How He Built $1B in AUM By Himself

What happens when your first client account crashes during Black Monday... and your client threatens to "blow you out of the water"?

You learn fast.

And that’s exactly what Steve Manuel did.

This week’s guest has seen every market cycle since 1975. His first mentor started in 1926 and watched the ticker tape in person during the 1929 crash.

Steve became a financial planner before most people even knew what a CFP was.

And his advice today?

Money follows trust.
Clients don’t stay for performance, they stay for relationship.
And you can’t fake that.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Steve went from selling stocks to becoming one of the first CFPs in the country

• The story of losing a $250,000 client during Black Monday and what that investment would’ve been worth today

• What makes a great advisor (hint: it’s not your credentials)

• The reality of building a book of business from scratch in the 80s

• Why some clients treat you like a stockbroker and others want a family CFO

• The importance of staying aligned with your values when building a practice

Whether you're just starting out or 30 years into your career, Steve’s story will remind you what really matters.

And if you’re wondering what The Game Changing Advisor actually looks like, it’s this guy.

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Advisor Freedom is the podcast for financial advisors who want to learn what it really takes to build a thriving advisory career & what wealthy clients are actually doing with their money.

Hosted by Conner Young, who launched his own independent RIA firm in 2021, the show shares real stories from advisors who’ve broken away, built their books from scratch, and refined their client service models through experience.

Each episode dives into how advisors got started, how they attracted their first clients, the systems they use today, and the best practices that help them grow.

We also open the doors to the other side of the table: interviewing high-net-worth investors, family offices, and entrepreneurs about the investments they love, the strategies they use, and the legacy they’re trying to build.

Whether you're just launching your RIA, growing your practice, or exploring new ways to create generational impact, Advisor Freedom is your behind-the-scenes guide to building a business and a life of lasting value.

Learn more about how to start and grow your practice: ⁠www.getadvisorfreedom.com