Now his focus is on his own business, growing his firm for his children and his family as well as helping his clients on the path toward retirement and success as business owners. He also thoroughly enjoys the educational aspect of his job. “My favorite thing about my job is teaching people something they can’t learn anywhere else. A lot of times you don’t learn these things in high school, and your parents aren’t teaching you this stuff because they might also need some help,” James says. “It can take a professional to teach these principles, and I like the feeling of being able to be that person for them and make that change in the lives of our clients.”

Though he spends much of his free time working, James spends his time away from the office with his family. “I’ve been all over the country and to different parts of the world, but for me, home isn’t really a place,” James says. “Jennifer is from here, so when she thinks of home, she thinks of Florida. When I think of home, I think of Jennifer.”

He and Jennifer have three children named Trinity, Carter and Isabella, which is where the “TCI” in TCI Financial comes from. Though Isabella, their oldest, has moved out of the house, and Trinity and Carter have already begun chasing their own dreams as high school students, the Johnson family remains incredibly close. They often visit beaches, go to amusement parks and host get-togethers with family and friends. James is also the chairman of the Code Enforcement Board in his suburb, which he believes gives him a chance to guide his community toward a better future.

James and Jennifer are football superfans and season ticket holders for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Growing up in New England turned James into a Patriots fan, but visiting Raymond James Stadium eight times per year has made him loyal to his local team. “The Pats are our team, but it was perfect when Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski came over,” he says. “That was then I was completely sold on the Buccaneers, and the ride has been really fun so far.”

From the name of the firm to the couple’s intentions, TCI Financial is truly a family-oriented company. “Being so close as a family, and growing up without means, I know how important it is to have the support we offer,” James says. “I’d also love for my kids to follow us into financial services someday. I’m not going to stop them from chasing their own dreams, but there’s no one I’d rather hand the firm off to.”