John D. Santi
john@santicompany.com

Prior to founding the Santi Company, John extended the presence of the Stanford Group Company as its first Managing Director in Memphis. Credited with introducing Stanford Group to the open architecture platform as witnessed per its investment in O.F.N. (Open Finance Network), John was instrumental in developing Stanford’s very successful global community investment strategy, highlighted by its partnership with St .Jude Children’s Research Hospital. John has also been credited for bringing Stanford the concept of Life Planning, as evidenced by the strategic partnership initiated with the Ultimate Gift Project/major motion picture.

While influencing Stanford’s strategic direction and community investment strategy, John brought approximately $30M in business ventures to the Stanford Group Company merchant banking unit, and delivered comprehensive wealth management strategies to high net-worth individuals, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs.

John’s energy and entrepreneurial spirit first emerged at Paine Webber/UBS, where he distinguished himself over 15 years by becoming a Pace Setter, member of the President’s Club, and finally a member of the Chairman’s Council and Investment Advisory Council. John was successful in referring significant investment banking business to the firm.

John earned his BBA from the University of Memphis and holds a Certified Investment Management Analysis (CIMA) designation sponsored by the Investment Management Consultants Association and co-administered by the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School. John is a licensed security professional holding Series 7, 24, 63, and 65 licenses. He is also a licensed Tennessee insurance agent qualified in accident and health, life, and variable products with a CIMA® designation. John remains active in community organizations, including the board of the Memphis Opportunity Scholastic Trust (MOST) and the board of the Economic Club of Memphis.



John is a self-described “positive deviant” – a term that is becoming more and more widely discussed in corporate America. What is “positive deviance”? A departure, difference or deviation from the norm resulting in a positive outcome. Throughout the world, there are a few “positive deviant” individuals whose uncommon behaviors or practices enable them to outperform or find better solutions to pervasive problems, even though they share the same resource base as their associates. They consistently identify and exploit existing resources to provide unique solutions.

John’s passion is pursuing his personal and spiritual journey and his love of the outdoors with his wife of 16 years, Sandy, and sons John David (13) and Alexander (11).