Christopher J. James, APMA^®, MBA

I grew up in Glen Rock, New Jersey, one of six children in a small suburb of New York City that was teeming with similarly large families. There was a lot of freedom as kids in Glen Rock. We played sports constantly, seemed to know every kid in town, and looked after one another. That sense of community and camaraderie has always stuck with me.

After earning my undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware, I served on active duty in the US Army from 1990 through 1993 as a Rifle Platoon Leader in the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York. I deployed to Somalia in November 1993 as part of Operation Restore Hope. Those years taught me about perspective, discipline, and staying steady when circumstances get difficult.

What drew me to finance after the military was simple. I liked the idea that every day is a new day and a new opportunity; that every new day brings a new challenge and a new set of circumstances that affect decision making. That variety in daily circumstances keeps me challenged and alert.

I completed my MBA from Kellstadt School of Business, DePaul University in 2003 and became an Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor in 2021. Over three decades in this industry, I've lived through multiple financial crises and difficult market periods. Keeping perspective and continuing to move forward while maintaining a stabilizing equilibrium based on historical context has been essential to surviving in this business. That experience informs how I work with clients today.

As a Partner at Etiquette Financial Partners, my primary responsibilities center on asset management, market research, and security selection alongside my financial planning work. I specialize in asset management and retirement planning because they are crucial aspects of a successful retirement process. The growth we've achieved as a firm over the past five years reflects the success our clients have experienced, and that is what matters most.

I live in Hinsdale, Illinois, with my wife Peggy. We have been married 25 years and have four children: Ryan, Brandon, Connor, and Nicole. Everything I do professionally is ultimately for the benefit of my family. My goal is to be the best father and husband I can be and make them proud in some way. I used to coach my children in numerous sports, though those days have passed as they've moved into high school and beyond.

I am involved with Saint Isaac Jogues Parish, Disabled American Veterans, and the Veterans Officers Association. I believe in their purpose, and I believe in giving back, particularly to Veterans who put their lives on the line for the safety and freedom of this country.

I love to travel, read widely, stay curious about different topics, and consider myself a lifelong learner. I'm competitive by nature, which shows up in everything from golf and tennis to pickleball and running. It's both a passion and a character trait that serves me well in this work.