Andrea James
- CFP
- AAMS
- AWMA
- Senior Financial Advisor
Gregory Sabala
- Registered Client Associate
Trevor James
- Client Associate
Andrea James, CFP® Professional
Senior Financial Advisor
Andrea’s vigorous work ethic and go-getter attitude have roots in her early life, when she worked 3 jobs to put herself through college. Andrea holds Marketing and Management degrees from Drake University. Today she applies the same intensity and passion to helping clients of all ages and stages work to achieve their own goals and dreams. Since 2009, Andrea has guided individuals, nonprofits, associations and multi-generational families with the aim to get their financial houses in order, helping them build, manage, preserve and transfer their wealth. She takes pride in being a financial advisor who helps clients make informed decisions, who is always at-the-ready to answer questions and who deeply cares about her clients on a personal level.
Andrea is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, an Accredited Wealth Management AdvisorSM and an Accredited Asset Management SpecialistSM, all of which help her create innovative and comprehensive financial strategies. Andrea has been named as a member of Platinum Council (previously known as Premier Advisor)1 distinction with Wells Fargo Advisors in 2013 and consecutively from 2016 to 2024. She was named a Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisor2 in 2021, 2022 & 2023, & 2024 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor best in state in 2023, 2024, & 20252 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor2 in 2020, 2021, 2022. Ranked 5th in Iowa on Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State3 in 2019, was named to Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Advisors List4 in 2017 and 2018, and was ranked by Working Mother Magazine as a Top Wealth Advisor Mom5 consecutively 2017 to 2021 . Throughout her career, Andrea has built a reputation as a committed and compassionate advisor who strives to put clients first and values the opportunity to build lasting relationships with clients and their families.
A native Iowan, Andrea lives in Urbandale with her husband and two children. She stays active in her community teaching financial literacy and as past board member for both Komen Greater Iowa and the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. In her spare time you can find Andrea reading, gardening and enjoying the outdoors with her family.
1The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by one or more of the following: completion of educational components, business production from the previous year, and professionalism.
22024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23
2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22
2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21
2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21
(Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.
3 2025 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State: Awarded February 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 9/30/23 - 9/30/24
2024 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State: Awarded February 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 9/30/22 - 9/30/23
2023 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State: Awarded February 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22
42022 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors: Awarded Feb 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 9/30/20 - 9/30/21
2021 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 9/30/219 - 9/30/20
2020 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19
(Source: Forbes.com) . The Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors and Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor best in state rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.
2021 Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms: Awarded October 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/20 - 3/31/21
2020 Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms: Awarded September 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/19 - 3/31/20
2019 Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms: Awarded October 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/18 - 3/31/19
2018 Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms: Awarded October 2018; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/17 - 3/31/18
2017 Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms: Awarded October 2017; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/16 - 3/31/17
5(Source: Workingmother.com). The Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms rating algorithm is based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, Investment performance is not a criterion.
6 2019 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State: Awarded June 2019; Data Compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/2018- 3/31/19
2018 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State: Awarded July 2018; Data Compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/2017- 3/31/18
2017 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State: Awarded July 2017; Data Compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/2016- 3/31/17
(Sources: Forbes.com) The Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue, and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.
Andrea’s vigorous work ethic and go-getter attitude have roots in her early life, when she worked 3 jobs to put herself through college. Andrea holds Marketing and Management degrees from Drake University. Today she applies the same intensity and passion to helping clients of all ages and stages work to achieve their own goals and dreams. Since 2009, Andrea has guided individuals, nonprofits, associations and multi-generational families with the aim to get their financial houses in order, helping them build, manage, preserve and transfer their wealth. She takes pride in being a financial advisor who helps clients make informed decisions, who is always at-the-ready to answer questions and who deeply cares about her clients on a personal level.
