Joshua Leon Jenkins ChFC, CLU,RICP - Investment Advisor

Josh Jenkins is a nationally recognized financial advisor specializing in wealth management, real estate investments, and tax-efficient financial planning. As an independent advisor at Seaside Wealth Management and a partner with Opus Capital, he provides highly personalized financial strategies to business owners, investors, and high-net-worth individuals. Passionate about philanthropy, mentorship, and financial education, Jenkins is committed to helping clients build, protect, and sustain wealth for generations.

 

What Led Josh Jenkins to a Career in Financial Advising and Wealth Management

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Josh Jenkins’ career in financial advising and wealth management was unexpected. While he had always possessed strong financial acumen, his early aspirations were focused on becoming a fighter pilot in the Air Force. With that goal in mind, and with guidance from his grandfather, he dedicated himself to rigorous academics, sports, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. His hard work earned him a full ROTC scholarship at Penn State, covering his housing and providing a stipend.

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However, just days before starting college, Jenkins was medically disqualified due to a heart arrhythmia he had developed while training for Air Force-level physical fitness. This disqualification resulted in the loss of his scholarship, forcing him to reconsider his path.

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A turning point came when a close friend—whose father was the Dean of Shippensburg University—encouraged him to share his story with the university's Board of Governors. As a result, Jenkins was admitted to Shippensburg and awarded a valedictorian scholarship, despite not holding that title in high school.

 

While at the university, he pursued a degree in mathematics, not out of passion but for the intellectual challenge. He spent four years studying group theory, uncertain about his career direction.

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It was not until the day before graduation that Jenkins had a pivotal conversation with a financial advisor while seeking financial planning guidance. During their discussion, he shared that he had no clear plan for his future. The advisor suggested he consider a career in finance and even offered to fund his education and training. This opportunity led him to begin an internship at Northwestern Mutual less than 24 hours after graduating, marking the start of his journey in financial advising.

 

Josh Jenkins’ Approach to Wealth Management and How It Differs from Traditional Financial Planning

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Jenkins' philosophy on wealth management was shaped early in his career by a particularly impactful experience. One of his clients had chosen not to purchase life insurance and later passed away unexpectedly, leaving his family in financial distress. Days after the tragedy, the client’s wife called Jenkins in tears, asking if her husband had bought the insurance. Having to say no was a moment that profoundly affected him, reinforcing his commitment to ensuring clients build a strong financial foundation before making investment decisions.

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His approach requires every client to establish fundamental financial protections first, including wills and insurance, before discussing investments. Once a solid safety net is in place, he then explores wealth-building strategies. Jenkins emphasizes comprehensive financial planning, integrating insurance, real estate, and tax efficiency.

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He also recognizes the limitations of traditional financial planning, which often revolves around large financial institutions and their regulatory constraints. To provide a more holistic, client-centered approach, he transitioned to independent financial advising. Now, through Seaside Wealth Advisors, he delivers tax-efficient financial planning that incorporates real estate and alternative investments while prioritizing the best interests of his clients.

 

Common Financial Misconceptions Among High-Net-Worth Individuals

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Jenkins frequently encounters misconceptions among high-net-worth individuals, the most common being the belief that maximizing stock market returns is the sole factor in wealth growth and preservation. Many overlook critical aspects such as tax efficiency, risk diversification, and alternative investments, all of which are essential for a well-rounded portfolio.

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Another common misconception is that insurance serves only as a protective measure. In reality, it plays a crucial role in wealth transfer and liquidity planning, making financial strategies more tax-efficient. Jenkins works to correct these misunderstandings by providing a holistic approach to wealth management, incorporating real estate, private equity, and insurance to optimize financial portfolios. His goal is to help clients not only maximize their wealth but also safeguard it from unnecessary risks.

 

How Josh Jenkins’ Approach Helps Clients Develop a Comprehensive Wealth Strategy

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Jenkins begins his financial planning process by thoroughly understanding each client’s financial goals, current assets, and risk tolerance. From this foundation, he crafts strategies that balance income growth, tax efficiency, and asset protection.

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As an independent financial advisor, Jenkins is not restricted by the product-driven models of large financial firms. This independence allows him to prioritize the best interests of his clients, focusing on their long-term wealth objectives rather than promoting institutional financial products. His client-first philosophy ensures that financial strategies are tailored to individual needs, integrating investment management, estate planning, and risk mitigation.

 

What Sets Josh Jenkins’ Investment Strategy Apart and How He Helps Accredited Investors Maximize Returns While Mitigating Risks

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A key differentiator of Jenkins’ investment strategy at Opes Capital is the firm’s hands-on, value-driven approach to commercial real estate investing. Unlike firms that passively wait for market appreciation, Jenkins and his team actively enhance the value of their investment properties through strategic improvements.

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For example, they identify underperforming shopping centers, often suffering from excessive unused parking space or weak tenant performance. By redeveloping and repositioning these properties, they bring in high-traffic brands such as Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, or Planet Fitness—businesses that increase foot traffic and drive property value.

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Typically, these investments are held for about 20 months, allowing enough time for renovations, tenant optimization, and value appreciation before selling. In addition, Jenkins prioritizes cash-flow-positive properties with multiple exit strategies, reducing dependence on market fluctuations.

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Another major advantage for investors is the tax efficiency associated with real estate. Jenkins leverages cost segregation and accelerated depreciation, enabling clients to lower their taxable income while maintaining strong returns.

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Rather than relying on market trends, Jenkins’ strategy focuses on creating value through proactive asset management, intelligent tax planning, and risk mitigation. His approach ensures that accredited investors benefit from high-quality assets while maximizing returns and protecting wealth.