In the wild and abundant lands around the Pacific Ocean, James Frazier has always felt a strong sense of belonging. Born in California, he now lives with his family in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest. The majestic landscapes and progressive cultures of the Pacific have made it easy for James to love nature and the sustainable lifestyles that help preserve it. With a degree in finance and over 18 years of experience in the investment industry, he is passionate about putting his unique skills and insights to work for clients.
After growing up in Fort Worth Texas, James headed east to earn an undergraduate degree in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. 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 feel drawn to engaging with the financial markets.
Heeding the call of the West Coast and its' rugged beauty, James moved to Seattle in 1999 to help start an investment advisory business for hedge funds and high net worth individuals. He was general manager of the company for the next eight years.
During this time, he discovered an inner zeal for healthy, sustainable living. He pursued this growing passion to the fullest, learning and practicing permaculture, natural medicine, whole foods nutrition, yoga, reiki, natural building, woodworking, renewable power system design and construction, social and environmental activism, community building, and more. He met his wife, Rainie, and they started a family together, having two children. They travelled extensively, exploring the Hawaiian Islands and making two road trips to Costa Rica and back, visiting ecological projects and indigenous villages along the way in their customized camper van, fueled by solar power and biodiesel.
In 2008, James took an exciting opportunity to merge his investment expertise with his passion for sustainability and social justice when he joined Natural Investments, pioneers of Sustainable and Responsible Investing (SRI) for over two decades. Since then, James has dedicated himself to helping clients and communities grow the pool of “Intentional Money” that is dedicated to building a better world for all.
James is an enthusiastic supporter of the local investing movement, which encourages people to invest money within their local communities. In 2008, he helped found the pioneering Local Investing Opportunities Network (LION), based in Port Townsend, Washington, which has drawn attention for its success in connecting investors with local small businesses and nonprofits. Building on this, in 2012, he started, and continues to coordinate, the non-profit Local Investing Resource Center, an educational website and advocacy center dedicated to expanding local investing in communities across the USA, and beyond.
James recognizes that the current investing environment is unique in our lifetimes and calls for unconventional thinking. He believes our economy is pushing the limits of both financial and natural resources, and investors have an important role to play in creating solutions. As a Certified Financial Planner™, he helps clients, including individuals, families, and institutions, build innovative portfolios that meet their financial goals, control risk, and have a positive, focused impact on society and the environment.
James is available for consultation via e-mail at or phone at 360.379.0295 or 808.876.1786 (Maui).
James has made a personal commitment to reduce his family’s and business’ carbon footprint as much as possible, and to purchase offsets for 100% of the remaining emissions each year. His preferred offset program is the Gaviotas Carbon Offset Initiative, sponsored by the Marion Institute.
or phone at 360.379.0295 or 808.876.1786 (Maui).
