John Stokes, CRPC®, AAMS®, AWMA®, ABFP®
Chief Executive Officer and Founder
John's upbringing in New Zealand in a large family of 11 and his early work experiences shaped his strong sense of leadership and independence. After experiencing a layoff early in his professional career, John discovered his true calling in assisting others during periods of transition, particularly in financial advising. He received comprehensive training at a Fortune 100 financial services company, which equipped him with the expertise to establish his own wealth-management firm, John Stokes Financial, in 2004. The firm prioritizes addressing the needs of professionals navigating transitions, benefiting from John's personal experience in the process.
John's commitment to supporting professionals in transition extends beyond his firm. He and his team of professionals have conducted thousands off educational workshops reaching corporate professionals from diverse backgrounds, including Fortune 500 companies, professional firms, international corporations, outplacement firms, and federal and state agencies. As an accomplished speaker and educator, John covers critical topics such as unemployment, investment and rollover options, federal and state benefits, retirement, and financial planning. Through these workshops, he empowers individuals to make informed decisions and navigate life-changing events more smoothly, ultimately paving the way for a secure financial future.
John is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC®), Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ (AAMS®), Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA®), and Accredited Behavioral Financial Professional (ABFP®)holding active Series 7, 63, and 66 securities registrations. He is a seasoned Investment Banking Representative and Investment Advisor, as well as a licensed Life, Disability, Health, and Annuity Agent with the California Department of Insurance (License #0D16679). John is an active member of the Financial Services Institute and the Huntington Library. His insights and expertise have been featured in the Orange County Register, Michael Kitces’s Financial Advisor Success podcast, and The Balanced Growth Show with Dr. Travis Parry.
Beyond his professional endeavors, John is passionate about giving back to the community. He previously owned a professional development soccer team that helped players advance their skills for collegiate and professional levels. Additionally, he dedicates time to speaking at youth organizations, sharing his personal story and offering guidance to inspire others that a better life is attainable, regardless of their background. He considers his role as a mentor to be one of his greatest accomplishments, extending his guidance not only to his employees but also to his children. John, his wife Miki, and their two sons live in Southern California with their 2 dogs and two rabbits. The Stokes Family actively participate in animal philanthropy initiatives and National Parks Protections.
With his wealth of experience, commitment to personal growth, and dedication to serving others, John is a trusted source of inspiration for individuals navigating transitions and seeking a more secure financial future.