John F. "Jay" Wisentaner, CFA
Partner & Investment Advisor
Professional Snapshot
Experience: Joined NPF in 2008; prior roles at Fifth Third Private Bank, Cambridge Trust Company / White Mountain Investments, and Main Street America Group
Credentials: Chartered Financial Analyst® charterholder; earned Thirty-Year Certificate of Achievement at the CFA Institute Continuing Education Program
Memberships: CFA
Education: BS in Economics with a Concentration in Finance, University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School
Community: Chair, Porter Hills Foundation; Secretary and former Vice Chair, Porter Hills Governing Board; Board of Trustees, United Methodist Retirement Communities; Chair, University of Pennsylvania Secondary School Committee of West Michigan; Co-Chair, University of Pennsylvania QuestBridge; Member, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids; S.T.R.I.V.E. Program Mentor, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids; Member, CFA Institute; Member and Former President, CFA Society West Michigan; Member, CFA Society Boston; Former Chair, Porter Hills Planned Giving Advisory Committee
Personal Insights
What do you enjoy most about being an Investment Advisor?
Earning the trust of clients and building deep, intimate relationships. The best compliment from a client is a referral to a friend or family member, entrusting us to manage not only their investable assets but the assets of their friends and other family members, including children and grandchildren. I am proud of the multigenerational family relationships we have developed over the years – it is gratifying to help our clients obtain their personal financial goals.
What was your journey to the investment world and NPF specifically?
While attending prep school in New England, I took an elective Business course taught by a retired business owner who followed the Harvard Business School case study curriculum. I developed an immediate interest in business and, in particular, finance and the capital markets.
I was given the opportunity to attend the world’s premier business school – the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. After spending time in Philadelphia, I returned to Boston and landed a position as a Research Associate for the Magellan Fund at Fidelity Management & Research, where I cut my teeth analyzing stocks under the guidance of Peter Lynch, a legend.
Although I enjoyed working on the institutional side of Investment Management, I developed a keen interest and satisfaction in working with individuals. After several years working as an Investment Advisor in New Hampshire, I joined NPF in April 2008 so I can serve individual clients at a firm that shares the same values and integrity that guided me through my career.
Fun fact about your experience?
I played D1 hockey in the Eastern College Athletic Association while attending the University of Pennsylvania.
What values drive you in life?
I follow my true north. As an active member of the Grand Rapids Rotary Club, I live by the motto “Service Above Self” and receive more gratification from helping others than profiting myself. I believe there’s a responsibility and expectation to be generous in many forms, including Time, Talent and Treasure. I support local organizations, serve on charitable boards, volunteer my time and expertise, and work to make Michigan a better place for all to live.