Meet the Director: Adam Adams

Meet the Director: Adam Adams — Financial Planner, Advocate, and Chamber Past President

When it comes to commitment, few people embody it quite like Adam Adams, our longest-standing board member and past president of the Pemberton & District Chamber of Commerce. With deep roots in the community, a background in finance, and a genuine passion for advocating for local businesses, Adam continues to play a key role in shaping the future of Pemberton’s business community.

Adam’s Journey to Pemberton

Adam first arrived in Pemberton in 2008, chasing the classic Sea to Sky dream. Like many, he started out in the service industry, working a season in Whistler before deciding the commute wasn't for him. That choice led him to working a few years at one of our local golf courses, and eventually into banking,  a move that would shape his professional life.

Starting in an administrative role at the bank, Adam quickly moved up to financial advisor, eventually becoming the branch manager. When the branch closed, his great reputation in the community opened new doors. He was recruited by Edward Jones, where he continues to serve individuals, families, and business owners — locally and across Canada — as a financial planner with a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation. His work focuses not only on long-term financial planning for individuals and families, but also on helping business owners prepare for successful transitions out of their businesses.

Serving the Chamber: Adam’s Ongoing Involvement

Adam’s connection to the Chamber began during his time at Scotiabank,  when former Chamber Secretary Shirley Henry invited him to join the board, where he served a few terms. After stepping away during a period of working in Whistler, he was asked by a few board members to return to the Chamber during the pandemic — and gladly accepted.

“So many of my clients are business owners,” Adam explains. “I understand their challenges and goals. Advocating for them through the Chamber just made sense — it’s a natural extension of what I do every day.”

During his second term on the board, the Chamber underwent a significant transition to a governance model — helping the organization operate more strategically. Over the past five years, Adam has held multiple leadership roles, including Secretary, Vice President, President, and now Past President, helping guide that evolution.

He also brought experience from outside the business world, having served four years on the Pemberton Library Board, which gave him a strong foundation in non-profit governance.

Championing Advocacy and Outreach

One of Adam’s proudest accomplishments with the Chamber is the strengthened advocacy role the organization now plays in our local business community.

“Over the past few years, we’ve become a stronger voice for businesses in Pemberton,” he says. “We're being heard at the local level, and that matters.”

Looking ahead, Adam sees outreach as the Chamber’s biggest opportunity: connecting with more businesses, especially those that may not yet realize the value of being part of a collective voice.

“We haven’t fully tapped into the business community. There's a lot of potential for growth — both in membership and in our impact.”

Business & Community Insight

How would you describe the business climate in Pemberton today?

According to Adam, the business landscape in Pemberton has shifted significantly since he first arrived in 2007.

“Back then, it didn’t really feel like there was as much room or opportunity for new business,” he recalls. “But that’s changed — there’s now a much greater openness to business in this community.”

He’s seen a clear evolution toward supporting a more diverse range of businesses and services, with the community increasingly recognizing and responding to the needs of both locals and visitors.

“There’s more variety now — more businesses offering what people need, here. It’s encouraging to see that growth and flexibility.”

Pemberton’s growing population and its shift from a seasonal to a more year-round economy have helped create space for small businesses to thrive — something Adam sees as a positive trend for the future.

Words of Wisdom for Local or Aspiring Entrepreneurs:

As a seasoned financial planner, Adam has invaluable advice for new or aspiring business owners in Pemberton:

“Surround yourself with the right people. In my field, we call these people “Centres of Influence”. For a starting entrepreneur, this might look like a good bookkeeper, accountant, financial planner, lawyer.  Your business is your future, and having the right advisors can accelerate your growth exponentially.”

He also emphasizes the value of Chamber events and mixers for newer businesses — not just for networking, but for being part of a supportive community.

Beyond the Boardroom

Outside of work and volunteer commitments, Adam is an avid reader, averaging 40 (!) books a year. Quiet time with a good book is his version of a weekend adventure, though you might also catch him enjoying his own backyard — his favourite local hidden gem.

If given the chance to swap lives with another Chamber director for a day? He’d pick Michelle or Jeremy — intrigued by the idea of working with his hands, something he feels would round out his life experience, as it's not something he’s done much of before.

Legacy and Vision

What does Adam hope to leave behind as his Chamber legacy?

“I want the Chamber to be a relevant, reliable force in this community — something people turn to, trust, and depend on as Pemberton continues to grow.”

Get in touch with Adam for all of your financial planning needs.

Adam Adams, CFP®, CEA®, CEPA®

Financial Advisor, Financial Planner

(604) 938-4320

(604) 905-4645