As Founder and Principal of Adams, Gut & Associates, John Adams brings more than three decades of experience to his leadership role, guiding AGA with a commitment to excellence, integrity, and long-term client success. He is a multi-year recipient of Forbes honors, including Best-in-State Financial Security Professional, Best-in-State Wealth Advisor, and Top Financial Security Professional. John has also been recognized as a Notable in Finance by Crain’s Cleveland Business. Known for his deep client relationships and strategic insight, John delivers tailored planning solutions that evolve alongside his clients' lives.
Background
John began his career in financial services as an intern in 1987 and brings more than 35 years of experience to his role as Founder and Principal of Adams, Gut & Associates. After forming the firm with Dan Gut in 2014, John has continued to lead with a clear vision for client-first service, strategic planning, and long-term growth. As a Private Wealth Advisor, he plays a pivotal role in deepening client relationships, overseeing investment strategy, and guiding the firm’s development with integrity and a commitment to excellence.
Professional Designations and Certification
John Adams has earned a number of professional designations including Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), the highest level of studies in the life insurance profession; Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), the most extensive education for financial solutions professionals; Chartered Advisor for Senior Living (CASL®), an expertise dedicated to the full range of financial, health, psychological and sociological issues confronting older individuals; Certified in Long Term Care (CLTC®), Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®), and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Professional, a distinction for financial planners rooted in education, examination, experience and ethics.
Associations and Memberships
John is a long-standing member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) and the Akron Tax and Estate Planning Council. He is a recipient of the National Quality Award (1995–2015) and a qualifying/life member of the Million Dollar Round Table (2004–2015), recognizing his commitment to client service and industry excellence.
The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Quality award is primarily based on sales production. Advisors must be a NAIFA member and pay an application fee. Award is based upon production from the prior calendar year. For more information see: naifa.org/membership/awards/quality-award.
Personal
John and his wife, Sarah, are proud University of Akron alumni and remain actively involved with the university. Together, they established the Mr. John R. and Dr. Sarah A. Adams Family Scholarship in Financial Planning, which is awarded annually to support a student pursuing a career in the financial planning industry. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and playing golf.