Jim spent seven years practicing law before he joined Baird in July of 2000. That experience gives him a unique problem-solving perspective, which he uses when working with clients toward their financial goals.

He successfully completed Baird's Advanced Investment Counsel Program at the University of Chicago, earning the designation of Senior Investment Consultant. The AIC Program was led by professionals from Baird and involved a five-day course of study, focusing on the needs of clients and planning techniques surrounding those needs. (Please contact Jim for more information about the AIC Program.) Jim earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, Cum Laude, from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Jim lives in Grafton with his wife, Leigh, and their dog, Daisy. An avid tennis and pickleball player, Jim also enjoys hiking and singing, and has appeared on stage in local musical theater productions and with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus.

Hersh joined Baird in 2021 and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. As a financial advisor, Hersh does what he loves everyday – listening to people’s stories and applying suitable strategies that will help them achieve their purpose. He was awarded enrolled agent status by the IRS in 2024, which allows him  to provide comprehensive tax planning to clients.

Hersh began his career in Jefferies’ Industrials & CleanTech investment banking group in New York. He then spent 12 years on an entrepreneurial journey where he started two ventures in Mumbai and joined startups that moved him to Delhi, Dublin, Vancouver, Dallas, and Boston. As a result of these diverse life experiences, Hersh truly enjoys working with people from different backgrounds and stages of life.

Hersh lives in Milwaukee’s Upper East Side with his wife, son, and Portuguese Water Dog. He is President of Baird Diverse Advisors, and is a board member of Lake Park Friends and the Cornell Club of Wisconsin. In his spare time, Hersh enjoys mentoring startup founders, cooking, and learning how to tackle projects around the house. He graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Applied Economics & Management.

John joined Baird in May of 2018 as a Client Specialist and brings more than 20 years of financial industry experience. In his role, he is focused on providing exceptional service and building long-term relationships. He is extremely passionate about Baird’s mission to provide the best financial advice and service to its clients.

John is a graduate of St. Norbert College, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He currently holds his FINRA Series 7 and 66 licenses.

John and his wife, Peggy, reside in Wauwatosa, WI where they raised their three children, Noelle, Colin, and Morgan. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, watching his kids play sports, and following the local Wisconsin sports teams.