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May 2, 2025JVL Wealth Strategies partner earns esteemed CFA® designation, reinforcing commitment to client- focused strategy

JVL Wealth Strategies today announced that partner Chad Soukup has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) designation. The CFA designation is a globally respected credential in the investment profession, recognized for its rigorous curriculum, ethical foundation, and high standards. It is considered one of the most challenging professional distinctions to attain in finance, one that Chad now adds to his already highly regarded list of designations, including the CPA and CFP®.
“We’re incredibly proud of Chad for earning the CFA designation, one of the highest distinctions in our profession,” said Jerry VanderLugt, founder and managing partner of JVL Wealth Strategies. “Chad’s dedication reflects the level of excellence and care we bring to every client relationship. His combination of credentials—CFA, CPA, and CFP®—is exceptionally rare in our industry and uniquely positions our firm to provide sophisticated, tax-aware planning strategies. This milestone further reinforces our ongoing commitment to serving families with thoughtful, informed, and highly personalized guidance.”
Earning the CFA designation requires passing three levels of exams covering topics such as investment analysis, portfolio management, asset valuation, economics, wealth planning, and ethics. Candidates typically spend more than 900 hours preparing for the program and must complete 4,000 hours of qualified work experience. Charterholders also commit to upholding the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, which emphasize integrity, transparency, and putting clients first.
“Completing the CFA Program was one of the most challenging and rewarding academic endeavors I’ve undertaken. The experience reflects my personal commitment to lifelong learning and to deepening the knowledge I bring to every family we serve,” said Soukup. “The strength of our team’s capabilities is impressive, allowing us to deliver the insight and sophistication typically associated with much larger firms, while maintaining the highly personalized, caring service our clients value.”