Jim has a passion for fiduciary care and comprehensive planning. Whether it's teaching a class, crafting an investment strategy for retirement income or navigating the latest tax strategies, he is committed to helping clients make forward progress in life. Through his specialized knowledge in life transitions, Jim works with retirees, business owners looking to exit and female clients navigating divorce or the loss of a spouse.
Jim has been helping clients in the financial industry since 1999. He founded WillowTrust Wealth Management (formerly Nowak Wealth Management) on the idea that preparing for financial independence should be delivered through simple and achievable process. He is a Certified Financial Planner, Accredited Investment Fiduciary, and Accredited Asset Management Specialist and continues the learning process on a daily basis.
Financial independence takes discipline and hard work. Jim began working at age 14, was the first in his family to graduate from college and embraces discipline in his personal and professional life. He was a college swimmer who has completed over 75 triathlons including Ironman Louisville and 5 Half-Ironman races. Using a disciplined process can help you achieve triathlon success as it can also help you achieve financial independence. Jim developed the firm’s TRAIL Process to create a systematic and disciplined process to help clients aim to achieve financial independence.
Jim currently resides in Raleigh with his wife, Krystal, and their four young and active children: Colgan, Hadley, Harper and Declan. Jim has contributed his time and resources to many organizations since moving to Raleigh in 2001: Wake Enterprises, North Raleigh Lion's Club, AE Finley YMCA, Our Lady of Lourdes and many other community and children’s organizations. Jim remains active swimming, cycling, paddling and playing chess, whenever he can fit it into the family schedule.