NFL Referee Manages Wealth Management Practice

Shawn Hochuli balances his role officiating football games with managing $500 million in client assets for his firm.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Financial Planning

Bold vector editorial illustration of a leather ledger and metal whistle on a desk, representing a dual career in finance and sports. — NFL referee Shawn Hochuli continues to operate IWM Partners, a wealth management firm he co-founded in 2004, while maintaining his officiating duties. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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NFL referee Shawn Hochuli operates as a co-founder of IWM Partners, an Irvine, California-based wealth management firm. He maintains a dual career, managing client finances during the week while officiating professional football games on Sundays.

Why it matters

This highlights the common reality of professional athletes and officials who maintain primary careers outside of their high-profile league roles. These professionals must manage significant time commitments to maintain high-level financial practice standards while fulfilling their league duties.

IWM Partners manages over $500 million in client assets with a team of six advisors and two support staff. NFL referees receive average compensation and benefits totaling $385,000 per season.

The players

Shawn Hochuli

An NFL referee who serves as a co-founder of the Irvine-based wealth management practice IWM Partners.

LPL Financial

An investment firm providing infrastructure and resources for independent financial advisors.

The details

Shawn Hochuli co-founded IWM Partners in 2004 and has been registered with LPL Financial since 2005. He splits his time between Irvine, California, for financial operations and various stadiums to officiate games. To date, he has worked nearly 200 regular-season games and 10 playoff contests.

2004: IWM Partners was formed.
2005: Hochuli registered with LPL Financial.
2014: Hochuli became an NFL official.
2018: Hochuli became an NFL referee.
2025: Hochuli worked the NFC Championship Game.

Money Landscape

The professional sports officiating landscape often involves seasoned veterans who maintain diverse career paths. This mirrors the career trajectory of Ed Hochuli, who spent 27 years in the league while managing his own professional life.

Financial planning requires consistent oversight regardless of the advisor's external professional engagements. Clients should always verify that their financial representative has a dedicated team and established processes to ensure continuity of service during their absences.

The takeaway

Maintaining a successful career while managing significant assets requires clear professional boundaries and reliable support systems. Investors should prioritize working with teams that provide consistent access to guidance rather than relying solely on individual availability.