February 15, 2024

Meet Darren Lepak: Mechanic, Outdoorsman, and Trusted Advisor.

Darren with his lovely wife, Paige, and their adorable dog, Huck.

Darren Lepak's journey from central Wisconsin to the world of finance and business is a testament to the power of following one's passion and finding purpose in unexpected places. Unlike many who dreamt of financial careers from a young age, Darren's early ambitions led him to pursue a career as a mechanic after high school, driven by his love for turning wrenches and fixing engines.

However, Darren's career trajectory took a significant turn after moving to Minnesota and pursuing a business degree. Despite his initial disinterest in finance and business, Darren soon discovered a magnetic pull towards the field, fueled by a desire to understand economics and its impact on various industries.

Throughout his college years, Darren was fortunate to have mentors who emphasized the value of financial literacy and its enduring benefits regardless of one's chosen career path. Their guidance inspired Darren to explore financial planning, recognizing it as an avenue to combine his newfound passion for finance with his innate love for people and building relationships.

Driven by this newfound purpose, Darren embarked on a journey to obtain securities and insurance licenses while still in college, eager to equip himself with the knowledge and skills needed to help others navigate their financial futures. His upbringing in central Wisconsin, where financial literacy was not commonplace, further fueled his determination to make a difference in his community.

Upon completing his degree, Darren joined a financial services firm, where he honed his skills and built relationships. However, he soon realized that his true calling lay in directly assisting families with their financial needs, rather than being confined to spreadsheets and market analyses.

This realization prompted Darren to transition to a role where he traveled the country, empowering financial advisors and forging connections coast to coast. Yet, his passion for helping families achieve financial clarity and confidence continued to drive him forward.

In a bold move, Darren made the decision to pursue his true purpose, leaving behind the security of his previous roles to focus on providing personalized financial guidance to families. His unwavering dedication and enthusiasm for his work are evident in the transformative experiences shared by the families he serves, from initial apprehension to newfound confidence in their financial futures.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Darren finds solace and joy in spending time outdoors with his wife, Paige, and their beloved dog, Huck Finn. Whether hunting, fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying nature's beauty, Darren cherishes these moments and looks forward to sharing similar experiences with others.

As Darren continues his journey, he remains committed to helping others achieve financial clarity and pursue their dreams, embodying the belief that true fulfillment lies in making a positive impact on the lives of those around us. Darren Lepak's story serves as an inspiring reminder that with passion, perseverance, and purpose, anything is possible.

Book a call with Darren

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Every Day is Saturday

Our job begins where most advisors stop—saving money is great, but how do you spend it without risk in retirement? Welcome to Every Day is Saturday with Brad Gotto and Matt Stahl, partners and private wealth managers at Fiat Wealth Management.

In this podcast we help guide you to think about your money in a practical sense and make the boring and complex financial decisions, fun, informative and educational. Join us on this journey where Brad and Matt will explore different strategies on how to spend your money without guilt and have peace of mind knowing you are spending it the optimal way in retirement.

You’ve saved money for a lifetime. Now it’s time to spend it.

In Spending Money and Having Fun, Retirement Income Certified Professional Brad Gotto teaches you how to be smart about spending so you can stop worrying and live the life you want. Old habits are hard to break, but Brad helps you embrace the counterintuitive and build new habits to support your next chapter. You’ll learn how to:

  • Change your mindset around spending

  • Create boundaries that buy you freedom

  • Gain peace of mind with concepts that take the guesswork out of your financial requirements

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