Deacon Spotlight: Erin Lynch Cockman
Erin Lynch Cockman (1996, BA in Economics, Minor in Politics)
Owner of Milestone Wealth Management in Burlington, NC and Delray Beach, FL
Tell us about your current job role and employer. What are you currently working on?
I am the owner of Milestone Wealth Management. We work with families to preserve, grow and transfer wealth and values over multiple generations.
What key personal and/or career experiences led you to where you are today?
I knew I wanted to be a Financial Advisor when I was in high school and here I am 34 years later still doing what I love alongside my family. My husband, Rob, and I met at Wake Forest, and we have four children – two boys and two girls. Rob and I work together at Milestone Wealth Management, along with Will, our oldest son. Our daughter, Kate, is a HS junior and she hopes to attend Wake and join our firm!
What is the most challenging aspect of your job? How do you navigate that challenge?
Many of our clients have complex needs, the markets change daily, tax laws change, etc. We have a robust CRM (client relationship manager) Program that helps us stay organized and we work hard to keep up with market and tax changes.
What advice would you give to Wake Forest graduates about developing their personal life habits after college (finances, health, values, work/life balance)?
Create a budget right after you get hired, contribute as much as you can to a retirement plan after-tax (Roth), live below your means, live generously and faithfully.
We know that relationships are important for any kind of development. How do you build and maintain your network?
Our existing client base is our largest referral source as well as the CPAs, attorneys and other COI (centers of influence) that we interact with on a regular basis (through the sharing of mutual clients, etc).
Tell us about your mentoring relationships. What impact have these relationships had on your career and life?
My most influential mentor has been my C12 Chair. The focus of C12 is to help business owners and CEOs build great businesses for a greater purpose.
What advice would you give to current Wake Forest students and/or young alumni who are interested in working in your industry?
Follow trusted news sources, build a network, and always be learning!
What’s next for your career? What future goals or plans are you pursuing?
Our team is growing so I am mentoring the next generation.
Story published in February 2026. For current updates about Erin, visit her LinkedIn profile.