By: One World Publishing
Ty J. Young Wealth Management is one of the most well-known firms in Atlanta’s business circles. The company serves over 4,000 clients nationwide and specializes in retirement strategies. Its founder, Ty J. Young, is not only one of the country’s most recognizable faces in retirement investing, but many people do not know that the 58 year old is also a racecar driver and a pilot.
Here’s a glimpse at his journey from a cold-calling stockbroker to the head of one of Atlanta’s premier financial firms.
A Lifelong Interest in Finance
Crunching numbers and managing the wealth of clients may not sound like every little kid’s dream. Most kids probably don’t give finance a second thought. However, Young’s passion for finance began at an early age. “Even as a kid, I always found finance to be wildly interesting. It’s really all I ever wanted to do… well, except maybe become a race car driver,” he recalls.
After college, he got his start in the industry at Bear Stearns in 1992. Right away, Young got a taste of the “perform or you’re out” mentality that is so common in the finance sector. He said, “I ended up getting a job as a cold caller where we had to make a minimum of 500 calls a day or we were fired.”
He made the cut at Bear Stearns and went on to join the training program at Raymond James. Later, Young transitioned to J.C. Bradford & Co., where he began to realize the limitations of traditional stock trading.
“Being a stock trader is a lot like being a blackjack dealer in Vegas,” Young explains. “It’s great when people are making money, and not as fun when they aren’t.”
The Birth of Ty J. Young Wealth Management
Young’s desire to find a better option for clients led him to discover fixed index annuities, which protect investors from market losses while allowing them to benefit from market gains. However, the firms he worked for didn’t offer the product. In 1998, with his second child just a few months old, Young finally took the leap and started his own firm.
Young worked out of his garage and practiced seminar presentations late into the night with his wife’s coaching. Young built his firm into a national powerhouse, which involved several key milestones, including an expansion into national TV advertising and the acquisition of 40 other financial firms.
Young credits his success to God first and his team second. “The great employees we have allow me to work on the business rather than in the business so we can continue to scale and reach new milestones,” he says.
The Challenges of Leadership
Building a business from the ground up wasn’t smooth sailing. In the early days, Young wore every hat you could imagine. He prepped marketing materials, handled client paperwork, talked to prospects, and hustled day in and day out to make his dream a reality. Those experiences shaped the firm’s current operating procedures, which continue to guide its success today.
Young has always focused on innovation and adaptability. “People are worried about inflation, rising living costs, and whether their investments are safe,” he says. “Our firm offers products that provide financial security, helping clients keep up with inflation and maintain their lifestyle.”
Racing Into New Passions
Ty Young’s passion for motorsports began long before he made his first cold call. He was inspired by racing legends like Mario Andretti and Jackie Stewart, and this admiration encouraged him to form the Ty J. Young Wealth Management Racing Team 17 years ago. Despite crashing in the warmup of his very first race, Young managed to take home the win.
Since then, he has competed in various club races and now participates in the Trans Am series driving a 600-horsepower TA2 car. There’s no denying that being behind the wheel of the TA2 car takes Young to his happy place. According to him, “Driving it is nirvana!”
Taking to the Skies
In addition to his racing pursuits, Young recently began training to become a licensed pilot. He drew inspiration from his son, who started flying in high school. Young decided to pursue his dream of flying after years of sitting in the backseat of small planes.
Safety remains a priority in all of his ventures, from the roll cages and fire suits in racing to the parachute-equipped plane he’s learning to pilot. He says, “With everything I do, there is an element of risk, but we diminish that with safety features.”
Optimism for the Future
As both a business leader and an American optimist, Young believes in the importance of sound leadership to ensure the nation’s economic prosperity. When asked about his national pride, Young said, “I believe we live in the greatest country in the world, and this is the greatest time in history. I’m an American with a capital ‘A!’”
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or professional advice. Any financial strategies or products mentioned should be carefully evaluated with the guidance of a qualified financial advisor to determine their suitability for individual circumstances. Always prioritize safety and seek professional instruction when engaging in high-risk activities. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the official stance of any organization or entity mentioned.
Published by Emma N.
