What is a CEPA & Why Does It Matter?

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.

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.