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J Wightman
Senior Wealth Advisor, Partner at XML Financial Group
Professional Background
J. Eric Wightman is a distinguished Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at XML Financial Group, bringing over 20 years of invaluable experience in financial services. His primary mission is to empower clients to effectively plan for their future by developing tailored financial and investment strategies that thoughtfully incorporate asset allocation and risk management. Eric believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with each client to understand their unique financial needs and aspirations. His extensive background allows him to provide seasoned guidance throughout every stage of the investment process, assisting clients in achieving their individual goals.
As part of the XML Financial Group, Eric is an integral part of a team that possesses a wealth of experience across various financial sectors, including investment strategies, estate planning, philanthropy, tax management, insurance, and retirement planning. This holistic approach to wealth management begins with a meticulous assessment of each client's current financial landscape, followed by identifying financial goals, associated risks, and appropriate time horizons for each investment. Afterward, the team develops a robust, personalized plan, which is continuously monitored and adjusted according to changing circumstances, ensuring that clients remain on track to achieve their financial objectives. Additionally, XML Financial Group provides a customized communication schedule tailored to match each client's preferences, ensuring an ongoing relationship that fosters trust and openness.
Beyond his work with clients, Eric also engages with a broader audience through his podcast, Common Sense Investing. The podcast serves as a valuable resource for investors seeking to deepen their knowledge and understanding of investment principles. Listeners can catch Eric's insights on various platforms, including the XML Financial Group website, iTunes, and SoundCloud. This initiative showcases his commitment to fostering an informed investor community.
Education and Achievements
Before transitioning into finance, Eric laid the groundwork for his diverse skill set by graduating from the Baltimore Culinary Arts Institute in 1984. His early career saw him excel in numerous award-winning restaurants and hotels across the United States, where he honed his organizational and management skills. However, driven by his passion for investing, Eric pivoted his career toward the financial services industry.
In 1997, he enrolled in a rigorous training program at Prudential Securities, which marked the beginning of his dedicated journey into the financial world. Over the years, Eric has held several prominent positions, including Managing Director at The Wise Investor Group at Robert W. Baird & Co. and Senior Vice President at Ferris, Baker Watts, where he continued to refine his expertise in wealth management and investment strategies.
Eric’s commitment to philanthropy is also noteworthy. He has actively participated in fundraising efforts for various local charitable organizations, including Hope Cam, The Orphans Foundation of America, and The Neediest Kids. By organizing an annual investment symposium, he has helped raise significant funds for these causes, reflecting his deep-rooted belief in giving back to the community.
Personal Life
In his personal life, Eric cherishes the time spent with his family. He has been happily married to his wife, Marsha, for 17 years, and they share a teenage daughter who keeps them both active and engaged. In addition to his professional pursuits, Eric is a passionate athlete who enjoys participating in triathlons and other endurance sports. This commitment to staying physically active complements his disciplined approach to wealth management, reflecting his understanding of the balance needed in both personal and financial realms.
Eric Wightman embodies the ideal traits of a modern financial advisor: seasoned expertise, a collaborative mindset, and a genuine passion for helping clients achieve their financial dreams. His dedication to continuous learning, as evidenced by his podcast, and his community involvement through philanthropy make him a well-rounded professional who is not only focused on creating wealth but also on making a positive impact.
Achievements
- Over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry
- Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor at XML Financial Group
- Former Managing Director at The Wise Investor Group, Robert W. Baird & Co.
- Former Senior Vice President at Ferris, Baker Watts
- Host of the podcast "Common Sense Investing"
- Active fundraiser for local charities like Hope Cam and The Neediest Kids
- Engaged in community service through annual investment symposiums
Location
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Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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