'It takes a firm to put financial plans together'

One of Jim Wessels’ strengths as a financial advisor is his knowledge of various sectors and topics.

With a diverse background in tax planning, investments and pensions, the partner and financial advisor at Iowa-based Vision Financial Group has been focused on retaining clients through personal relationships.

What makes him a standout advisor?

“I’m probably a little bit more technical and quirkier,” he says. “I’ve been a buy side analyst. I’ve covered the oil and gas industries. I've done business valuations. This last tax season, I helped prepare and review tax returns. I go wherever I’m needed.”

Wessels admits he almost took up a profession in orthopedics and became a surgeon. He quickly realized that wouldn’t happen as he doesn’t “like to see the insides of people.”

“I would rather work with the outsides,” he said, jokingly.

This career change has worked out for the better as Wessels is being recognized as an InvestmentNews Awards 2024 Excellence Awardee, with the winners announced on June 20 at 583 Park Avenue, New York City in a glitzy, red carpet ceremony. Click here to register to attend.

Wessels recalls recently working with a client whose relative needed help making a financial decision during tax season, which required him to review all aspects of financial planning the firm offers.

“When you start to dive into one area, it always impacts those other areas of planning. While you can find someone that's good at part of it, it takes a firm to put it all together,” he said.

For more details about the InvestmentNews Awards, including a list of all finalists and details of how to attend, follow this link.