About Us

James B. Rawlings, CFP Founder and Managing Principal

OakBridge Asset Management, LLC

James B. Rawlings, CFP © earned his bachelor’s degree, with an emphasis in financial planning in 1981 from Brigham Young University, one of only two universities nationally offering this specialty program. He received the CFP © designation in 1984 while the financial planning industry was still in its infancy. In 1988, Mr. Rawlings was selected by the IBCFP (International Board of Certified Financial Planners) to participate in an eight-person committee providing feedback to help rewrite the code of ethics for the CFP © Board of Standards.

Developing and presenting numerous and varied comprehensive financial plans to individuals and corporations has tremendously shaped his technical and consultative expertise. He is a frequent speaker, often presenting to industry and client bodies such as focus groups, registered representatives, corporations, chambers of commerce, CLE and CPE, and the insurance industry.

In 1988, he created a branch office for Cadaret, Grant & Assoc., which later grew into the 6th largest producing branch office nationally.

Starting in 1996 and for the next 12 years, he was the Managing Executive and branch office manager for Royal Alliance Associates. Royal Alliance is a cutting edge, industry leading, independent broker-dealer. As Managing Executive, Mr. Rawlings supervised the OSJ branch (Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction) including supervising seven Utah satellite branch offices.

He has received several recognitions and honors through Royal Alliance including the prestigious "Royal Council" award, as well as the "Royal Court" award. Both of these recognition awards are given to top producing revenue offices within the Royal Alliance broker-dealer network. These occurred as part of his role as Branch Office Managing Executive from 1999 to 2007. He also served on Royal Alliance’s Regional Advisory Panel for 8 years including two years as Chairman. *

During his 29-year career, asset management and the financial planning industry has been his passion. He currently holds eight different licenses and registrations including the series 7, 63, 65, 24, 4, and 53 securities registrations and separately and disability licenses. This passion also carries over to his clients as he works closely with them in all aspects of their financial lives.

Mr. Rawlings’ dedication to the youth and their future has been a driving force in his life. He is heavily involved with the Boy Scouts of America. In his 14 years of volunteer service his duties have included positions in Scouts, Venturing and most recently as District Chair for the Wasatch Peaks District 18. There he oversaw 13 zones with over 400 units. In 2008, District 18 was the second largest Scouting Service District worldwide.

Vedel Welch Client and Administrative Services

We feel it an honor to have Mr. Welch as part of our team. Vedel Welch attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a BS degree in Sociology. He then earned a Masters of Social Science (MSS) degree from Utah State University with a major in Economics, minors in Business Administration and Political Science, with an emphasis in Human Resources Administration.

With an extensive understanding of business operations, employment issues, risk management, employee benefits and 401(k) administration he has worked extensively throughout the U.S. implementing Human Resource programs beneficial to companies and employees; assessing and resolving HR legal issues; and mitigating potential liabilities. He holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification.

Mr. Welch received the Silver Beaver award in recognition of his service to the youth and leaders of the Boy Scouts of America. His love and concern for and his strong devotion to building and strengthening fitness, character and citizenship in our youth has led to his dedicated service in the Scouting program.

*These awards are based upon sales generated by advisors and are not based upon performance or returns experienced by any client or opinions of the advisor’s clients or former clients.