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 Steeping in the majestic landscapes and progressive culture of the Pacific Northwest, it was easy for James to fall in love with nature and the sustainable lifestyles that help preserve it. Coupled with a degree in finance and 15 years of experience in the investment industry, he is passionate about putting his unique skills and insights to work for clients.
Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, James’ family escaped the August heat by heading to Northern California each year. It was while hiking among the pine forests, wild rivers, and rocky peaks of the High Sierra that he grew to deeply love and respect the majesty of nature.
Still exploring, he headed east to earn a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree, specializing in Finance, from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1997. Afterwards, he worked a stint as an options trader on the floor of the American Stock Exchange in New York City. He quickly found that the “in your face” capitalism of Wall Street wasn’t for him, yet he continued to find the financial markets fascinating.
Once again heeding the call of the West Coast and its rugged landscapes, in 1999, James moved to Seattle and co-founded Forza Capital Management, L.L.C., a registered investment advisor for hedge funds and high net worth individuals. He served as its general manager for the next eight years, overseeing all operations, technology, accounting, and legal and regulatory matters at the firm.
During this time, he discovered an inner zeal for healthy, sustainable living. He pursued this growing passion to the fullest, learning about permaculture, natural medicine, nutrition, yoga, reiki, natural building, woodworking, renewable power systems, social and environmental activism, community building, and much more. He met his wife, Rainie, and they started a family. They went on many adventures, including two extended road trips to Costa Rica and back, visiting both eco-villages and indigenous villages along the way in their customized camper van which was fueled by solar power and biodiesel.
Upon returning from the last of these long journeys, James and his family settled in Port Townsend, Washington, a historic Victorian seaport located between the snow-capped Olympic Mountains and the salmon-bearing waters of Puget Sound. He found its laid-back yet colorful and progressive culture to be extremely supportive of both sustainable living and community organizing efforts.
In 2007, a long-awaited opportunity to merge his investment expertise with his desire to help create a better world finally presented itself. James founded Conscious Financial Solutions, a financial planning and consulting firm dedicated to helping progressive individual, business, and nonprofit clients maximize the positive social and environmental impact of their resources, not just on their own bottom lines, but on communities, society as a whole, and the planet. He presently serves as Executive Manager.
In 2008, James met Hal, Christopher, and Michael of Natural Investments at the annual SRI in the Rockies conference. As both financial advisors and devotees of sustainability, everyone agreed that there was a good fit and the timing was right. James is honored to join Natural Investments as its Financial Advisor covering the Pacific Northwest. As part of Natural Investments, his intention is to help grow the pool of “Intentional Money” that is dedicated to building a better world for all.
James is very active in his community. He is a charter member of the Local Investing Opportunities Network (LION), which works to build a more sustainable and resilient local economy by connecting local investors with local businesses and individuals that need financing. He has volunteered his time and financial expertise to the Port Townsend EcoVillage, the Jefferson Land Trust, and other local businesses and groups.
In his personal time, James enjoys hiking in the Olympics, world travel, practicing sustainable rural living with his family, and working to empower and unify communities. |
