Firm History

A long history,
but a modern firm.

In 2020, we celebrate 90 years as an investment advisory firm in Rochester, New York! 

While we ground ourselves in our long, rich history, the firm that exists today is one that continues to embrace the ever-evolving world around us.

Our firm is owned and operated by its employees, with the majority held by Craig Cairns, our firm’s president. Craig led the purchase of our firm in 2006, along with Mary Lisa Sisson and Casey Ryan, making Howe & Rusling a proudly employee-owned, veteran-owned, and woman-owned business.

1930-1940

In 1930, Winthrop “Wint” Howe founds the investment counseling company that would one day become Howe & Rusling. In 1940, Wint Howe partners with Lee Rusling to form Howe & Rusling.

1963

Wint Howe & Lee Rusling are among the first individuals to be awarded the prestigious CFA® designation.

1988

Howe & Rusling moves to its current headquarters in the
Rochester Club Centre building on East Avenue in the cultural district of downtown Rochester, New York.

Later, in 2015, Howe & Rusling builds an entirely new, modern glass-walled office space to encourage openness and collaboration.

2006

Craig Cairns, current President, leads a group of employees
(including Mary Lisa Sisson and Casey Ryan) to purchase Howe & Rusling, launching a new age of leadership and growth.

Howe & Rusling is still 100% employee owned.
It is also woman owned and veteran owned.

2017

Howe & Rusling reaches $1 billion in assets under management.