About
The driving force behind Van Diest Capital.Meet Your Partner
James Van Diest owns Van Diest Capital, a fee-based capital management firm with clients across the nation, currently serving clients in 20 states and growing. The firm emphasizes sound investment management for businesses via outsourced CIO services and in-depth private wealth management for business owners and primarily HNW households.
Having graduated Summa Cum Laude from Iowa State University in 2021 with dual Bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Business Economics, along with a minor in Accounting, James continued his academic journey by earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and a Master of Finance (MFIN) degree from the same institution in May 2023. He has a technical background in Financial Analysis, Private Equity, Strategy, Accounting, and Investments, which enables him to offer comprehensive financial guidance on public and private markets to his valued clients.
James holds multiple licenses, such as the Series 7, Series 66, and Life and Health Insurance Licenses across many states, solidifying his reputation as a trusted advisor. James actively participates in his community and non-profits as a Board Member & Treasurer for the Young Professionals Connection (YPC), Board Member & Treasurer for the Ankeny Young Professionals (AYP), Ambassador of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of Ankeny Community Champions and Board Member for the Phoebe Foundation of Africa. James also loves innovation, as a founder of Gimme Pin LLC, an emerging golf product. He’s a fitness fanatic, enjoying activities like golf, running, disc golf, basketball, kayaking, and Spikeball. Alongside physical fitness is his passion for travel. Meeting new friends and exploring cultures across the globe is something he loves doing with his family and friends, having visited Mexico, Greece, Italy, Canada, Spain, the UK, and various US states.
James values his family above all and he finds huge amounts of joy in experiencing life with his wife, Kali and two sons Lux and Micah in Central Iowa. Faith in the lord and his lessons, family time and working hard to achieve and leave a legacy that his family and friends are proud of is what drives him to grow and evolve each and every day.
Michelle Blake is an Account Manager at Van Diest Capital and handles various pieces of the day-to-day operations of the firm. She is a hands on specialist that ensures our clientele get the service they deserve.
Michelle’s career in financial services spans more than a decade. She enjoys meeting clients, hearing their stories and playing a role in helping them reach their goals. Specializing in customer care and administrative and account management, Michelle is passionate about providing clients with an outstanding experience from the moment they first engage with the firm.
Originally from Decorah, Iowa, Michelle currently resides in Webster City with her husband, Pat and their four children. Aside from spending time with friends and family, she likes to bake, shop and cheer her kids on in their various sporting events.
The Foundation
I noticed a large gap in the market that I knew needed filled, and with my background, skill sets and passion; I knew Van Diest Capital would be the answer.
Observationally, the wealth management industry is still largely sales based, yet true wealth management constitutes no sale at all. The approach Van Diest Capital brings to the table is treating wealth management as you would from the perspective of running a business; strategic, quantitatively driven, comprehensive and consistent application of tactical guidance that positions the business (you) for long term growth and success.
This requires constant learning, an ear to the market and an evolution of offerings that Van Diest Capital builds each day alongside our clientele. The future of wealth management is here and we’re doing it with you by our side.
