James Warring
CEO & Founder
James Warring has built a long and measured career in the tax and financial advisory fields, defined by discipline, technical focus, and steady leadership He was raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he completed his early education. He graduated from his local high school in 1979 and later enrolled at a university in Baltimore to pursue higher education These formative years shaped his interest in accounting, finance, and responsible professional service, setting the stage for decades of consistent work
He completed his undergraduate studies in accounting and finance in 1983. Entering the profession during this time required careful attention to detail, as regulatory standards and fiduciary expectations were evolving At the start of his career, he focused on building a strong technical foundation and on understanding how regulations affected real-world client situations. This approach allowed him to build credibility and confidence early in his professional life
Laying the Foundation
During the mid-1980s, James reached several significant milestones. He earned the Certified Public Accountant designation in 1984, followed by the Certified Financial Planner credential in 1986. These achievements reflected years of disciplined study and dedication to professional growth He continued to strengthen his expertise by earning the Personal Financial Specialist
designation in 1990, which enabled him to integrate accounting and financial planning services further.
These professional credentials played an essential role in shaping his career path. Over time, he worked at seven accounting firms throughout the metropolitan Washington, DC area. This period proved to be highly influential, as it exposed him to a wide range of client structures, compliance requirements, and operational approaches. By working in multiple environments, he gained a broad perspective on how firms function and how professional standards are applied in practice These experiences helped refine his judgment and prepared him for future leadership roles.
After completing a 12-year partnership at an accounting firm in Bethesda, Maryland, he entered a new phase of his career in 2007. At that point, he established two separate businesses, one focused on investment advisory services and the other on public accounting This transition marked a shift from practitioner to owner, bringing with it responsibility for leadership, governance, and long-term strategy
From Practitioner to Owner
From the outset, Warring deliberately decided to operate the two organizations independently. This structure allowed for precise regulatory alignment, defined service roles, and transparent governance At the same time, both businesses shared a coordinated leadership approach and cultural foundation. This balance reflected his belief that clarity and structure are essential for sustainability and ethical operation
Rather than pursuing aggressive expansion, he chose a steady and deliberate growth strategy. While many leaders focus on rapid consolidation, he emphasized consistency and long-term planning. Over the next 15 years, this approach proved effective. Both organizations expanded nearly tenfold during this period What began as a four-person operation grew to more than forty employees by the time the businesses were sold in September 2025 This growth occurred gradually, allowing systems and teams to develop without sacrificing service quality.
He attributed much of this success to thoughtful integration In the later years of ownership, five practices joined the platform, including four accounting practices and one third-party administrator practice Each integration was approached carefully, with attention to operational strength and client continuity. These additions enhanced internal capabilities while preserving established service standards More importantly, they reflected a leadership style focused on stability and long-term value rather than short-term results
James's professional involvement extended beyond his own organizations He took on leadership roles within several national and regional professional groups, contributing his experience to broader industry efforts. He served as the Past President of a regional estate
planning council and as an advisory board member of a hospital-based planned giving committee in Bethesda.
Leadership Beyond the Firm
In addition, he served on the executive committee of a national professional organization’s personal financial planning section, based in New York In this role, he contributed insight shaped by decades of advisory, compliance, and organizational leadership experience His participation demonstrated a commitment to maintaining professional standards and supporting collaboration across the field
His work received formal recognition in 2020 when he was awarded a Smart CEO honor for organizational leadership and business performance This recognition came during a time of significant industry disruption and changing client expectations The award reflected his ability to guide organizations steadily while adapting to external challenges.
Athletics has long been an essential part of his life. During high school, James Warring was ranked third in Maryland for golf, demonstrating early commitment and competitive focus He continued to play at a competitive level while attending university, balancing academic responsibilities with his dedication to athletics.
A Lifelong Passion for Golf
Golf remained an active pursuit throughout his adult life He was a long-term member at a private country club for more than 28 years, where he regularly participated in competitive events In 2022, he won the Tuffy Leeman Championship in a two-person event with his playing partner. This achievement reflected years of preparation, consistency, and focus.
After relocating to Florida, he continued to compete at a high level At another private country club, he won the Bubba Invitational Match Play title in 2024. These accomplishments mirrored the same qualities that defined his professional life, including patience, preparation, and the ability to perform under pressure
His personal values are closely connected to his leadership style and community involvement He and his family are active participants in a local church in Clearwater Beach, Florida, contributing through regular giving and ongoing engagement. Faith-based stewardship plays a vital role in how he approaches responsibility, planning, and service
The Next Chapter
These values influenced how his organizations were structured and managed. Stability, ethical clarity, and continuity were central priorities for employees and clients alike. When the time came to sell his business interests to a New York-based money management firm, his focus was on aligning values rather than solely on the financial outcome. Ensuring continuity and shared principles guided that decision
Across more than four decades of professional work, James Warring consistently emphasized steady advancement over rapid change As he moves beyond business ownership, he views this stage as a continuation rather than a conclusion James Warring remains guided by the same principles of discipline, responsibility, and thoughtful growth that defined his career from the beginning