In 2011, Chad Willardson left a high-paying job at Merrill Lynch to start Pacific Capital, a wealth management firm focused on entrepreneurs. Despite the perks and stability of a Wall Street role, Willardson grew frustrated with corporate bureaucracy and a lack of control over his client services. Taking a major risk, he left the corporate world, facing financial challenges and high stakes in building his own firm from scratch.
Today, Willardson’s firm thrives, specializing in personalized services for high-net-worth clients. His journey underlines the importance of finding a niche, leveraging skills, and taking calculated risks. His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs includes starting with a side hustle if possible, identifying your unique target market, and investing in a strong team culture.
For more on Chad Willardson’s entrepreneurial journey, read the full article on Business Insider.
