Biography of James Seramba

James Seramba is a class of 1986 graduate of the United States Military Academy where he double majored in Mechanical Engineering and Economics. He is a decorated combat veteran having received numerous awards to include two Bronze Stars with V device while serving on active duty for 7 years and 15 years in the Army Reserves in various leadership and staff positions. James ultimately achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring from the service.



Upon leaving active duty, James pursued a career as an investment advisor and financial planner. While working as a financial advisor, James earned his MBA from Wake Forest University as well as becoming both a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Investment Management Analyst. He was FINRA Series 7, 24, 31 and 63/65 licensed. In 2006, James established Grey Oak Wealth Management which was a Registered Investment Advisory and Financial Planning firm that focused on serving the financial needs of high net worth families in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. James sold the firm to a larger competitor in 2014 and exited the financial services industry after a 21 year career.

During his career in the financial services industry, James has served in various roles in numerous nonprofit and charitable organizations. James served as co-chair for 7 years on the NC Biotech Centers economic development committee. He was also a founding member of both the Piedmont Triad Entrepreneurs Network and the Inception Micro-Angel Fund. He was instrumental in getting the Capital Connects program started. This program helps start up companies attract the capital they need to grow and expand their operations. The program has been going on for almost 20 years and still flourishes today.

Since leaving the financial services industry James has financed various real estate ventures, he owns a portfolio of rental properties and works with business owners looking to acquire or sell a business. In addition, he still consults on practice/business management and on how to raise capital to fund business expansion.

James, his wife Jeanne and their dog Piper split their time between their homes in Charlotte and Wilmington NC. James has one son who is a senior NCO in the Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg and two grandsons. James is an avid outdoorsman and fitness enthusiast.