Our Team

Always ready to serve your needs.

The Adams and Associates team believes financial planning should happen in a welcoming, friendly space where you feel comfortable stopping by – whether it's for an in-depth meeting or just to say hello. We’re a family here, and that warmth extends beyond our own doors to our valued clients.

Dedication beyond financial services.

We’re proud to bring the same spirit of service and dedication to our community. Supporting causes like the Hope Rescue Mission, National Night Out, the Cancer Society, and our local police and fire departments is at the heart of who we are. These efforts are a reflection of our commitment to helping people – both in and out of the office.

Our bond with Fleetwood Bank.

Our partnership with Fleetwood Bank reflects our shared commitment to our community. Like us, Fleetwood Bank is proud to support local families, entrepreneurs, and neighbors with customized solutions and a commitment to giving back – one relationship at a time.

James L. Adams, CFP^®, ChFC^®, CLU^®

Founder & Managing Principal

James L. Adams is the founder and Managing Principal of Adams & Associates, starting his career in 1984 with a nationally known financial advisory firm. For the past 40 years, Jim has been helping clients achieve their financial objectives. He values the trust he has developed with his many clients and the surrounding community. He grew up in Berks County and attended Albright College. He has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professional since 1993 and has also earned his CLU^® and ChFC^® designations.

He and his family live in Bern Township. He is active in his church and the local Hope Rescue Mission. He enjoys spending his free time in the outdoors with his 3 yellow labs, woodworking, and gardening.

Gary Dietrich

Portfolio Manager & Financial Advisor

Gary joined Adams & Associates in June 2022 with 24 years of analytical laboratory experience. He assists clients with their equity and fixed income portfolios through the use of quantitative and tactical models to help take the emotional responses, such as overconfidence, herding, and anchoring, out of the investment process.

Gary also serves on the firm's Investment Committee, which is responsible for researching, monitoring, and recommending various portfolios for clients.

Zachary D. Werner, CFP^®

Financial Advisor

Zachary has been an advisor and member of Adams and Associates since 2016. He graduated from Muhlenberg College with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He obtained his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification in July 2024.

His areas of specialty include financial, investment, retirement, education, estate and tax planning. Through a personalized approach, his job is to help clients reach their financial goals. He looks forward to developing a long-term relationship with each client.

Zachary was recently married in 2021 to his beautiful wife, Tia. Their dog Benji keeps them quite busy. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and backpacking. His goal is to visit all of the National Parks! Being active members at his local church fills him with joy and hope as well.