James Burleson

James Burleson has dedicated more than thirty years to a career that unites finance, entrepreneurship, and community service. He has built companies, managed investments, and guided ventures that balance innovation with long-term planning. Alongside his professional achievements, he has remained committed to philanthropy and civic leadership, ensuring his contributions extend beyond business into meaningful service.

His career in finance began early. At just 24, James became one of the youngest seat holders and market makers on the Pacific Stock Exchange. His peers soon recognized his ability to lead, electing him as the youngest Chair of the Nominating Committee for the Board of Governors. These early accomplishments distinguished him in a challenging and competitive industry. Over the years, he went on to serve in senior roles with respected firms such as Letco LMM, Joseph D. Heard Jr. Inc., Premier Trading Group, and Charles Schwab. As Partner and Lead Market Maker at Letco, he helped strengthen the firm until it was sold to Toronto Dominion Bank in 2002. His depth of expertise in derivatives and trading became a cornerstone of his professional reputation and shaped the foundation of his later ventures.

Entrepreneurship became a defining part of his path. In 2004, he founded Burleson + Company, an independent advisory firm that eventually grew to oversee nearly $800 million in assets under management. The firm stood out for its approach to wealth management, combining traditional strategies with long-term financial planning that aligned investments with clients’ life goals. He later expanded his work through Northern Peak Consulting, offering guidance to individuals and businesses on growth and operations. His entrepreneurial vision also included venture capital, as evidenced by the launch of BCo Venture Fund I, which supported early-stage companies. Among its investments was Pathwater, a bottled water company with a focus on sustainability, reflecting his willingness to support forward-thinking ideas.

Service has always been a constant in his life. For nearly two decades, he has been part of the Sonoma–Marin Fair Board, contributing to agricultural education, youth programs, and cultural enrichment. James also spent more than a decade with the Rotary Club of Petaluma, where he served as Treasurer of its foundation. For over twenty years, he has contributed his expertise to the St. Vincent Parish Finance Committee.