When Walt Sokira started his career in August of 1987, the Dow was at 2,660 and the world looked very different. But while the markets have transformed a dozen times over since then, Walt’s North Star has remained the same: a deep respect for what he calls "important money."

To Walt, "important money" isn’t just a line item on a balance sheet. It is the literal harvest of a person’s life energy. It represents the late nights, the missed dinners, the decades of discipline, and the quiet sacrifices made to provide for a family or build a legacy. He understands that when a client hands him their portfolio, they are handing him their life’s work, and he treats that responsibility with the reverence it deserves.

A Career Defined by People, Not Just Portfolios

Over the last 39 years, Walt has sat across the kitchen table and the boardroom table alike. From leading major trust companies to spending 17 years at the helm of his own independent firm, every chapter of his career has been a lesson in empathy. As Managing Partner of The AKW Group, he brings that seasoned perspective to every conversation, blending institutional-grade expertise with the personal touch of a trusted neighbor.

The Heart of a Teacher

Walt’s commitment to others extends far beyond the office. While his M.B.A. from Kent State provided the technical framework, his true passion lies in empowerment through education. Having taught over 10,000 students as a visiting professor at Case Western Reserve and Kent State, Walt doesn’t just manage wealth; he explains it. He believes that confidence comes from understanding, and he finds his greatest professional joy in helping people move from a place of financial uncertainty to a place of clarity and peace.

 

 

 

The Connector: A Day in the Life of Allison

For Allison, a successful day isn't measured by the emails she sends, but by the voices she hears. Whether she’s picking up the phone to check in on a client’s family or sitting across from a partner at a local café, Allison thrives on the human connection that fuels financial planning.

The Voice on the Other End

Legacy isn’t built in a vacuum; it’s built through constant, careful communication. Allison leads the team’s Estate and Elder Care Planning efforts, which often means being the "translator" between different worlds. One hour, she’s on a conference call with a client’s attorney to iron out a trust; the next, she’s coordinating with a CPA to ensure a tax strategy is seamless. She understands that for a family, these aren't just legal "efforts", they are the blueprints for their peace of mind.

Building Bridges, Not Just Portfolios

Networking is Allison’s natural habitat. She knows that the best solutions often come from a strong community of experts. By staying deeply connected to a web of professional advisors, she ensures that her clients have an entire village looking out for them. Working side-by-side with Walt Sokira, she channels this collaborative energy into the team’s growth. Every handshake and every new connection is a strategic step toward helping both the firm and its clients flourish.

A Journey of Perspective

This high-touch, high-energy approach was forged over a decade of professional service. From the fast-paced corridors of a major law office to her seasons at Raymond James and her current home at Robert W. Baird, Inc., Allison has learned one universal truth: people don't just want an expert; they want an advocate. She has spent ten years perfecting the art of being both.

 

 

 

 

Kevin Sokira’s approach to financial planning is rooted in understanding what truly matters to the people he works with. After gaining practical experience at Ohio Caterpillar, he transitioned into the financial industry to help clients turn their goals and values into clear, actionable plans.

Today, he leads the AKW Group’s Financial and Retirement Planning efforts, playing a key role in shaping long-term strategies tailored to each client. He works closely alongside Walt Sokira in executing the AKW investment management process. With a Business Administration degree from Kent State University and advanced planning education from Northwestern University, Kevin brings both real-world insight and thoughtful strategy to every client relationship.

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending quality time with his wife and their daughter, who was born in February 2026. He values being outdoors, especially fishing, as well as unwinding with a good TV show or movie.

 

 

 

 

Tim has dedicated his entire professional life to serving others and helping people navigate some of life’s most important decisions. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from The Ohio State University, developing a strong foundation in how markets work and how financial decisions impact long‑term outcomes.

After college, he became a United States Marine, where he was a combat veteran and honored with the Purple Heart and a Commendation Medal for valor. That experience instilled in Tim the values of discipline, integrity, accountability, and calm decision‑making under pressure; values that continue to guide him today.

After Tim’s military service, he spent 15 years as a firefighter and paramedic, helping individuals and families during moments of crisis and uncertainty. Those years reinforced the importance of preparation, clear communication, and trust, especially when the stakes are high.

Today, as a licensed financial advisor and insurance professional, Tim brings that same service-oriented mindset to financial planning. Working as part of the AKW Group, Tim’s goal is to help clients take the stress out of investing through thoughtful planning, disciplined investment strategies, and a long‑term perspective. He is committed to serving clients with a genuine desire to help them protect and grow their wealth that they’ve worked hard to build.

 

 

 

 

Abby Talbott is often the first friendly voice you’ll hear when you contact the AKW Group. Working behind the scenes, she plays an essential role in keeping the team’s day‑to‑day operations running smoothly. Known for her exceptional organization and attention to detail, Abby ensures each task is handled with care, accuracy, and timeliness. In addition to supporting daily client service needs, she oversees all operational and compliance activities for the team.

With over fifteen years of experience as both a healthcare and financial professional, Abby brings a unique perspective to her role. Her time in healthcare shaped her deep appreciation for clear communication and trust—skills that continue to guide how she supports clients and partners today. That foundational experience allows her to approach each interaction with patience and understanding, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully managed and every client feels supported.

Outside of the office, Abby enjoys spending time with her husband and their two children. She loves staying active outdoors, supporting both of her sons in their soccer journeys, getting lost in a good book, and relaxing at home with the family dogs.

 

 

 

 

Andrea Sokira began her career in customer service while working through college at Kent State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She went on to spend five years working with adults with disabilities, developing a strong, people-first approach rooted in empathy, trust, and real-world problem solving.

In January of 2026, Andrea transitioned into the financial industry, where she now applies that same level of care across client service and marketing for the AKW Group. She is committed to building lasting relationships and delivering thoughtful, dependable guidance through each interaction.

Andrea enjoys yoga and strength training, being an aunt to her many nieces and nephews, spending time with friends, and exploring nature through visits to local metro parks.