John Zachary

Age: 33

Birthplace: Wilmington

Where do you live now? Wilmington

Employer, job title: Pathfinder Wealth Consulting, wealth adviser

Who are your immediate family members? Allison (Allie) Zachary, wife; Libby Zachary, mother; William (Zac) Zachary, father; Chris Zachary, twin brother; Billy Zachary, brother; Rachel Zachary, half-sister; Parker Zachary, half-brother. My wife and I have two children: Piper Zachary (4 years old) and Banks Zachary (10 months old).

Education: Bachelor of Science in Finance & Business Administration (double concentration) in 2009 from UNCW; Certified Financial Planner Professional course work through The American College; program completed 2012. The CFP designation is governed by the CFP Board.

What groups are you affiliated with? Financial Planning Association (FPA); Financial Services Institute (FSI)

What are your guiding principles? Determination & Perseverance. Challenges and hardships are inevitable and life is not always easy. I strive to use challenges as opportunities for growth, and remind myself constantly that hard work & dedication are what will help me reach my goals. It won't happen on its own. Being aware that when challenges arise, the harder I work to get through them, the faster I'll be on the other side and that much closer to my goal.

How do you volunteer your time in the community? My largest volunteer effort was in 2017 as part of the Chamber's Leadership Wilmington program. Together, our class helped to organize Work on Wilmington, where for one day, volunteers came together across our area to complete projects for 30-35 of our area's nonprofit and community centers. I was in charge of Communities In Schools, where I led a group of over 40 volunteers to paint, improve, and rebuild their new building on Orange and 11th streets. Since then, I've been an avid volunteer for WARM (Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry). Being behind a computer and desk for most of my work week, I welcome the opportunity to work with my hands and get a little dirty!

Who has helped you achieve success in your life and career? My biggest inspiration was my uncle, who helped me appreciate that through hard work, I can do anything. Growing up in a family with little resources, I knew it would be a challenge to be successful. Uncle Bob showed me that by working hard, even through adversity, I too could make my dream a reality. I have also had great mentors at Pathfinder, Jason Wheeler & Rob Penn, who have not only given me practical advice & tools to succeed in my profession, but also many life lessons that will most certainly help me and my family reach our goals for the future.

What goal would you like to accomplish before turning 40? In my career, my goal by 40 is to be a partner & leader in my firm and have a strong client base within my business, built on my own through personal relationships and a strong reputation in our community of trustworthy advice & care. Personally, I also hope to continue living an active & fit lifestyle (to age 40 and beyond).

Favorite book: I would have to go with "The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko. I read this book early in my career, and it helped me not only with my own personal financial journey, but also to help others find the purpose of money in their own financial lives.

Hobbies: Anything outdoors: surfing, hiking, running, and traveling. More recently, Spartan races!

Most prized possession: Do kids count? :) As a material possession, I would have to say my surfboard. Growing up in Wilmington, I grew up in & around the water. Surfing has been something that stuck with me throughout the years and is my way of decompressing and reducing stress – it has also been a great way to stay in shape!

If you had a theme song for your life, what would it be? "Don’t Worry be Happy" – Bobby McFerrin. A little cheesy, but one thing I've learned in life is that sulking & worrying about the "what ifs" when things go wrong doesn't make it pass by any faster. Taking rough periods in stride and learning from them, keeps you from getting stuck in a rut and keeps you moving forward.

About the 40 Under 40 Award

The 40 Under 40 Award is presented by StarNews Media and the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the award is to recognize young professionals who are doing great things in our community. Recipients had to be younger than 40 years old as of Dec. 31, 2019; live or work in Brunswick, New Hanover or Pender counties; and display a commitment to serving others in the community.