When The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company opened its doors in 2001, it began with a clear purpose – to help families preserve, grow, and protect their wealth with confidence right here on the islands where our flagship office still resides.
Our founder, Al Hanser, retired and moved full-time to the family’s vacation home on Sanibel with his wife, Sally. Having been a successful leader in the financial industry, Al knew that the Sanibel-Captiva Islands would benefit from a locally based trust and investment firm, so islanders wouldn’t need to make the trek ‘over the bridge’ to manage their finances.
Since 2001, The Trust Company has grown into one of Florida’s largest independent, privately held trust companies, caring for more than 500 families across Sanibel-Captiva, Fort Myers, Naples, and Tampa Bay. And we remain steadfast in the principles that shaped us.
Our story is more than assets under management or offices opened. It’s about the generations of clients who have entrusted us with their financial futures, the communities we support, and the team members who continue to serve with dedication and care – especially when our clients need us most.
Explore the moments that have defined The Trust Company’s journey so far.
The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company opened as the island’s first independent, locally owned trust company. From humble beginnings, Founder and Chairman Al Hanser’s one-room office on Sanibel consisted of a card table and chairs. His small team began providing trust and investment services to their first clients – island friends and neighbors.
Board member Chuck Ketteman shared why Hurricane Charley was an important moment in our history: “Our clients found out what our motto of ‘always do the right thing’ truly meant. The bridge was closed, so the day after the storm, Terry Igo hopped on a boat, checked on clients’ homes, and called them with updates. Together, we cleaned out some refrigerators and repaired what we could. So many of our island clients have never forgotten Terry’s efforts and The Trust Company’s support.”
Sanibel-Captiva is a tight-knit community where island residents take care of each other. From the beginning, The Trust Company joined the effort, supporting the many nonprofit organizations on the islands. Al and a group of local leaders were instrumental in later establishing the Charitable Foundation of the Islands, which bolsters island giving to this day. The Trust Company is committed to supporting organizations like SanCap Cares/Lee Health Foundation, CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife), Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, BIG ARTS Sanibel, and many more.
During the unprecedented real estate downturn and prolonged market volatility, existing and new clients turned to The Trust Company for safety and soundness. We continued to grow as families sought our trusted long-term investment strategies and steady guidance through market uncertainty.
After eight years, the board of directors saw great potential in the Naples area for the type of services we provide, so The Naples Trust Company opened in the Collier Building on U.S. 41. Led by well-known banker and Co-Chairman, Dick Botthof, the Naples community gave us a warm welcome as we provided a unique and personal client experience.
The Tampa Bay Trust Company opens its doors. Terry Igo, CEO, spent time in the communities of Tampa Bay and believed our services and our type of client experience would resonate with the families and business owners in the area. We were very enthusiastic about becoming part of the Tampa community.
Hood Craddock joined the firm to head and build the Family Office Services team. This exciting new dimension greatly benefits multi-generational client families, as well as Tampa business owners, with their unique needs for wealth and lifestyle management, legacy planning, and wealth transfer.
After opening the first Tampa office in 2010, we saw an opportunity to provide high-level wealth management along Tampa Bay’s coastal communities. We were drawn to the charming area of Belleair, Clearwater, and surrounding neighborhoods where we felt residents would find our services a fit.
Our team celebrated Founder and Chairman, Al Hanser’s 80th birthday during our annual Sanibel client celebration event, and again during the annual Island Night at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. Al’s personal milestone led us to reflect on the very special company he started, how fortunate we are as an ESOP company, and the difference it has made for so many.
Our team celebrated Founder and Chairman, Al Hanser’s 80th birthday during our annual Sanibel client celebration event, and again during the annual Island Night at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. Al’s personal milestone led us to reflect on the very special company he started, how fortunate we are as an ESOP company, and the difference it has made for so many.
Tampa Bay Trust Company opened a beautiful, century-old historic home as its newest and third location. Tarpon Springs was an underserved community when it came to high-level wealth management services. After a chance meeting with Louie Pappas, a 5th-generation Tarpon Springs resident, a new market was born.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Trust Company team quickly pivoted to assist clients with new online technology that helped keep communications timely and business moving. As in past challenging times, The Trust Company saw a “flight to safety” with an increase in new clients searching for a calm and consistent investment approach.
Hurricane Ian destroyed the Sanibel office. Our team rallied to establish a temporary office in Fort Myers while helping our clients and island organizations recover and rebuild.
Hurricane Ian destroyed the Sanibel office. Our team rallied to establish a temporary office in Fort Myers while helping our clients and island organizations recover and rebuild.
Following a pandemic and major storms, The Trust Company hosted its first all-company multi-day retreat, fostering connection and renewal with the support of motivational speakers and pups from the Gulf Coast Humane Society.
Following a pandemic and major storms, The Trust Company hosted its first all-company multi-day retreat, fostering connection and renewal with the support of motivational speakers and pups from the Gulf Coast Humane Society.
After extensive research and consideration, The Trust Company chose to rebrand under one name - Florida Trust Wealth Management.
The welcomed new name adds to the exciting milestone of our upcoming 25th Anniversary. January 2026 marks 25 years of the proud beginning of the first office on Sanibel Island.
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