Louis V. Colella, CPA/PFS, CFP®, CEPA™

Joining the JFS team in early 2015, Lou brings over 38 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and business owners increase and manage their wealth, both in their businesses and in their other portfolios. Lou possesses extensive knowledge of investment management, wealth and estate planning, and small business consulting, especially in the business growth and transitions/exit planning areas.

In addition to holding CPA/PFS and CFP® credentials, Lou holds the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation from the Exit Planning Institute, designed specifically for business advisors who work closely with owners of privately held companies in the areas of growing and managing business value, and planning transitions and monetizing events. CEPAs help business owners understand the current and future value of their business, both tangible and intangible, and which exit options best align with their business, personal and financial goals. The CEPA program is a widely accepted and endorsed professional exit planning program administered through the Exit Planning Institute.

A 1985 graduate of Youngstown State University, Lou earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and earned his CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT certification and Personal Financial Planning Specialist designation through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In addition, he has earned, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.

Prior to joining JFS, Lou launched and led a family office in Akron, OH, worked in the CPA / public accounting industry and held senior financial management positions with several private firms.

In his free time, you might find Lou in the outdoors, fishing, golfing, hiking in nature, or spending time with family and friends.