James Schmitz
VICE-PRESIDENT/COO/FINANCIAL ADVISOR
James collaborates with his team to set business objectives for Laraway Financial Advisors and to reinforce its stewardship mission. He greatly enjoys initiating good conversations with clients about their futures. James sees his advisor and insurance professional role as one of helping them draft roadmaps for financial success and well-being. James splits his time between the local office and the location in Alexandria.
James obtained a B.S. degree in Finance and Economics from Northern State University, located in his hometown of Aberdeen, South Dakota. Prior to joining the company in 2012, James was an investment representative with ING Financial Partners.
James’ desire to help people reaches beyond the investment advisory role to his community and church. He is an active member of Lion’s Club International and he and his wife Angela participate in the life of the church at St. Francis Xavier Parish. They support/volunteer at Catholic Charities, Salvation Army and Area Youth Sports, as often as possible.
James focuses on family and fun when he’s away from the office. Three active kids contribute to the kinetic energy of Jim’s “downtime”. He’s busy driving to practices and watching his kids play hockey, soccer and baseball. Saturday mornings he’s got the crew in the kitchen, preparing pancakes. He enjoys cooking and Angela is happy to relinquish the stove to him, especially for Thanksgiving dinners.
The family has lived in the St. Cloud/Sartell area for the past 20 years. Out in the yard, you’ll find a boat in the summer and the snowmobiles in the winter, true Minnesotan behavior. When James and his family are not helping in their community, they like to go fishing, boating, snowmobiling and golfing together. James goes pheasant hunting as well and gets back to South Dakota at least annually for the pursuit. Playing cards (Buck Euchre) with the neighbors is a weekly pastime.
James Schmitz is a man with a ready smile and easy manner, intent on his career goals, his clients’ needs, and his family’s health and happiness.