PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Last week, national investment solutions company AssetMark announced it would donate $10,000 to the Central Aroostook Association, after awarding Brian Hamel its Community Inspiration Award.
Hamel was one of six financial advisers honored for its community service work at AssetMark’s annual Gold Forum conference on Marcos Island in Florida on Feb. 21.
Hamel, chief operating officer of financial planning firm Thompson-Hamel, has done extensive work with the Central Aroostook Association, which supports residents with developmental and intellectual disabilities in Aroostook County.
Hamel said he was ecstatic about AssetMark’s donation and the honor of receiving the award, not just because of the tangible benefits, but also the message it sends.
“I have a real passion for making sure that people with intellectual disabilities are given every opportunity that they can to make a difference in their lives,” Hamel said. “For them, just to be recognized is really important … The $10,000 is fantastic, but it is not necessarily about the money.”
Hamel said the donation would help the Aroostook Special Olympics Snow Dogs basketball team pay for its attendance at the Special Olympics Maine State Basketball Tournament at the University of Southern Maine Gorham. That trip is a big production for the association, featuring restaurant costs, hotel accommodations and more than a dozen chaperones.
Besides the competition aspect, Hamel said the trip was a significant one for all of the athletes involved because many have never traveled outside of Aroostook County.
“When they get to spend two nights at a hotel in the big city, it’s really a big deal,” Hamel said. “This will go a long way in making sure they continue to do that.”
Hamel said he first became involved in volunteer work with those with intellectual disabilities in 2011 after interviewing for the position of head coach for the Snow Dogs. Landing the job, he continued as head coach until May 2019, when he had to leave the position after he was transferred from Thompson-Hamel’s location in Presque Isle to Bangor.
Hamel said informing his team that he would need to leave the squad for his new job was one of the most challenging conversations he has ever had. He remains active in team activities, including helping to pick the team’s new coach, Spencer King.
The community inspiration award honors financial advisers nationwide who work with local non-profits to enact constructive change within their community. Hamel joined financial advisers based in Alabama, California, Delaware and Illinois.
Hamel said he was nominated for the award by Bryan Thompson, chief executive officer of Thompson-Hamel, and Stephen Richard, executive director of the Central Aroostook Association. Thompson-Hamel is an investment partner of AssetMark.
