Brian James, CPWA, is managing partner, director of investments for Ullmann Wealth Partners.
Tell me about Ullmann Wealth Partners and what it offers.
Ullmann Wealth Partners is an independent wealth advisory firm that offers customized and comprehensive planning and investment management to individuals and families. Our mission is to be the trusted first point of contact for any financial issue. Our goal is to reduce anxiety and empower our clients to live confidently and freely, knowing their financial goals and objectives are secure.
As managing partner and director of investments, what are your responsibilities?
I am responsible for running the firm from a business standpoint. Although the ultimate responsibility falls on me, I work closely with my partners and incredible team to ensure the firm is moving in the right direction. I also lead the investment committee, where we build portfolios and decide on asset allocation for client portfolios.
What do you like best about what you do?
This one is easy. In this role, I can genuinely help people. While I enjoy running the firm and guiding our investment philosophy, the most rewarding part of my day comes from working closely with our clients. Freeing a client to enjoy life and relieve them of worry and anxiety is incredibly rewarding and makes it a joy to come to work.
Tell me a little about your background. When did you first realize this was the career for you? How did you develop your career since then?
I graduated from Miami University, in Oxford, Ohio, with a business degree where I majored in finance and economics. After several years working in benefits consulting, I earned my graduate degree in finance and economics from the University of Chicago. I have been in the finance field ever since. I began my career in equity derivatives in New York, worked in the hedge fund business for over 15 years, and ended up at Ullmann Wealth Partners a decade ago. I have always been drawn to math and working with numbers. Although I loved the excitement of Wall Street, it wasn’t until I stumbled into the wealth advisory business that I knew I had found my true calling. Through a series of serendipitous events, I had the great pleasure of meeting Glenn Ullmann, our founder. That was over a decade ago, and the rest is history.
Are you from this area originally or did you settle here from somewhere else? If it’s the latter, what brought you to this community?
I grew up just outside of Kansas City and lived there until I attended Miami University. I am a lifelong Chiefs and Royals fan. I married my college girlfriend, Molly, almost 30 years ago, and we have traveled the country together. We lived in Chicago, New York City, Boston (where our three children were born), and finally settled in Ponte Vedra Beach in 2009.
What do you like best about living here?
I love the water and the weather. Growing up landlocked in Kansas City, I have always appreciated being close to the water. I love the ocean and the simplicity of beach life. It is not lost on me that our season to be outside is 12 months of the year!
How do you like to spend your free time?
I spend most of my free time with my wife and our two dogs. I love family time and cherish the times our whole family can be together. I enjoy being active, traveling, staying in shape, playing pickleball, dining out, trying new brunch spots, reading, cooking, listening to music and occasionally attending a live show. My newest passion is studying longevity and finding ways to give myself (and anyone else who is interested) the highest odds of truly enjoying life as long as I am lucky enough to live it.
