John Larrison

John’s Story

I was born and raised in Mio, Michigan, a small town in northern Michigan. I have two older brothers and three step-sisters. After high school, I decided to attend Central Michigan University, drawn to its small-town feel. I graduated from CMU in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Finance. At the time, my goal was to pursue a career in financial advising and personal tax services.

However, the financial world in 2009 offered very few opportunities for new graduates. My oldest brother and a cousin were both serving in the Coast Guard and enjoyed their work, which inspired me to consider that path. In addition, both of my grandfathers—Joseph Larrison and Stanley Holmes—served in the Navy during World War II. They had very different personalities, but both were deeply influential in my life, and I can see parts of each of them reflected in myself.

I ultimately decided to join the Coast Guard, where I served for four years. During that time, our primary focus was search and rescue, law enforcement, and ice rescue. I had the privilege of serving under many excellent leaders and learned invaluable lessons along the way. I was fortunate to be part of several search and rescue missions, helping people in distress on the water. Those experiences—working alongside dedicated individuals to save lives—were some of the most meaningful of my service. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve my country and to work with so many outstanding people.

At the end of my service, I was offered the chance to begin working in a financial advising and tax office, and I took it. Since leaving the Coast Guard in 2015, I have earned an MBA in Entrepreneurship and a Master of Science in Accounting. I’ve also obtained several financial licenses and became an Enrolled Agent, a prestigious tax designation awarded by the IRS.

I worked at the financial advising and tax office for five years before moving to southern Michigan, where I married my wife. Together, we are raising two children, Drake and Eric. I have since built my own tax business while continuing to work in the financial advising field.

In my spare time, I enjoy coaching my oldest son in soccer and basketball and look forward to doing the same with my youngest. I love spending time outdoors whenever possible, whether it’s playing or watching sports, hunting, or traveling.