Alex Garner Reflects on Year One of Garner Wealth Management

Episode 6

With Alex Garner

Leaping from a stable paycheck into entrepreneurship takes equal parts courage and conviction. In this episode of Stir, Aginto’s Chris Williams checks back in with Alex Garner—founder of Garner Wealth Management—one year after Alex launched his independent advisory practice. From conquering “feast-or-famine” first months to teaching financial literacy as a substitute teacher, Alex’s journey illuminates the grit required to build a business and the mindset that sustains it.

From Corporate to Confident Founder

Alex spent five years honing his craft at major broker-dealers and niche firms—learning basic financial planning, military-focused wealth management, and advanced investment selection. Yet he craved the freedom to integrate both planning and portfolio design under one roof. “If I’m willing to put my name on it,” he explains, “that means I’m confident in it.” So in spring 2021, he launched Garner Wealth Management, ready to own every step of the client experience.

The Hunger to Survive

The biggest early hurdle? Trading a steady paycheck for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. Alex planned to weather six months without income, redirecting any revenue straight back into marketing and operations. It took nine months before he paid himself consistently—but that breakthrough affirmed his decision. “Surviving was my number-one goal,” he reflects, “and if all I did was move over clients from my last firm and keep them successful, I’d be successful too.”

Adapting Through Adversity

When COVID-19 wreaked havoc on many businesses, Alex saw opportunity. Rather than fear, he focused on client retention: maintaining communication, delivering actionable financial guidance, and building trust. While some clients hesitated to transfer assets amid pandemic volatility, those who moved experienced strong results. Word-of-mouth referrals then accelerated growth—three new clients monthly, a mix of first-timers and transfers eager for Alex’s personalized approach.

Beyond Finance: Teaching and Mentorship

Fueled by a desire to contribute broadly, Alex also became a substitute teacher for his wife’s Title I school—covering middle and high school business classes. There, he discovered the Synthesis School’s online cohorts, using gamified learning to teach critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving to 8–14-year-olds worldwide. “These kids are some of the smartest I’ve ever met,” he says, enjoying the chance to inspire young minds outside the finance sphere.

Defining Success and Peace of Mind

When pressed a year ago to envision his ideal outcomes—revenue targets, assets under management, and peace of mind—Alex admits he fell short on AUM but achieved true contentment. “I’m very happy where I am—alive, content, with peace of mind,” he shares. He emphasizes that true success isn’t tied to a number alone; it’s also about enjoying life and serving clients. By focusing on young families and first-time investors—guiding them to save consistently and start Roth IRAs early—he finds purpose and sustainability.

Advice for Aspiring Advisors

“If you want to do this,” Alex warns, “prepare to work 60 hours a week.” He urges new advisors to cut their teeth at large brokerages to learn the industry’s rigors before venturing out independently. “Get your licenses, gain experience, then decide. This part—going solo—is terrifying.” His frank counsel underscores that entrepreneurship demands both emotional and financial resilience.

The Drive to Do More

What keeps Alex pushing? Helping others. “My goal isn’t money—it’s people,” he asserts. By empowering clients to avoid poor financial decisions and crafting tailored plans, he measures success in lives improved rather than assets alone. His model—serve young clients wholeheartedly, then leverage higher-net-worth relationships to fund ongoing growth—ensures he can keep doing what he loves.

Leaping from a stable paycheck into entrepreneurship takes equal parts courage and conviction. In this episode of Stir, Aginto’s Chris Williams checks back in with Alex Garner—founder of Garner Wealth Management—one year after Alex launched his independent advisory practice. From conquering “feast-or-famine” first months to teaching financial literacy as a substitute teacher, Alex’s journey illuminates the grit required to build a business and the mindset that sustains it.

From Corporate to Confident Founder

Alex spent five years honing his craft at major broker-dealers and niche firms—learning basic financial planning, military-focused wealth management, and advanced investment selection. Yet he craved the freedom to integrate both planning and portfolio design under one roof. “If I’m willing to put my name on it,” he explains, “that means I’m confident in it.” So in spring 2021, he launched Garner Wealth Management, ready to own every step of the client experience.

The Hunger to Survive

The biggest early hurdle? Trading a steady paycheck for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. Alex planned to weather six months without income, redirecting any revenue straight back into marketing and operations. It took nine months before he paid himself consistently—but that breakthrough affirmed his decision. “Surviving was my number-one goal,” he reflects, “and if all I did was move over clients from my last firm and keep them successful, I’d be successful too.”

Adapting Through Adversity

When COVID-19 wreaked havoc on many businesses, Alex saw opportunity. Rather than fear, he focused on client retention: maintaining communication, delivering actionable financial guidance, and building trust. While some clients hesitated to transfer assets amid pandemic volatility, those who moved experienced strong results. Word-of-mouth referrals then accelerated growth—three new clients monthly, a mix of first-timers and transfers eager for Alex’s personalized approach.

Beyond Finance: Teaching and Mentorship

Fueled by a desire to contribute broadly, Alex also became a substitute teacher for his wife’s Title I school—covering middle and high school business classes. There, he discovered the Synthesis School’s online cohorts, using gamified learning to teach critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving to 8–14-year-olds worldwide. “These kids are some of the smartest I’ve ever met,” he says, enjoying the chance to inspire young minds outside the finance sphere.

Defining Success and Peace of Mind

When pressed a year ago to envision his ideal outcomes—revenue targets, assets under management, and peace of mind—Alex admits he fell short on AUM but achieved true contentment. “I’m very happy where I am—alive, content, with peace of mind,” he shares. He emphasizes that true success isn’t tied to a number alone; it’s also about enjoying life and serving clients. By focusing on young families and first-time investors—guiding them to save consistently and start Roth IRAs early—he finds purpose and sustainability.

Advice for Aspiring Advisors

“If you want to do this,” Alex warns, “prepare to work 60 hours a week.” He urges new advisors to cut their teeth at large brokerages to learn the industry’s rigors before venturing out independently. “Get your licenses, gain experience, then decide. This part—going solo—is terrifying.” His frank counsel underscores that entrepreneurship demands both emotional and financial resilience.

The Drive to Do More

What keeps Alex pushing? Helping others. “My goal isn’t money—it’s people,” he asserts. By empowering clients to avoid poor financial decisions and crafting tailored plans, he measures success in lives improved rather than assets alone. His model—serve young clients wholeheartedly, then leverage higher-net-worth relationships to fund ongoing growth—ensures he can keep doing what he loves.

← More Stir Episodes