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James Katsivalis

Client Experience Associate

Reason I got into this profession

Growing up, I was fortunate to enjoy a stable home filled with love, surrounded by my parents, two sisters, and my grandmother. However, our comfortable lifestyle was overshadowed by significant financial challenges. My parents’ efforts to build a new restaurant business led them to take on substantial debt, which compounded existing burdens from a previous venture. This situation strained our family dynamic, as my parents became increasingly focused on recovering from our financial setbacks, often leading to stress and tension at home.

The turning point came during the 2008 financial crisis, when we lost one of our businesses entirely. This loss was more than just a financial blow; it reshaped our family life and left a lasting impression on me. I witnessed the emotional toll the financial loss took on my parents and how finances affected our relationships and overall stability. This experience helped me to realize that finances were more than just numbers, and it ignited a passion in me to learn more about this topic leading me to pursue a career in finance. I was driven to help others avoid similar hardships. Over the years while we have managed to recover from this setback, I remain acutely aware of how fortunate we are, as many other families may not have had the same opportunity or good fortune.

As a Client Experience Associate, I am dedicated to empowering clients with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate their financial journeys confidently and thrive. As a result of my experience, I understand firsthand how financial uncertainty can impact families, and I strive to provide the support and guidance necessary for them to safeguard their futures. Together with my team, I work to ensure that every family is well-prepared for whatever challenges may arise.

Experience & Qualifications

Before joining Quantum, I spent nearly three years at Capital Group, where I gained in-depth knowledge of the financial services industry and provided expert assistance to individuals and small business owners regarding retirement accounts. In this role, I established a range of retirement plans and accounts, including Traditional, Roth, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs, to equip clients with the essential tools for securing their financial futures.

My commitment to delivering exceptional customer service not only helped my clients feel confident in their financial decisions, but also fostered long-lasting relationships built on trust. I took pride in empowering individuals and small business owners to understand their retirement options, by answering their questions and concerns every step of the way enabling them to make informed choices for their financial well-being.

Education

I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton. My education provided a solid foundation in financial principles and business strategies, which I leverage to support and enhance our client experience.

Outside of Work

When I’m not working, I’m all about staying active and exploring new interests. I love bodybuilding, running, and playing sports, with pickleball and badminton currently at the top of my list. I also enjoy diving into fantasy books, capturing moments with photography, and tinkering with 3D printing. I love to unwind and play video games from time to time as well. I’m always up for trying new things and sharing experiences with others. One of my favorite trips was to Japan, where I had an incredible experience visiting historic temples across the country.