Money. Dollars and cents. We earn it, and we spend it.

A, B, C. 1-2-3.

But something changed for Eric Snodgrass soon after he was graduated from college back in the 1990s. Following his commencement, family and friends offered him their congratulations, sure, but some also tossed a few bucks into those envelopes. And, of course, a few plus a few plus a few, and Snodgrass had a nice collection of cash.

But, instead of splurging on a few bogus baubles, Snodgrass turned his attention to a blue-chip future on the world’s stock markets. And he was good at it. A stockbroker told him so.

And that’s one of many reasons why Snodgrass now makes his living maneuving money as a vice president of wealth management for The Glessner Group in Wheeling.

Even his partner in Glessner-Snodgrass Wealth Management, Gary Glessner, has recognized his meticulousness.

“Eric has the great ability to help people plan for their future needs, and he has the ability to react to circumstances that arise when it comes to money and its management,” confirmed the founder of The Glessner Group. “It’s a pleasure to have him on board because I feel confident in his abilities when it comes to helping the people who come to us for our expertise.” 

A man and a boy and a girl.
Eric enjoys his time with his children, including Colton and daughter Addilyn.

What are some of your favorite local events/festivals that you try to attend each year, and why?  

We at the Glessner Group love helping sponsor many local festivities.  My favorites the last couple of years have been the Backyard BBQ music festival at Oglebay and the Party on the Plaza in downtown Wheeling.  Helping to bring the community together with fun events is something near and dear to our hearts. 

What do you feel you can cook really well and why?  

I’m not an expert by any means, but I enjoy cooking.  If you enjoy something then you are more likely to do it well.  I usually cook recipes for my daughter that have some type of pasta or chicken which is pretty easy to cook. Just follow the recipes!

A man and his daughter.
Eric and his daughter, Addilyn enjoy their trips to the East Coast shore.

What was it about money that caught – and kept – your attention?  

When I graduated college in the late 90’s I received graduation money as gifts.  The stock market was roaring so I bought some stocks.  It was fun to watch a stock that I just bought go up in value by a big percentage.  A local broker who I purchased the stocks through recommended I do it for a living.  I liked the idea of me using my knowledge to help others navigate the stock market. 

What advice would you give to someone in there 30’s or 40’s who may have delayed saving for retirement?  

I would say set up an appointment with a local financial advisor and open an account.  It can be a taxable account or a retirement account.  Either way, the main goal is to just start saving, even if it’s only $50 or $100 a month.  The power of compounding is the most important aspect of saving.  You can’t take advantage of compounding returns if you never start. 

A smiling man.
Snodgrass became interested in the stock market shortly after he was graduated from college.

Why Wheeling?

I’m from Moundsville originally and for the first 14 years of my career I had an office there. Seven years ago I was introduced to my current partner Gary Glessner. 

Gary was looking to bring someone on board to help run the investment side of his business and we hit it off.  Gary and I have the same investment philosophy and it’s been a great fit. I moved up to his Elm Grove office in 2017 and love the convenient location.