As our Chief Trust Officer, Jim’s first priority is to establish relationships built on trust. He does this by investing enormous amounts of time into learning about the values, beliefs, hopes and fears of everyone he meets. Jim has developed a unique ability of providing calm in crisis and hope during times of uncertainty. Jim’s mission is to have meaningful impact by helping simplify the complexities in life.

Jim has become a thought leader in financial services, often sought out for his ability to guide clients through the financial, estate, and legacy planning process. He has co-created a systematic process of identifying “true wealth” for his private clients called the Wealth FORMation Experience™ (WFE). WFE creates a blueprint which helps clients integrate their core personal principles into their day-to-day financial lives. His industry views him as a “pros pro”, having coached so many professionals in the financial services industry (that’s how he met his business partner, Matthew Grishman). Jim’s strategic leadership is valued by clients, peers and a wide range of organizations who value his contributions to the cultural fabric of the community through charitable giving.

Jim grew up in a small town outside of Syracuse, NY where, as a young boy, he learned from his parents that his word and his handshake would mean everything. To this day, Jim honors that tradition and carries it into every relationship he has.

Jim and his wife, Beth, are the proud parents of four children. Their children inspire them with wonder and foster a healthy sense of humor and adventure. Whether at work with his clients, at home with his family or on the golf course, Jim keeps his feet firmly planted on the ground, his eye on the ball and his heart in the right place.

Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Rochester, New York. He is an experienced surety bond underwriter, which makes him familiar with the unique issues associated with the construction industry. For the ten years prior to founding Gebhardt Group, Jim worked as a Financial Consultant (FC) for Merrill Lynch and Smith Barney, and during his tenure as an FC, he earned the Certified Financial Planner™ certification.

Jim holds a State of California Insurance License for Life, Accident, Disability and Health Insurance. His registrations include Series 7, Series 65, and Series 31.