Andrea is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, an Accredited Wealth Management AdvisorSM and an Accredited Asset Management SpecialistSM, all of which help her create innovative and comprehensive financial strategies. Andrea has been named as a member of Platinum Council (previously known as Premier Advisor)1 distinction with Wells Fargo Advisors in 2013 and consecutively from 2016 to 2024. She was named a Forbes Best in State Wealth Advisor2 in 2021, 2022 & 2023, & 2024 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor best in state in 2023, 2024, & 20252 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor2 in 2020, 2021, 2022. Ranked 5th in Iowa on Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State3 in 2019, was named to Forbes America’s Top Next-Gen Advisors List4 in 2017 and 2018, and was ranked by Working Mother Magazine as a Top Wealth Advisor Mom5 consecutively 2017 to 2021 . Throughout her career, Andrea has built a reputation as a committed and compassionate advisor who strives to put clients first and values the opportunity to build lasting relationships with clients and their families.
A native Iowan, Andrea lives in Urbandale with her husband and two children. She stays active in her community teaching financial literacy and as past board member for both Komen Greater Iowa and the Mind & Spirit Counseling Center. In her spare time you can find Andrea reading, gardening and enjoying the outdoors with her family.
1The Platinum Council distinction is held by a select group of Financial Advisors within Wells Fargo Advisors as measured by one or more of the following: completion of educational components, business production from the previous year, and professionalism.
22024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/22 - 6/30/23
2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22
2022 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21
2021 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/20 - 6/30/21
(Source: Forbes.com). The Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.
3 2025 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State: Awarded February 2025; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 9/30/23 - 9/30/24
2024 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State: Awarded February 2024; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 9/30/22 - 9/30/23
2023 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State: Awarded February 2023; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/21 - 6/30/22
42022 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors: Awarded Feb 2022; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 9/30/20 - 9/30/21
2021 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors: Awarded February 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 9/30/219 - 9/30/20
2020 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors: Awarded April 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 6/30/18 - 6/30/19
(Source: Forbes.com) . The Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors and Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor best in state rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.
2021 Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms: Awarded October 2021; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/20 - 3/31/21
2020 Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms: Awarded September 2020; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/19 - 3/31/20
2019 Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms: Awarded October 2019; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/18 - 3/31/19
2018 Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms: Awarded October 2018; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/17 - 3/31/18
2017 Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms: Awarded October 2017; Data compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/16 - 3/31/17
5(Source: Workingmother.com). The Working Mother’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms rating algorithm is based on industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC, Investment performance is not a criterion.
6 2019 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State: Awarded June 2019; Data Compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/2018- 3/31/19
2018 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State: Awarded July 2018; Data Compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/2017- 3/31/18
2017 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State: Awarded July 2017; Data Compiled by SHOOK Research LLC based on the time period from 3/31/2016- 3/31/17
(Sources: Forbes.com) The Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State rating algorithm is based on the previous year’s industry experience, interviews, compliance records, assets under management, revenue, and other criteria by SHOOK Research, LLC. Investment performance is not a criterion. Self-completed survey was used for rating. This rating is not related to the quality of the investment advice and based solely on the disclosed criteria.
Gregory Sabala
Registed Client Associate
Greg joined Wells Fargo Advisors as a Registered Client Associate in 2021. He is an 18-year veteran of the financial services industry with an additional 22-years of experience in marketing and sales management for the consumer-packaged goods industry. His practical experience is complemented by a BS degree in Sociology from the University of California at Irvine and an MBA degree from the University of Southern California. Greg is a native of Southern California who came to Iowa to be closer to his daughter, who attended Drake University.
Greg joined Wells Fargo Advisors as a Registered Client Associate in 2021. He is an 18-year veteran of the financial services industry with an additional 22-years of experience in marketing and sales management for the consumer-packaged goods industry. His practical experience is complemented by a BS degree in Sociology from the University of California at Irvine and an MBA degree from the University of Southern California. Greg is a native of Southern California who came to Iowa to be closer to his daughter, who attended Drake University.
Trevor James
Client Associate
Trevor joined Wells Fargo Advisors as an Intern in 2023 and in 2024 as a Client Associate. He is excited to continue to learn about the financial services industry. Trevor Graduated from Urbandale High School and is working on his Business Degree at DMACC. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family but can also often be found bowling.
Trevor joined Wells Fargo Advisors as an Intern in 2023 and in 2024 as a Client Associate. He is excited to continue to learn about the financial services industry. Trevor Graduated from Urbandale High School and is working on his Business Degree at DMACC. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family but can also often be found bowling.