Roy Y. Gagaza
Roy Y. Gagaza
Roy Y. Gagaza's illustrious career in the U.S. Army spanned nearly 25 years, culminating in 2008 with his retirement as a highly decorated officer. He was awarded the prestigious Bronze Star twice, recognizing his heroic contributions during operations against national adversaries. His Bachelor's degree in business marketing from San Jose State University between 1984 and 1988 laid the groundwork for his later success in the financial realm.
After leaving the military, he channeled his disciplined work ethic into founding Journey Wealth Management, LLC, in January 2010. The firm, with branches in Honolulu, Waipahu, and Manteca, is a monument to his dedication to financial excellence and client service.
As CEO of Journey Wealth Management, he has cultivated a firm synonymous with trust and client-focused financial planning. Holding esteemed credentials such as Certified Estate Planner (CEP) and Registered Financial Consultant (RFC), he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. His expertise is also recognized through several accolades, including repeated recognition as an Advisors Excel Elite Advisor since 2018.
His life is a balanced tapestry of professional achievements and active family involvement. Together with his wife, Patricia, the CFO and co-founder, they raise their three children—Kyrie, Mackenzie, and Grant—in a nurturing environment. He enjoys the natural beauty of Hawaii, golfing, global travels, and literature. His engagement extends into the local community, where he partners with educational institutions and business organizations to foster growth and collaboration.
The idea for Journey Wealth Management was born from his forward-thinking during his military service, pondering his family's future financial stability. His initial efforts in financial education, through seminars in Hawaii, were well-received and motivated him to further this educational initiative throughout the latter part of his service, benefiting countless individuals nearing retirement.
His daily life involves meticulous planning and mobility. He travels between his firm's various locations to deliver seminars, meet clients, and devise personalized financial plans. His commitment to providing comprehensive, individualized financial advice is the cornerstone of his professional philosophy.
At the core of his professional ethos is a belief in the profound impact of personalized financial planning. His team, driven by a passion for service, utilizes diverse financial strategies to fulfill the unique needs of their clients. His method emphasizes long-term relationships and tailored solutions, which are crucial to achieving client-specific financial objectives.
He champions a conservative approach in a fast-paced financial environment, prioritizing long-term relationships over transient gains. His firm's philosophy is to nurture these client relationships with the same dedication and attention to detail that characterized his military career.
If he could share insights with his younger self, he would underscore the importance of upholding integrity, cherishing family connections, and treating client relationships with the utmost care and respect. His dual emphasis on military and academic learning has profoundly shaped his values and professional conduct.
His financial philosophy deviates from conventional norms. He advocates for a balanced approach to risk, often finding himself at odds with conservative and more aggressively inclined clients. This balanced risk-taking philosophy guides the services offered by Journey Wealth Management, including growth-focused investments, asset protection, and legacy planning.
Recognizing veterans' unique challenges in transitioning to civilian life, he is keen on developing a business model that caters specifically to this demographic. This specialized service aims to assist veterans in navigating their post-service financial planning with the same precision and dedication that defined their military careers.
Journey Wealth Management's success is deeply rooted in the support and collaboration of his family. Patricia has been a cornerstone of his life and business for over two decades, contributing significantly to the firm's strategy and growth. Their children, too, reflect the family's commitment to excellence in the financial services sector.
Roy Y. Gagaza's approach to financial planning—marked by a commitment to ethical practices, client education, and community engagement—drives Journey Wealth Management toward becoming a leading institution in financial advisory services.