You May Be Too ‘Woke’ To Work With Me
You May Be Too ‘Woke’ To Work With Me
How can business owners effectively grow and manage wealth for long-term success?
I love helping business owners succeed and seeing people grow their wealth. Our minimum investment now is a million dollars, though we make exceptions at times. After many years in this field, my passion for helping others succeed remains strong.
One book I highly recommend is The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. It’s an excellent read for understanding wealth, saving, investing, and the differences between luck and risk. I enjoy discussing these topics with clients and helping them understand the value of money and investing.
Seeing the impact on the next generation is especially rewarding. For example, when a client’s son or daughter is just starting, we teach them to live like a college student now so they don’t have to later. Even if they’re only putting away a couple of hundred dollars regularly, that consistency will set them on the path to wealth. Their account might only hold a modest amount initially, but that “hockey stick” growth over time is real, especially if they start young. Getting someone in their twenties to adopt this mindset sets them up for incredible success.
In short, I have a passion for helping people grow their wealth and reach their goals.
How can business owners build financial security through saving?
Life goes by fast—not just in investing but in everything. I wish I knew at 32 what I know now; I’d be unstoppable. From 22 to 32, time flew by, and for most of that, I was either in sales or running my own business. It wasn’t easy. I struggled, faced financial hardships, and often didn’t know where my next dollar would come from. There were times when, if it hadn’t been for my wife’s steady job, I don’t know how I’d have made it, especially with the added challenge of caring for my child with autism. I’m grateful now that I can afford more, but back then, every bit of help counted.
Life moves fast, and it’s essential to save money. I often say, “Live like a college student now so you don’t have to later.” It’s not just about saving for a specific goal like a house or a car. It’s about saving simply for the sake of it because you don’t know what life will throw your way. I pack my own lunch daily, even though I can afford to eat out. Living in a high-cost area like Boca Raton, where lunch can easily cost $25, I’d rather spend $2.50 on a packed lunch. Not spending money for the sake of not spending it is a powerful habit that builds financial security over time.
What role does having a supportive partner and family play in a business owner's success?
These days, many people are not married by 32. But having a strong, supportive partner—a spouse who truly understands and backs you—can make all the difference between success and failure. Don’t overlook this. Choose wisely.
Build a family; it changes your perspective. What seemed important before won’t feel the same. For example, going out to the bar loses its appeal when you wake up hungover to a three-month-old who doesn’t care about your headache. You go through that once or twice and learn quickly.
Having a family gives urgency to what you’re doing. Seek wisdom from others; smart people learn from their own mistakes, but wise people learn from others' mistakes. Get serious about growing, and find a strong mentor who can guide you.
When should business owners push past comfort zones to pursue growth opportunities?
It’s the fear of the unknown. With three kids heading to college and all the responsibilities that come with that, comfort can easily hold you back. You have to learn to be uncomfortable, and I’ve had to learn that too.
When I decided to make a big career change, my wife was completely against it. She thought it was the craziest thing I could do. I love her, but she didn’t fully understand the business, and I knew deep down it was the right move. I had already waited too long to act. Ignoring her concerns was hard, but sometimes, even when your loved ones mean well, they don’t see the full picture.
In the end, it’s fear that holds you back, so you have to step outside your comfort zone. I keep a note on my desk that says, “Don’t pass up the good in search of the perfect.” It’s been a reminder for the past 20 years.
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.*
