Steve Sexton is the CEO of Sexton Advisory Group, a Temecula-based financial consulting firm specializing in retirement strategies and investment planning. Sexton also hosts a podcast, Saving With Steve, that discusses how people can have a healthier, happier relationship with money. Learn about Steve Sexton…
Hometown: Fullerton, CA
First job: Flipping burgers at McDonald’s when I was 16.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in CA: I love golfing, hiking local trails, going to the beach and any activity that I can experience with my wife, family or friends.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My children are my biggest accomplishment in life. My wife, Lora, and I have raised two wonderful children, Connor and Paige, who have learned they can accomplish anything they set their mind to. Both have graduated from college with honors, have earned or are in the process of earning a master’s degree, and obtained employment with significant firms in their respective fields. But most importantly, they’re good people who treat others with respect, care and kindness. They’ve chosen to maintain the trust and belief in their faith and give back to their respective communities by volunteering their time to local charities. They make us feel blessed and grateful every day.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: At the age of 42, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. After an emergency surgery and six months of chemotherapy, I had to rebuild my business from scratch – but doing so gave me a new perspective on life. Overcoming cancer was challenging and it devastated us financially, but it was the best thing that could have happened to me. Before my colon cancer diagnosis, I was the guy who was consumed with his work. I was always late to family functions, and when I did show up, I found it difficult to be present as work was always on my mind. My cancer diagnosis taught me the importance of slowing down, protecting my time with my children and family, and living life to the fullest. My business ended up growing more than I could have ever expected, and my cancer diagnosis gave me a different perspective on how to help my clients plan for the unexpected.
Someone who inspires you and why: Ronald Regan. As the former governor of California and president of the United States, he worked with both sides of the political aisle or opposing leaders from other countries to get significant things accomplished. He displayed true leadership throughout his life as a leader, father and husband.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Never stop learning. Once you’ve earned your degree and/or obtained your licenses, continue to educate yourself on all aspects of the business (this includes taxes, tax reduction options, estate planning, exit planning, health insurance, Medicare and more) to become a well-rounded advisor or consultant. Find experts in services and/or products that you do not offer and bring those experts in when needed to help your clients.
Favorite quote: Mr. Jones, my fifth-grade teacher, always said “never say die.” This quote stuck with me throughout life. Growing up, I have always been told I was too short, not big enough, not fast enough or smart enough. But Mr. Jones always taught me that when life knocks you down, you can pick yourself back up and find a way to prevail.
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I love premier league football (European soccer) and will get up really early at 3 a.m. to watch Manchester United games.
What makes someone fabulous: Being fabulous means understanding all good things come from hard work, and being grateful for what you have while maintaining a warm heart and positive outlook toward life.