James and Greg Origin Story

It was 2007 when James Norton, a young intern, landed at Keating & Associates, a place that Greg Hill had already called home for 15 years. Their paths ran parallel in the initial years, each forging their own careers, until they converged to form a partnership that would help to shape the future of their practice.

From the beginning, James did not enjoy asking for referrals and introductions (the trademark of a “salesman”). And it was him who saw the potential for a synergy between Greg’s adeptness in this arena and his ability to see the big picture and create fresh solutions for their clients. Together, they crafted the “The Future Success Builder,” a process that introduced consistency and structure into their work and created ease for their clients. As they continued working side by side, it became crystal clear where their respective strengths lay.

Like every team, they faced their share of trial and error, and they used these challenges as learning opportunities. Their shared values, especially the importance they placed on family, solidified their bond further. Under their leadership, the company ethos shifted. Clients no longer felt they were part of mere transactions. Instead, they recognized the genuine relationship-building approach James and Greg fostered. The staff also blossomed in this supportive environment, continually pushing boundaries, and enhancing their skills.

In the ensuing years, their partnership blossomed. They landed larger clients, streamlined their team, and founded “Pieces Wealth,” a venture recently recognized by 2024 Forbes America’s Top Wealth Management Teams Best-in-State for its excellence.

Their distinct roles began to emerge more lucidly. While Greg front lined the initial client interactions, James dove into the intricate and high-level planning. They ensured never to step on each other’s toes, each one understanding when it was time to step back and let the other take charge.

Perhaps the most vital component of their successful collaboration was their ability to shed ego. They never let personal ambitions cloud the team’s objective, which is to offer clients dedicated and focused service. Their complementary skills became their strongest asset, with Greg’s calm persona helping reset the team’s equilibrium in stressful times, while James’s direct approach paved the way for efficient and honest communications.

Their success wasn’t due to their individual skills, but the mutual respect they harbored for each other. Their journey stands as a testament to what two individuals, when united by a shared vision and mutual respect, can achieve. They’re not just colleagues; they’re visionaries who’ve mastered the art of harmonious collaboration.

The 2024 Forbes ranking of America’s Top Wealth Management Teams Best-In-State, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. This ranking is based upon the period from 3/31/2022 to 3/31/2023 and was released on 01/09/2024. Advisor teams that are considered must have one advisor with a minimum of seven years of experience, have been in existence as a team for at least one year, have at least 5 team members, and have been nominated by their firm. The algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of approximately 10,100 team nominations, 4,100 advisor teams received the award based on thresholds. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor’s future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients’ experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC. Please see https://www.forbes.com/lists/wealth-management-teams-best-in-state/ for more info.”

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More About James

One day his father asked him a question that would end up being a pivotal moment in his life. The question was simple, “Are you going to college?” The answer, “I don’t think so”. During the first week of that scorching summer, he began working with his father, putting a new roof on the local church. His hands blistered from the grueling work, and he realized that this was not the life he envisioned for himself. In that moment, he made a life-altering decision to pursue higher education.

Gaining a scholarship, he embarked on a path that combined his passion for football and academics. His focus on football proved challenging for his grades and James lost his scholarship. Undeterred, he enlisted in the military, serving as an infantryman for three years. When his military service concluded, he attempted to re-enter the world of education but struggled to find a place due to his low GPA.

Determined to escape the confines of West Virginia and build a brighter future, James moved to Kansas. Starting as a telemarketer selling long-distance services and renting a room in a house, he faced initial struggles. A fortuitous encounter with the wife of the Dean of Registrations at Kansas State University changed his fate. She encouraged him to meet with her husband opening the door to higher education.

James worked at Student Publications to support himself while the GI Bill helped alleviate his educational expenses at Kansas State. His academic journey began in accounting, when he quickly realized that sitting in a cubicle crunching numbers wasn’t his calling. Switching to financial planning, he took the helm as the president of the Financial Planning Association, a student organization. A turning point occurred when he and his team won a financial planning competition which led to an internship opportunity at Keating and Associates and eventually, he secured a permanent position.

Passionate about problem solving and building investment portfolios James realized he was disinterested in traditional sales, so in 2007, trusting his instincts he approached Greg Hill to partner. Together they leaned on each other’s strengths and fostered growth for their clients by introducing “The Future Success Builder”, a process they created to take advantage of their unique gifts to help their clients build their futures.

James always emphasizes the importance of hard work and financial literacy, and believes that self-reliance is crucial and understands the value of teamwork. His intelligence and exceptional capacity to take complex situations, break them down and build an opportunity are integral to his practice.

James finds immense satisfaction in helping people learn, gain new perspectives, and overcome challenges. His resourcefulness, love for teaching, and dedication to improving lives have become hallmarks of his journey.

More About Greg

From a childhood dream of becoming a firefighter to scaling the heights of the financial world, Greg Hill’s journey has been marked by resilience, a commitment to integrity, and a deep-seeded desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Greg’s early passion for firefighting led him to volunteer for his local fire unit at the age of 16. As he sat on the back of the truck, spraying water to help protect his community, he was already learning the value of dedication and service.

Although he wasn’t initially inclined toward academia, Greg’s parent’s influence guided him to attend university. In a journey reminiscent of the film “Rudy,” Greg’s determination allowed him to continue his education by maintaining high grades each semester. He was laying the foundation for his future success, though his path would eventually diverge from his initial dream.

Post-university life saw Greg embracing a series of opportunities that showcased his natural gift for sales and relationship-building. He embarked on a journey that took him from cold-calling for General Electric’s sales division to a successful role at a benefits company. Greg’s talent as a charismatic communicator and his genuine interest in people’s well-being positioned him as a top sales representative at Union Mutual.

However, as life progressed, Greg’s priorities shifted. Fueled by a desire to spend more time with his family and a yearning for more meaningful work, he decided to transform his career trajectory. The catalyst for change came when he realized that he no longer wanted to compromise his integrity for financial success. He transitioned from a sales-oriented approach to a consultant and advisor role, focusing on building authentic relationships and addressing clients’ true needs.

Greg’s transformation marked a pivotal point in his career. He found immense fulfillment in understanding his clients deeply and crafting solutions that aligned with their goals. His “Vision Clarifier” meetings became a source of energy and joy as he worked to make a tangible difference in the lives of those he served.

His passion for authentic connections and service led Greg to redefine success. He envisioned a future with fewer clients, each receiving the highest level of care tailored to their unique needs. This approach, grounded in compassion and integrity, stood in stark contrast to the industry’s bottom-line-driven mindset.

Greg’s commitment to his clients, his community, and the environment resonates deeply with his personal values, and he believes that business should be a force for positive change. He continually advocates for a cultural shift within the financial industry, emphasizing the importance of relationships and quality over short-term profit.

Through his journey, Greg has embodied the power of compassion, compromise, and purpose-driven work. His story reminds us that true success lies in making a positive impact on the lives of others and fostering a culture of genuine care and understanding. As he continues to navigate life’s peaks, Greg stands as an inspiring example of how one individual’s choices and values can shape an entire industry.