My name is James Stirgus

Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, my journey has been shaped by a deep sense of duty, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for supporting and growing businesses. Serving in the Illinois Army National Guard for a decade, I completed two deployments that not only tested but also honed my resilience, leadership, and technical skills. As an Avionics Communication Equipment Repairer, I was entrusted with the critical tasks of maintaining and repairing sophisticated helicopter equipment and wiring—ranging from radios and radar systems to night vision goggles. This experience instilled in me a meticulous attention to detail and a appreciation for the importance of reliable, high-functioning systems in mission-critical environments.

Following my military service, I pursued and achieved a BS in Finance and a MS in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, further equipping myself with the analytical tools and financial acumen necessary for the business world. Over the last seven years, I have applied these skills in corporate finance within the commercial insurance sector, gaining invaluable insights into risk management, financial strategy, and operational efficiency. My diverse background—from defending our country and fixing complex equipment to mastering the intricacies of finance and accounting—has uniquely positioned me to identify and nurture the potential in businesses. I am now dedicated to leveraging my experiences to ensure the continued success and growth of the legacies that business owners have worked so tirelessly to build.