James R. VandeLogt, CFP®, ChFC, CLU
Principal & Co-Founder
Call Me: “Jim” or if you can’t resist, “Jim Bob”
Industry Street Credit: 15+ years experience, Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant, Series 7, 6, 63, 65(Registrations held with LPL Financial).
My professional life has been financial planning since the college years (2004), where I began as an intern within the Northwestern Mutual system, while attending Loyola University Chicago. I credit the fine folks at NML for having one of the best training programs in the world for those who wish to become financial planners. To this day, they hold a special place in my heart.
In 2010 I took a leap of faith when I transitioned the business to an independent practice. I believe the single best career decision I ever made was becoming a financial planner. The second best decision was taking the practice independent, where we have the freedom to work with our clients as an independent advisor, held to the fiduciary standard.
I started working on job sites for my father at age 13, cleaning up after construction crews and learning what goes into building a custom home. I learned 3 especially-valuable lessons during this time that carry with me to this day: A home is only as strong as its foundation. Details matter. It has to function for those it was built for. I believe these principles hold true with every financial plan we build.
On the personal side, God and my beautiful wife since 2011, Kristen have given us three perfectly imperfect children, Elin, James Patrick “JP” and Kathryn “Kate”. Elin is our spirited and forward-thinking optimist. She is always ready for an adventure. JP is methodical and determined, especially with golf. Kate, my “tornado” is our happy, silly 2-year-old, who has no problem emulating her big siblings.
Favorite Musician/Band: Eric Church, he is “Country Music Jesus”
Favorite Quote: “What is your definition of paradise?” “This morning, with her, having coffee.” -Johnny Cash
Coffee or Tea: More like, how many cups? I’ll take it black please.
Dream Job (assuming I actually had the talent): Lead guitarist for Eric Church. Don’t worry Driver Williams, your job is safe.