John Lennox Cummings

Aspiring Financial Advisor

John Lennox Cummings, also known as Lennox, graduated summa cum laude from the College of Charleston’s Beatty School of Business, achieving a 3.95 GPA. His academic dedication earned him a nomination to the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, an honor given to the top 10% of graduating seniors. He was also recognized as a Merit Scholar for his consistent academic performance throughout his college years.

He earned his degree in Business Administration, with a focus on Finance, and completed a minor in Spanish. His fluency in Spanish proved valuable during his time abroad in Spain and Mexico, enhancing his communication in professional environments with coworkers and clients.

Work Experience

In addition to his academic success, he took on several internships and work opportunities that provided valuable real-world experience. His ability to maintain a high GPA while engaging in multiple internships reflects his discipline, organization, and strong work ethic. At 22 years old, he has already built a resume that combines academic achievement with hands-on skills, laying the groundwork for a professional future rooted in both experience and education.

John worked as a tax and accounting intern at Bee Street Advisory Group, located in Charleston, South Carolina. During this time, he expanded his understanding of holistic financial planning and became proficient in tools such as QuickBooks and Intuit Tax. He prepared and filed tax returns for 17 C corporations, completing the work with an average turnaround time of 13 days. Additionally, he filed returns for over 200 families, achieving a 5-day turnaround average. His contributions resulted in a 100% client retention rate, with no audits required, demonstrating his precision and reliability.

Before this role, he served as a Finance and Client Relations Intern at Cummings Wealth Management Group, also based in Charleston. Although he shares the same last name as the firm, there is no relation. While there, he assisted in maintaining and strengthening 137 client relationships. He also contributed to financial assumption modeling and supported internal audits for assets under management exceeding $400 million. He became familiar with finance software systems used in managing and monitoring complex client portfolios.

He is a certified Public Notary in the state of South Carolina.

He also worked as an Inside Sales Intern at Lively Charleston Real Estate. His responsibilities included sourcing potential buyers and sellers using the Sierra Interactive platform, making up to 250 calls per day, and reaching a qualified lead generation rate of 7%. This role helped him sharpen his communication and sales skills in a fast-paced real estate environment.

In the summer of 2023, he worked as a Store Experience Guide for YETI Coolers. During the peak season, he regularly exceeded daily sales targets of $15,000, showing strong performance in both sales and customer service. His ability to meet and surpass expectations demonstrated his adaptability and effectiveness in engaging with customers.

Additional experience includes working as a Server Assistant at 167 RAW Oyster Bar in Charleston. During the summers of 2021 and 2022, he worked as a District Manager for Boone Outdoor Maintenance and Landscaping in Hendersonville, North Carolina. He managed expenses and revenue for over 60 properties across three counties, handling regional invoicing and payment processing. His role required attention to detail and accountability, which he consistently delivered.

John's work experience began at the age of 16, when he worked as a cashier at Pelicans in Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to assisting customers, he helped manage digital and social media marketing. These early roles helped him develop customer service skills and a strong sense of responsibility that carried into his later professional positions.

Lennox’s Early Commitment to Leadership and Giving Back

John attended Christ School, a boarding school for boys in Asheville. He was selected as a Headmaster Scholar, an award that supported his tuition, and he graduated as a member of the National Honor Society, recognizing both academic excellence and leadership.

Throughout his high school years, he committed time to community service. He volunteered regularly at the First Presbyterian Church of Asheville, participating in the church’s Saturday Sanctuary initiative, which provided meals and shelter to homeless individuals in the area. His desire to support others extended beyond his school and church.

John also contributed to building affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity in the Asheville region. His involvement in these projects demonstrated his willingness to contribute time and labor to causes that support the local community.

As a PEP tutor at T.C. Roberson High School, he worked with students with special needs in Buncombe County. He provided academic support and mentoring, helping students with varying learning needs succeed in their studies. His work required patience and a consistent commitment to service, which he maintained throughout his tenure.

Helping to Rebuild His Community

Following the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville and surrounding areas, he supported local recovery efforts. He made a personal donation to Beloved Asheville, a nonprofit organization that played a crucial role in relief and rebuilding efforts in Asheville. Alongside his sister, he created and sold stickers inspired by Asheville and Appalachian culture, donating all proceeds to Beloved Asheville to support ongoing recovery initiatives. His involvement in these efforts showed a combination of compassion and creative problem-solving.

His Hobbies

Outside of academics and work, Lennox Cummings enjoys spending time outdoors. He is an avid fly fisherman and spent a summer fishing in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. His appreciation for nature was shaped by growing up in Asheville, a city situated at an elevation of about 2,200 feet and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.

John also enjoys boating, listening to music, and attending live concerts. His connection to music and nature continues to influence how he spends his free time, often combining outdoor exploration with meaningful time shared with family and friends.

John Lennox Cummings has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, service, and growth. Through his academic achievements, work experience, volunteer involvement, and personal interests, he continues to develop as a well-rounded individual grounded in discipline, compassion, and purpose.