James V. Petitpren II
Managing Partner, Chief Investment Officer
As Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner, Jim leads the firm's investment strategy and advisory platform, helping clients translate complexity into clarity across portfolios, tax plans, and multigenerational goals.
With nearly two decades of professional wealth management experience, Jim’s career spans some of the world’s most respected financial institutions—including Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Northern Trust, and BMO Private Bank—where he developed a reputation for thoughtful strategy, disciplined portfolio construction, and deep fiduciary care.
Jim’s approach is rooted in custom alignment: no benchmarks, no off-the-shelf solutions. Every portfolio is designed with the client’s vision, tax position, and priorities in mind. Known for his ability to bridge technical rigor with relationship depth, Jim is a strategic partner to families navigating meaningful transitions, wealth events, and legacy decisions.
Before returning to advisory leadership, Jim spent six years working outside the financial sector in the field of electrical, electronic, and embedded engineering product development. This sabbatical from banking reshaped his view of wealth and grounded his belief in building strategies around real-life experience.
Jim lives in Chicago with his wife and their three children. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching youth baseball, volunteering locally, and finding time to pursue outdoor adventures with his family.
Areas of Focus
• Goals-Based Planning
• Portfolio Strategy & Oversight
• Tax-Efficient Wealth Structuring
• Multigenerational & Legacy Planning including small business sales
• Strategic Philanthropy & Risk Mitigation
Certifications & Licenses
• Series 7 – General Securities Representative
• Series 66 – Uniform Combined State Law
• Illinois Life and Health Insurance License
Memberships & Affiliations
• Board Member – World Chicago
• Volunteer – St. Andrews, Big Shoulders Fund, McFetridge Ice Arena
Education
• B.S. Finance – Michigan State University
• Asian American Business Program – University of Hawaii