Meet Our Coaches

Why The College Funding Coach?

I became a financial advisor because I genuinely want to help people. Earlier in my career, I ran a business focused on helping senior citizens stay in their homes. Too often, I encountered families who simply did not have the savings to afford the changes they needed. That experience was eye-opening.

As a member of the sandwich generation myself, I’ve seen how families are often pulled in two directions at once supporting aging parents while also trying to help their children succeed. Too frequently, that support comes at the expense of their own retirement. My goal is to help families avoid that trap.

College funding is a critical part of this equation. The answer is not to leave students entirely on their own and saddle them with overwhelming debt. Instead, I help families find ways to support their children’s education while still protecting their long-term financial security. The College Funding Coach® stood out to me because it goes beyond savings vehicles and provides real insight into scholarships, tuition projections, and planning strategies that allow families to move forward with confidence.

Area of Focus for Delivering LKS Workshops:

Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex
Schools, community organizations, and parent groups
Special focus on families with neurodivergent children

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A Little More About James

Background:
James is an electrical engineer by training and spent much of his career selling and training others on complex technical products, including test equipment and telephony infrastructure. That experience shaped his ability to translate complicated concepts into practical, relatable explanations. Whether a client works in a trade, healthcare, or technology, James excels at using real-world analogies to explain the college funding process in clear and understandable terms.

James also spent 18 months in Doha, Qatar, helping hospital systems prepare for the FIFA World Cup. Upon returning to the United States, he launched a senior services business before ultimately transitioning into financial advising, a profession he had aspired to pursue for many years. His interest in finance began early. He bought his first stock at age nine and was taught to save for college before most kids understood what college meant.

Professional Accomplishments:
While working in Qatar, James conducted more than 20 Fire Warden training sessions for hospital staff, many of whom spoke English as a third or fourth language. His ability to make complex safety material accessible and relatable significantly improved safety awareness across the hospital system and remains one of his proudest professional achievements.

Education:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Generation and Distribution, University of Texas at Austin

Community Involvement:
James is deeply involved in his local community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Euless Historical Society and volunteers monthly as a museum docent. He has completed the CERT program along with the Citizens Fire and Police Academies for both Euless and Bedford. James also serves as Secretary for the Euless Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association and contributed more than 200 volunteer hours in 2025.

When He’s Not Working:
James is an avid board gamer and regularly participates in Fort Worth Game Night events. He plays competitive chess through the Arlington Chess Club and enjoys woodworking, DIY projects, and hands-on craftsmanship. He is also active in recreational and competitive target shooting and is a member of the Haltom City Pistol and Rifle Club.

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Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Company (except in NY), Principal Life Insurance Company®, and the companies available through the Preferred Product Network, Inc. Securities and advisory products offered through Principal Securities, Inc., Member SIPC. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.
Licensed in: AR, AZ, CO, IA, NM, OH, OK, TX, UT, VA, WI
View James’s FINRA BrokerCheck Profile
The College Funding Coach is not affiliated with Principal or Principal Securities, Inc.