Celebrating 30 Years at J.F. Williams Co., Inc.
This summer, J.F. Williams Co., Inc. marks a milestone that few independent advisory firms reach: 30 years of helping clients navigate life’s transitions with clarity, care, and confidence. As we reflect on three decades of service, we’re grateful for the people, places, and moments that have shaped our journey.
A Humble Beginning (1995)
J.F. Williams Co., Inc. was incorporated in May 1995, and by July 1st, the doors officially opened. At the time, the firm was a vision brought to life by Jim Williams, who relied on a network of trusted CPAs, friends from graduate school and colleagues from Deloitte. Jim’s approach was simple: explain what we do, how we do it, and why we do it. That transparency and trust became the foundation for our earliest client relationships.
Pictured above is J.F. Williams Co., Inc.'s Founder, Jim Williams
Building a Team, Building a Legacy
In 1997, we welcomed our very first hire, Barbara Collins, as an Administrative Assistant. Her arrival marked the start of a team-driven culture that continues to this day. Over the years, we’ve grown thoughtfully, adding talented professionals who share our commitment to serving clients over a lifetime.
Notable additions to our team include Amy Nankervis, who joined us in 2010, Eva Hallenbeck in 2014, and Marisa Estrada in 2022. Each brought their own strengths and dedication, enriching our firm’s expertise and deepening the level of service we provide to our clients.
Our most recent team member, Holly Pickens, joined as Associate Financial Planner in 2023. Her accomplishment, passing the CFP exam, is just one example of how our team continued to reach new heights. Likewise, Adam Van Wert’s achievements reflect the spirit of growth and learning that defines our firm.
A Place to Call Home
For the first 15 years, our office was located in the South Belaire Building, a place filled with memories of early client meetings and firm milestones. In 2010, we moved to South Cherry, and five years later, found our current home on Lincoln Street, where we continue to welcome clients and colleagues alike.
Milestones and Growth
2013 was a pivotal year: Matt Elliott became our first additional shareholder, helping to shepherd the firm into its next era. Matt’s dedication to professional growth led him to earn a master’s degree in financial planning and taxation in 2015, the same year we surpassed the 100-client mark. This was a testament to the trust placed in us by our growing community.
The spirit of shared ownership continued with the addition of Generation 3 shareholder Juan Guevara in 2022, followed by Adam Van Wert in 2024. Juan furthered his expertise with a Master of Science in Personal Financial Planning in 2025, while both Adam and Holly are currently pursuing advanced degrees, ensuring our firm’s legacy of learning and service continues.
Transitions and New Chapters
June 30th, 2023, marked another significant transition: Jim Williams, our founder, officially and fully retired. His vision and values remain woven into the fabric of our firm, guiding us as we continue to serve clients with the same integrity and care that defined our earliest days.
A Community Built on Trust
Our story began with referrals from a close-knit group of CPAs and has grown to include clients, families, and friends who find us through a variety of channels. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us, whether you referred a friend, entrusted us with your financial future, or partnered with us through life’s many changes.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this 30-year milestone, our mission remains unchanged: to be a steady partner for our clients through every transition, whether it’s a new job, retirement, marriage, growing families, or any of life’s pivotal moments.
If you know someone who is anticipating or navigating change, we invite you to connect them with us. Sometimes, the most important step is simply starting a conversation to see how we can help.
Thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to the next chapter, together.