James M. Gehring, CFP®, CEPA®

As a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), James is a goal-oriented advisor who brings a disciplined client-first approach to helping individuals and business owners achieve clarity and confidence in their personal and financial lives. With more than a decade of experience, he has built a reputation as a relationship builder who combines deep technical expertise with an empathetic commitment to putting people at the center of every custom plan.

James joined the collaborative team at Flagship Capital Advisors in 2024, where he works alongside talented colleagues to serve clients with thoughtful, individualized strategies. His CFP® designation reflects his dedication to guiding families through retirement, investment management, and life’s financial milestones. His CEPA® credential, paired with the Value Acceleration Methodology™, allows him to uniquely support business owners as a collaborative partner who helps entrepreneurs build more valuable companies, strengthen personal financial plans, and align business growth with long-term personal goals, including successful exits. Exit planning isn’t just smart, it’s good stewardship of everything you’ve worked to create.

For James, financial planning goes far beyond numbers and portfolios. It’s about being a trusted partner who translates complex concepts into clear, actionable strategies. Whether designing a retirement plan, maximizing investment opportunities, or crafting a business exit, James is a focused, adaptable partner who leverages the full team’s expertise to walk alongside his clients every step of the way.

Outside of work, James enjoys an active life with his wife and growing family. A hobby golfer, hiker, and avid skier, he brings the same competitive drive and curious mindset from the outdoors into his professional work. He supports his Parish, St. Sebastian in Akron, as well as his Boy Scout Troop 382, where he proudly earned his Eagle Scout rank with the support of friends and family. When the snow flies, James is dedicated to finding the perfect ski runs… until gravity reminds him, he’s always learning. Conditions change quickly and he’s learned that staying focused and flexible are the best ways to keep your tips, and your long-term goals, pointed in the right direction.

As a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), James is a goal-oriented advisor who brings a disciplined client-first approach to helping individuals and business owners achieve clarity and confidence in their personal and financial lives. With more than a decade of experience, he has built a reputation as a relationship builder who combines deep technical expertise with an empathetic commitment to putting people at the center of every custom plan.

James joined the collaborative team at Flagship Capital Advisors in 2024, where he works alongside talented colleagues to serve clients with thoughtful, individualized strategies. His CFP® designation reflects his dedication to guiding families through retirement, investment management, and life’s financial milestones. His CEPA® credential, paired with the Value Acceleration Methodology™, allows him to uniquely support business owners as a collaborative partner who helps entrepreneurs build more valuable companies, strengthen personal financial plans, and align business growth with long-term personal goals, including successful exits. Exit planning isn’t just smart, it’s good stewardship of everything you’ve worked to create.

For James, financial planning goes far beyond numbers and portfolios. It’s about being a trusted partner who translates complex concepts into clear, actionable strategies. Whether designing a retirement plan, maximizing investment opportunities, or crafting a business exit, James is a focused, adaptable partner who leverages the full team’s expertise to walk alongside his clients every step of the way.

Outside of work, James enjoys an active life with his wife and growing family. A hobby golfer, hiker, and avid skier, he brings the same competitive drive and curious mindset from the outdoors into his professional work. He supports his Parish, St. Sebastian in Akron, as well as his Boy Scout Troop 382, where he proudly earned his Eagle Scout rank with the support of friends and family. When the snow flies, James is dedicated to finding the perfect ski runs… until gravity reminds him, he’s always learning. Conditions change quickly and he’s learned that staying focused and flexible are the best ways to keep your tips, and your long-term goals, pointed in the right direction.