Market Strategist and Media Commentator
Alongside his work with clients, Brett Ewing is recognized for his economic research and his role as a market strategist. First Franklin began releasing its economic research to the public in 2011, and he has worked with the financial media for the past 11 years. He’s been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Reuters, Barron’s, the Financial Times, USA Today, Forbes, MarketWatch and InvestmentNews. He has also appeared as a guest on Reuters TV, CNBC Asia, CNBC Europe, CNBC Fast Money, Bloomberg TV, Bloomberg Daybreak, BNN Bloomberg, Bloomberg Radio, Fox Business, Schwab Network and Yahoo! Finance.
That commitment to sharing knowledge extends to clients and the wider community. First Franklin recently completed its Financial Planning Course and produces ongoing economic updates and webinars. Brett Ewing is also passionate about teaching financial planning, mentoring younger advisors and helping business school students as they prepare for careers in the field.
Awards and Recognition
Under Brett Ewing’s leadership, First Franklin has earned a long list of industry honors. The firm received the Quantum Leap Award in 2008 and 2014, the Top Advisory Firm Award in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018, and its first MVP of the Year Award in 2015. It was named Advisory Branch of the Year in 2020 and 2021 and Top Branch of the Year in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Brett Ewing was personally named Top Advisor of the Year in 2022, 2024 and 2025, selected from among 650 competing offices, and he received Top Advisory Services of the Year recognition in 2024 and 2025.
Community Leadership and Philanthropy
Service to Tallahassee has been a constant throughout Brett Ewing’s career. He served as President of the Tallahassee Lions Club from 2004 to 2006 and sat on the Children’s Home Society Board from 2009 to 2012. He was President of the Tallahassee Quarterback Club in 2010, then served the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation as a member of its Board of Trustees from 2011 to 2013, as an Honorary Trustee from 2014 to 2018, and as a Life Trustee since 2018. In 2014, he chaired the Tallahassee Young Entrepreneur Organization.
Education has been a particular focus of his volunteer work. At Holy Comforter Episcopal School, he served on the Finance Committee from 2014 to 2017 and on the Board of Trustees from 2014 to 2021, including terms as Treasurer from 2017 to 2019 and as Chairman from 2019 to 2021. In the summer of 2021, Holy Comforter named its endowment in his honor. At St. John Paul II Catholic High School, he served on the School Advisory Council and as Development and Fundraising Chair from 2016 to 2020, and he was named the school’s Principal’s Volunteer of the Year for 2017-2018.
Golf and youth development come together in his work with First Tee. Brett Ewing has served as Vice President of First Tee of Tallahassee since 2022, where he also sits on the finance committee, and he is a charter board member of First Tee. He’s also an advocate for charity golf tournaments as a way to raise support for local causes.
Through First Franklin, Brett Ewing and his team support a wide range of organizations, including Pas de Vie Ballet, Treehouse, Independence Landing, Ronald McDonald House, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, Refuge House, the Tallahassee Museum, AMVETS Post 1776, the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Council of Tallahassee and the Economic Club of Florida, in addition to the Tallahassee Quarterback Club, the Tallahassee Lions Club, Holy Comforter Episcopal School and St. John Paul II Catholic High School.
Personal Life
When he isn’t working, Brett Ewing enjoys spending time with his wife and their three daughters. Now an empty nester, he values family trips and travel, and he’s an avid golfer. As he approaches 30 years in the industry, Brett Ewing remains committed to the same things that have defined his career: sound financial planning, clear economic insight and service to the Tallahassee community he calls home.
