications, provides him with the skills to simplify complex financial concepts. This foundation allows him to effectively communicate with clients, helping them understand their options and feel confident in the financial decisions they make.
Proven Success as an Entrepreneur and Financial Professional
Rick’s entrepreneurial experience gives him a unique perspective, having built a successful mortgage company with multiple locations and more than 55 employees over 17 years. His experience also extends to managing investment properties and providing financial planning and advisory services for over two decades. These experiences give him valuable insight into the challenges his clients face in both business and personal finance.
Credentials You Can Rely On
As an Investment Advisor Representative with Virtue Capital Management, Rick combines his business acumen with extensive professional credentials, including:
- Certificate in Financial Planning
- Series 65 Registration
- IRMAA Certified Planner
- Certified Dementia Practitioner
- Multi-state licensing in life insurance, long-term care, and annuities
A Fiduciary Dedicated to Protecting Families
As a Fiduciary, Rick is committed to acting in his clients' best interests, focusing not only on investment returns but on securing families’ financial futures. His passion lies in helping ensure surviving spouses are financially protected and can maintain their quality of life throughout retirement. Rick’s approach is client-centered: he listens first, advises second, and ensures every strategy aligns with each family's specific needs and goals.
Rooted in Family Values
Rick and his wife, Alison, have lived in Clearwater Beach for many years with their rescue Beagle, Connor. Their 46-year marriage and role as parents to two sons, Ben and Matt, deepen Rick’s understanding of the importance of financial security for families. He knows that every family's financial journey is unique, and his goal is to help clients achieve confidence and security for themselves and their loved ones.
""Every family's story is unique. My role is to help write the chapters that lead to financial confidence and security." - Rick Miller
Your Retirement Story Deserves a Custom Blueprint
Just as no two sunsets over Tampa Bay are exactly alike, no two retirement journeys follow the same path. Your dreams, your timeline, and your definition of financial confidence are uniquely yours – and your retirement strategy should reflect that.
Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Planning
Some dream of sailing the Gulf Coast, others of spending precious time with grandchildren, and many envision a blend of adventure and tranquility. Whatever your vision, we understand that cookie-cutter solutions rarely lead to exceptional outcomes.
Crafting Your Financial Future
This is where our expertise meets your aspirations. We take the time to understand not just your numbers, but your hopes, concerns, and what matters most to you and your family. Together, we'll create a retirement strategy as unique as your fingerprint – one that aims to protect your lifestyle while adapting to life's ever-changing tides
Let's transform your retirement vision into a reality you can count on.
Disclosure
Investment advisory services offered through Virtue Capital Management, LLC (VCM), a registered investment advisor. VCM and Tampa Bay Advisory, LLC are independent of each other. For a complete description of investment risks, fees and services, review the Virtue Capital Management firm brochure (ADV Part 2A) which is available from your Investment Advisor Representative or by contacting Virtue Capital Management. Information provided is not intended as tax or legal advice and should not be relied on as such. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional. Michael Watkins and/or Tampa Bay Advisory, LLC are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. Insurance and annuity products are not sold through Virtue Capital Management, LLC (“VCM”). VCM does not endorse any annuity or insurance product, nor does it guarantee any annuity or insurance product’s performance. Index or fixed annuities are not designed for short-term investments and may be subject to caps, restrictions, fees and surrender charges as described in the annuity contract. Any guarantees mentioned are backed by the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company. The content of this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation or recommendation of any investment strategy. Investments and/or investment strategies involve risk including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will achieve its objectives.
Visit Our Oldsmar Office
By Appointment Only
Tampa Bay Advisory
(844) 603-1400
172-A State Street East
Oldsmar, FL