Homrich Berg in Atlanta has won Schwab's Best-In-Business Award, which goes to an independent investment advisory firm that has been in business for at least 10 years, has a track record of growth and excellence and technology solutions that have helped expand market reach, responsiveness and operational efficiencies, according to Schwab.

Founded in 1989, and with more than $3 billion in assets under management, Homrich Berg serves more than 800 high-net-worth families and institutions across the country, said Schwab. The firm’s technology milestones have included realigning back-office operations to support new growth, enhancing the capabilities of its investments team and standardizing the toolkit of options for clients and prospects.

Schwab will make a donation to the American Diabetes Association on behalf of Homrich Berg.

Paracle Advisors has won the Pacesetter Award, which pays tribute to a firm in business 10 years or less that has shown initiative, growth and promise, as well as a focused use of technology to extend its reach.

Paracle Advisors principals Anne Marie Kessler, Elliott J. Brink and Joshua E. Harris started their Seattle-based RIA 10 years ago with a mission to create a firm that integrates financial planning and investment advice to help people simplify complex information so that they feel secure in their financial lives, according to Schwab. Paracle, with about $480 million in assets under management, was recognized for the way it put complex financial data into simple terms for clients.

Schwab will make a donation to Seattle-based Treehouse, a charity that benefits foster children, on behalf of Paracle Advisors.

Evensky & Katz Wealth Management won the Trailblazer Award, which recognizes an independent advisory firm that is setting new ground in the RIA space by combining entrepreneurial spirit with a drive to advance the industry’s interests as a whole, according to Schwab.

Founded in 1985, Coral Gables, Fla.-based Evensky & Katz Wealth Management is led by the husband-and-wife team of Harold Evensky and Deena Katz. The firm was among the first in the country to become fee-only, according to Schwab. Katz is an author and tenured professor at Texas Tech University and Evensky is a frequent lecturer and author. He is a founding member of The Committee for Fiduciary Standards. The firm and its principals are also active in philanthropic pursuits. In 2005, the firm founded Motivated Youth, a program that has taught financial literacy and community engagement to about 1,000 underserved high school students in Miami-Dade County.

Schwab will make a donation to Coral Gables Community Foundation’s Evensky & Katz Fund on behalf of Evensky & Katz.

The firms were honored during the Schwab IMPACT 2013 conference in Washington, D.C.

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