How one former cook built a 15-year wealth management career by prioritizing people over pedigree or pretense.
I grew up dreaming of being a chef, but life had other plans. After several years of owning and operating my restaurant, it was time to move on. I faced the challenge of supporting my family. I was 22 years old with a wife, two children, and barely a dollar to my name. A chance meeting with a financial advisor opened the door to a career I never expected. I didn’t bring a polished résumé or financial pedigree, but I did bring determination, grit, and the ability to listen.
In an industry often defined by polished suits and Ivy League degrees, I stood out for different reasons. I came in with a culinary background, tattoos, and a work ethic forged in kitchens where the hours were long and the pressure relentless. What I quickly realized is that financial advising—like cooking—requires preparation, precision, and, most importantly, understanding the person you’re serving.
Listening as a Competitive Advantage
In wealth management, listening is often overlooked in favor of technical expertise or credentials. Yet my experience has shown that the ability to listen deeply is often the decisive factor in building lasting client relationships. Technical knowledge is abundant; clients can Google almost any financial strategy. What they cannot find online is someone who takes the time to truly hear their concerns, filter out the noise, and translate their goals into a plan they can trust.
From Empathy to Execution
Listening is the starting point, but it is not enough on its own. The real impact comes from taking what you’ve heard and converting it into actionable strategies. The other side of listening is execution. For that, it requires not only an understanding of what the client needs but also confidence and willingness to give people the truth, even though it may be uncomfortable. For example, an early client of mine, a business owner, was worried not just about numbers on a balance sheet, but about how his children would take over the business one day. By listening to those unspoken concerns, I was able to design a succession and estate plan that protected his family’s future and allowed him to retire confidently. There were certainly times when things I said were not what he wanted to hear, but fifteen years later, that relationship still stands because it was built on more than a transaction—it was built on trust earned through listening and follow-through.
What Professionals Can Learn
Over time, my journey has underscored several principles that extend well beyond wealth management:
- Authenticity matters more than polish. Clients value truth and transparency over appearances.
- Expertise has limits without context. Technical knowledge only adds value when applied to a client’s real priorities.
- Relentless work ethic translates across industries. The discipline and adaptability I built in the kitchen have been just as critical in finance.
- Listening is an active skill. Every client conversation is an opportunity to uncover deeper concerns and align strategies with what matters most.
Let’s Talk
If my story resonates with you, whether you’re building a business, planning for retirement, or navigating life’s next steps, let’s connect. I’m not here to be the most polished voice in the room. I’m here to listen, understand, and help you build the future you want.
Taylor Wong is a Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. WestPac Wealth Partners LLC is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Insurance products offered through WestPac Wealth Partners and Insurance Services, LLC, a DBA of WestPac Wealth Partners, LLC. CA Insurance License #0I79525 | This award is not issued by Guardian or its subsidiaries. The annual Forbes ranking of Top Financial Security Professionals is based on criteria developed and obtained by SHOOK Research, LLC. No compensation was provided in connection with obtaining this rating; however, advisors may choose to pay fees to Forbes and Shook for premium listing features; including, usage rights of the ranking logo. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation | 8355260.1 Exp. 09/27