James is the founder of Hyland Lake Partners and serves as lead advisor of the firm's comprehensive financial planning team. He has been in practice for more than 20 years and has worked in the financial services industry for more than 30 years.
James chose to become a financial planner after working in several areas of the financial services industry early in his career. Those experiences reinforced his belief in the importance of unbiased, fiduciary-driven financial advice and ultimately shaped the approach he brings to Hyland Lake Partners.
“We aim to provide stability and improve our clients’ lives through our consultative and customized service. We strive to deliver an exemplary client experience through a team of reliable, caring, and knowledgeable financial professionals who are committed to their well-being.”
James has been selected to serve on the CFP Board's 12-member Disciplinary & Ethics Commission, which is responsible for reviewing matters involving ethical and professional standards required of CFP® professionals. He previously served on the Commission from 2021 through 2024 and was asked to return in 2025.
James also serves on the board for College Possible Minnesota, a nonprofit dedicated to helping first-generation students pursue higher education, and volunteers as a financial literacy presenter for BestPrep Minnesota. Previous volunteer roles include serving as an adult leader and Merit Badge Counselor for Scout Troop 110 in Minneapolis and as a youth soccer coach with the local CC United Soccer Club in Chaska.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®)
B.L.A. Landscape Architecture – Texas Tech University
Away from the office, James is a staunch fan of the Texas Tech Men’s Basketball Team and, thanks to DVR, rarely misses a game. Taking him off topic is easy: indie movies and music, classic novels, and nonfiction books will usually do the trick. He lives in Chaska, Minnesota, with his wife, Laura, and their family. He also enjoys hiking, trail running, or cross-country skiing at Hyland Lake Reserve in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.
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Investment advisory services are offered through Hyland Lake Partners, LLC, a Minnesota registered investment advisor. Hyland Lake Partners, LLC does not provide legal advice. Any estate plan should be reviewed by an estate planning attorney licensed to practice law in your state.
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