Professional Background
James Van Diest is the Founder of Van Diest Capital and serves as the firm’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer. He leads the firm’s strategic direction, investment philosophy, and ongoing commitment to providing clients with clear, expert guidance across both public and private markets.
James graduated Summa Cum Laude from Iowa State University with dual bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Business Economics, along with a minor in Accounting. He went on to earn both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Finance (MFIN) from Iowa State University. His technical background in financial analysis, private equity, strategy, accounting, and investments allows him to deliver comprehensive, research-driven financial leadership to the firm’s clients.
Education & Designations
- B.S. Finance, Iowa State University (Summa Cum Laude)
- B.S. Business Economics, Iowa State University
- Minor in Accounting
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), Iowa State University
- Master of Finance (MFIN), Iowa State University
Specialty
James specializes in private wealth management and institutional-level investment strategy. His work spans public and private market guidance, capital management, and the development of comprehensive financial strategies for business owners and high-net-worth clients.
Community & Volunteerism
Ankeny Community Champions, Board Member
Young Professionals Connection (YPC), Treasurer & Board Member
Ankeny Young Professionals (AYP), Treasurer & Board Member
Phoebe Foundation Africa, Board Member
Personal Life
James enjoys fitness and an active lifestyle, spending time golfing, practicing functional fitness, playing disc golf and basketball, kayaking, and staying outdoors. He also has a passion for travel and exploring new cultures with family and friends, having visited Mexico, Greece, Italy, Canada, Spain, the UK, and several U.S. states.
Family is the center of his life. He finds deep joy in experiencing daily life with his wife, Kali, and their two sons, Lux and Micah, in Central Iowa. His faith, family, and commitment to building a legacy he is proud of guide his drive to grow, learn, and lead with purpose each day.
Advisor Insight
“I noticed a long time ago there was a gap in the wealth management industry that was primarily forged from an industry-wide sales-based approach to a technical need: managing capital. I was passionate about building the solution — a firm that provides expert advice, a comprehensive service offering, public and private market guidance, and an incentive-aligned business model. Seeing it come to life has been incredibly impactful. Helping a client reach a major milestone or offering a creative solution they hadn’t foreseen is something I couldn’t be more proud of.”