Our Culture
We created Bison with a vision that families benefit from 3 simple concepts. Plan, Protect, and Prosper. Bison was founded by The Terry and Kim Pegula Family Office known as East Asset Management in conjunction with operating partner Teton Capital Partners founded by Brad Ball and his team of executives.
As Terry Pegula rose from petroleum engineer to Billionaire Oil and Gas Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Professional Sports Team Owner the family was amazed to see all the products, services, and capabilities that became available to them. Bison seeks to make these family office tools available to Bison clients.
View Our Leadership
John joined Bison Wealth via Lakeview Capital Partners in 2013 as Managing Director, from the Private Client Group Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. While at Wells Fargo Advisors, he headed a total wealth planning team focusing on wealth transition, retirement planning, and executive planning.
John has helped his clients navigate one of the most challenging decades by using one simple philosophy: “Do not take more risk than you need to accomplish your goals.” This mantra he learned while developing his practice with A.G. Edwards & Sons has served his clients well through some of the most volatile times in financial history.
John is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, where he earned a Degree in Managerial Economics. He also holds several professional designations, including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification (CFP®) and the Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) designation.
John is an advocate of healthy living and an active lifestyle. Whether it’s hiking, running, triathlon, or a round of golf, John enjoys the outdoors. In 2006, John became a certified Boot Camp & CrossFit Instructor. One of his passions is educating individuals on how to lead healthier lifestyles through exercise and nutrition. He is also an alumnus of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training.
He is committed to the advancement of children through his non-profit and philanthropic efforts. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees for the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, is a former Board Member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, and was a founding trustee of a private foundation that gives ongoing support to orphanages worldwide.
Who I Am: If this were Twitter, I would say words like a trusted advisor, confidant, sportsman, financial translator, strategist, advocate, protector, and coach. I believe in the golden rule. I believe in people’s desire to help each other. In my career, I have seen many ways to build successful businesses, but I have never seen any business sustain itself on products and services alone, it always comes down to people.
Where I came from: I come from a small town where your word is your bond, and your reputation is your most prized possession. In this industry, your transparency to clients and your integrity define your reputation.
What is important to me: As an advisor, taking the least risk to accomplish my client’s goals is the most important thing to me. I believe the most important aspect of being a colleague or a leader is to listen, collaborate, and strive for the success of everyone around you. My simple goal is to support each other and succeed together.
Quote to live by: “Control your own destiny, or someone else will.” – Jack Welch