At our firm, we have the client—and only the client—in mind.
Our reasons for becoming financial professionals are deeply personal. We repeatedly saw many friends and family struggling to find the help they needed to map out their financial future. We are confident that with our understanding of personal finance, coupled with our training as financial professionals, we can help people better prepare for the future. After years in the business, we have developed a reputation for educating individuals in an easy-to-understand manner so they can grasp personal finance and use those concepts to pursue their financial objectives. We feel a commitment to our community.
Over the years, we have found that a team approach can be an effective method to help clients who have a wide variety of needs as they maneuver through a complex financial-services world. We invite you to discover and experience the power of our services. We believe it has far-reaching benefits for our clients to get opinions from several sources with diverse backgrounds, education, and experience.
No one strategy fits everyone, which is why every client gets our undivided attention—from planning to execution to follow-up. We take a proactive approach to helping you develop a strategy to address your financial goals and objectives, using the most efficient methods available.
C. Steve Lee
LPL Branch Manager
843-235-1190
Steve Lee is an accomplished wealth manager with over 43 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is responsible for all compliance issues at Hammock Wealth Management.
He holds the Series 7, 65 & 24 securities registrations through LPL Financial. Steve graduated in 1972 from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
Past hobbies include golfing and tournament-level bass sport-fishing. Steve currently resides in Myrtle Beach with his wife Ann. He currently devotes much of his free time to doting on his two granddaughters.
Ellis M. O'Tuel CRPC@
Principal
843.235.1190
Since entering the financial services industry in 2006, Ellis has focused on helping individuals, families and small businesses pursue their financial goals through a comprehensive planning process.
Ellis lives in Pawleys Island, SC with his wife Jan. They are the parents of adult twin sons Jacob and Michael. Ellis’ hobbies include fitness, golf, beachcombing and studying history and Christian Reformed Theology.
He is involved in charitable endeavors primarily by serving as a past board member for St. Christopher’s Children . This organization supplies clothing and orthodontic care to needy children in Georgetown County. He is also a Rotarian with the Pawleys Island Rotary Club where he previously served as Secretary and is a Paul Harris Fellow and Past President. He was awarded Rotarian of the Year for 2017-18. Currently, he serves on the board of Friendship Place, a Georgetown County Christian non-profit founded to alleviate and lift people out of poverty. This is done through meals, prayer, and life-coaching.
He is an active member of All Saints Church in Pawleys Island. Ellis is also a volunteer team member with Kairos Prison Ministry which disciples incarcerated individuals. He is an advisory Board Member to the Tidelands Pawleys Island YMCA.
He is also an avid supporter of the Harbor Historical Association and the South Carolina Maritime Museum in Georgetown SC.
He is motivated to provide honest, accurate advice in all life phases of financial planning. His fifteen-year involvement in his family's small business has given him a unique perspective in understanding the needs and issues of businesses and their employees.
Ellis holds the Series 7 & 66 securities registrations through LPL Financial. Ellis earned the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation from the College of Financial Planning in December 2012. In 1991, Ellis graduated from Wofford College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government.
Peter Livingston
Wealth Manager
7049964187 (voice only)
Peter Livingston: A Journey in Financial Excellence
Peter Livingston's career is a testament to dedication, expertise, and a passion for providing independent, professional financial advice. His journey began with some of Wall Street's most prestigious firms, including Bear Stearns and Smith Barney, now known as Morgan Stanley. These early experiences laid a solid foundation for Peter's future endeavors, instilling in him the importance of integrity and client-focused service.
A New Path in 1996
In 1996, Peter made a pivotal decision to seek out a more independent path, aiming to offer his clients personalized financial planning and investment management services. Recognizing the growing need for comprehensive wealth management, Peter became an early adopter of investment management strategies that are now commonplace in the industry. This forward-thinking approach led him to partner with LPL Financial, the largest independent broker-dealer in the United States*. This affiliation allowed Peter to provide his clients with a wide array of resources and support while maintaining the independence necessary to offer personalized advice.
*As reported by Financial Planning magazine, 1996-2025, based on total revenue.
Qualifications and Expertise
Peter's commitment to excellence is reflected in his extensive qualifications. He holds several key securities licenses with LPL Financial, including the Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 65. These certifications underscore his deep knowledge and proficiency in the financial sector. Further solidifying his expertise, Peter completed a certification in financial planning from Florida State University in 2002. This rigorous training equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of financial planning and investment management.
Expanding Horizons
Peter's career began in Boston, Massachusetts, where he quickly established himself as a trusted advisor. In 2004, he relocated with his family to Lake Norman, North Carolina, bringing his wealth of experience to a new community. Despite the move, Peter continued to serve clients across more than 20 states, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to helping individuals achieve their financial goals.
Personal Interests and Community Involvement
Outside of his professional life, Peter is a man of many interests. He enjoys playing golf, strumming his guitar, traveling, and spending quality time with his three boys. Known as a world-class foodie and wine aficionado, Peter's passion for culinary delights is well-recognized among his friends and family. Peter's dedication to his community is equally impressive. He has sponsored and assisted numerous charities around the Lake Norman area, including the Dan Jansen Foundation, Hope at the Lake Foundation, COOL KIDS Foundation, and many others. His philanthropic efforts reflect his belief in giving back and supporting those in need.
Conclusion
Peter Livingston's journey from Wall Street to independent financial advising is marked by a commitment to excellence, a passion for helping others, and a dedication to continuous learning. At Livingston Financial, Peter leverages his extensive experience and qualifications to provide clients with the highest level of service, ensuring their financial well-being and peace of mind. Whether through his professional achievements or his community involvement, Peter's story is one of integrity, expertise, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
Client Centered
Whether you are investing to build wealth, protect your family, or preserve your assets, our personalized service focuses your needs, wants, and long-term goals.
Our team of professionals have years of experience in financial services. We can help you address your needs of today and for many years to come. We look forward to working with you.