With a career spanning more than three decades, James LaRusso has built a life’s work at the intersection of wealth, legacy, and unforgettable experiences. His journey moves seamlessly from the boardrooms of Wall Street to the ballrooms of the world’s most elegant celebrations, weaving a rare tapestry of financial acumen, entrepreneurial mastery, and artistic vision.

James began his career as Vice President of Investments at JPMorgan Chase, where he advised ultra-high-net-worth families and institutions with precision and trust. He went on to earn distinction as an award-winning advisor at AIG, Merrill Lynch, and Morgan Stanley, where he stewarded over half a billion dollars in client assets and guided portfolios through the most volatile of market cycles. His reputation was not only for results — but for the kind of counsel that instilled confidence and peace of mind across generations.

That same strategic discipline later fueled his entrepreneurial pivot into luxury events. Founding and scaling a nationally recognized event services brand, James generated over $10 million in growth across three states, with a client list as distinguished as the occasions themselves. His firm quickly rose to industry acclaim, earning induction into The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame, recognition from LUXlife Global Wedding Awards, and repeated honors from leading regional business journals.

Today, under the banner of James LaRusso Signature Events, he continues to curate experiences where artistry meets precision: private estate weddings, philanthropic galas, and legacy celebrations that are remembered long after the last toast. His approach is rooted in excellence, purpose, and emotional depth — ensuring every gathering is not just flawless, but profoundly meaningful.

Alongside this work, James leads Wylde Horse Academy, his flagship coaching platform for purpose-driven entrepreneurs and professionals. Here, he brings together his financial expertise, entrepreneurial success, and life-long commitment to mentorship to guide others in building businesses, wealth, and legacies that endure. As a certified SCORE mentor, he extends his impact even further, equipping the next generation of founders with clarity, conviction, and the practical frameworks to scale with integrity.

Bridging these worlds is Event Strategy & Consulting — a specialized practice that helps individuals, organizations, and philanthropies transform gatherings into powerful platforms for impact, influence, and growth. Whether advising a gala committee, shaping an executive retreat, or designing an event-driven campaign, James ensures every detail serves a greater mission.

Beyond business, James’s leadership is grounded in faith and service. As Council Officer – Lecturer and proud Third Degree Knight of Columbus, he devotes himself to fellowship, mentorship, and community — principles that flow into every engagement, whether personal or professional.

Through all he does, James LaRusso is defined not just by what he builds, but how he builds it: with vision, integrity, and a legacy-minded approach that transforms ideas into lasting value. His mission is simple yet profound: to help others create lives, businesses, and experiences that endure far beyond the moment — into true legacy.