Tim Johnson began his journey in academia as a professor of finance; but he was destined to build a new kind of financial firm. What began as Tim’s passion for providing personal and practical financial guidance has grown into one of the nation’s largest independent wealth management firms, with more than $21 billion in assets and clients in 50 states. (as of 6/30/2025)
From the beginning, founder Tim Johnson knew he wanted to help people see their whole financial picture, not just manage their investments. Just as the best professors establish impactful relationships with students to help them grow, Tim got to know each of his clients, working to understand their goals and offer sound financial advice suited to their circumstances.
While Tim was living his dream of being a college professor, his reputation in the investment management business continued to grow. His dedication to providing wise counsel and peace of mind naturally led to more people wanting to work with the firm, including its first major institutional client — a relationship that still flourishes today.
The beginning of a new decade brought the opening of the firm’s first freestanding office. By the end of the decade, the firm had grown to 20 full-time employees. This move and expansion helped solidify the company’s culture of integrity, dedication, and service that has been the foundation ever since. This culture bred deep loyalty from employees. Johnson Investment Counsel continues to boast an unparalleled employee retention rate, with many portfolio managers spending their entire careers with the firm.
The firm celebrated a major milestone—assets under management reached $1 billion. In response to client needs, the firm established Johnson Mutual Funds and Johnson Trust Company by the end of the decade. This expansion enabled a very unique opportunity to bring in a team of estate planning attorneys, trust professionals, and charitable advisors.
After decades of growth, Tim made a crucial decision to ensure the firm’s independence—adding shareholders and making Johnson Investment Counsel 100% employee-owned. This move ensured the firm’s employees could stay focused on serving clients and not feel influenced or pressured by sales goals.
In 2013, Tim Johnson named his successor Jason Jackman as President and CEO. Jackman, who joined the firm in 1993, continues the firm’s commitment to clients, community, and the goal of remaining independent. During this time, the firm also expanded regionally into Cleveland-Akron and Metro Detroit.
Despite a world-wide pandemic and economic upheaval, the firm’s solid infrastructure, strategic preparations, and dedicated employees allowed the business to operate seamlessly through countless challenges and uncertainties.
Today, as one of the largest independent advisory firms in the country, we continue to provide high-quality investment strategies and wealth management services grounded in our commitment to listen and deeply understand our clients’ goals and challenges, with the aim of improving their lives and their legacies.
Founder Tim Johnson is known for saying that the most important thing we do at Johnson is hire people, because our people embody our mission to use our expertise, experience, and passion for serving others to help our clients reach their goals. As our team has grown, we’ve been able to expand our offerings across a variety of divisions, while remaining true to our roots of providing trusted counsel and exemplary service.
Whether you’re looking for wealth management advice, family office services, estate planning counsel, or if you represent an organization in need of institutional management, at Johnson you’ll find a team of highly credentialed experts focused on your best interests, ready to provide guidance and support throughout your journey.
Wealth management and financial planning encompass more than just reviewing your investment portfolio. We offer counsel, guidance, and expertise that covers many facets of your wealth and your life, to help you see the full picture.