UP FROM ZERO

personal finance guru: Ryan Mack  
President – Ryan Charles Mack
of Optimum Capital Management 
rmack@optimumcapitalmanagement.com
 

Ryan Mack graduated from the University of Michigan Business School (ranked number one in the country) with a concentration in Finance.  His career in equity markets began in Detroit, Michigan as a stock trader and later as a trader for the largest NASDAQ trading firm in the nation, Knight Securities.  Having a passion for teaching he established his own financial awareness group in 2003 where he began to publish regular newsletters about various financial related issues that were of interest to people from all income levels.
 
Having had the opportunity to continue his career with several of the nation’s largest and most prestigious financial planning firms, Mr. Mack believed there was an industry void relative to providing advice and services to a broader spectrum of individuals. He saw a need to provide personal attention and elevated client service to all individuals of all income levels and not solely the high net-worth clientele.  This prompted him to establish his own financial planning firm, Optimum Capital Management, LLC.  He has achieved two licenses of insurance, a certification that enables him to give investment advice (Series 66), and is registered in the states of New York, Michigan, Ohio and California.  He is often invited to speak within the community where he emphasizes the importance of developing a responsible investment plan which leads to financial independence.  With a clientele representative of all income levels, through Optimum Capital Management, Mr. Mack continues to teach the merits of sound budget management and smart investing for all people.

 
STRIVE had the opportunity to sit with this young striver and determine how he made it thru.
  
How did I arrive at this point in my life?
 
I have always had a lot of support from my mother.  Even though she hasn't been well financially, she helped me develop the mindset to think independently.  More than that, I have to give God all the glory for putting her in my life, as well as laying down a clear spiritual path that I follow everyday.  Integrity, morals, and hard work have always been paramount in everything I do. 
 
How were my childhood years?
 
I grew up in a single parent household.  My mother, after her divorce, was left with two children and a $20,000 per year salary.  She made it work.  That is where I get my simplicity.  When starting my firm, I lived on oatmeal and biscuits for over a year.  I got so used to it that now that I have a steady income, I still crave my oatmeal and biscuits!  She taught me that happiness wasn't all about the money you have, or what kind of car you drive; happiness is helping others and leaving a positive impact on people’s lives.  Even though she couldn't afford to put gifts under the tree on many a Xmas, she gave me the love I needed to be successful, my brother as well.  We both owe a lot to her. 
 
  

The most influential folks in my life
 
Obviously I am going to say my mother, but there are others.  My father, while he didn't come around regularly until later, has always had a strong influence in my life.  A boy always looks up to his father, and admires him.  My tough emotional exterior and ability to work well under pressure comes from my father.  I have always had the ability to make a mole hill out of a mountain.  My grandparents are responsible for my old soul.  I still can't resist watching a good episode of Andy Griffith when I happen to see it on TV.  Sunday dinners at my grandmothers were always special to me.  Everyone said I was her favorite grandchild.  I think she loved all of us equally, but we did share a special bond.  She was a true matriarch being able to raise 8 children, and maintain house and home.  She also gave me my strong sense of family.  As my Uncle continued to steal and use drugs, the family urged her to kick him out.  She just stood strong and said, "He is my son, and he will always have a home in my house!"  As for my other grandmother, while I didn't really get to spend as much time in my later years, she was also very special to me.  Her last words to me on her death bed were, "I love you."  I still draw a tear to think about that day. 
 
  
Why investments and personal finances?
 
One reason is that I am good at what I do.  I have found a niche that I can excel in.  However, the most important reason is that I believe that through financial planning I can have the greatest impact on my community.  Too many of my community living beneath the poverty level are continuously looked over.  I started my own company to service ALL who need assistance.  Whether you are rich or poor, the principles of financial planning are of the utmost importance.  All who come in my door are important, and all are serviced.  Many, who are in extreme situations, cannot afford my services...such as those who live in government subsidized housing.  This is why I developed a financial literacy program which gives them a clear and concise road map to relieve them of their financial worries. 
 
  
What's next for me?
 
I believe that this is it for me.  I have found what I love and will continue to grow my company and my community outreach programs.  These programs include:
 
·         I have been accepted to be an instructor at Hostos Community College, teaching a financial literacy program of which I personally developed (Hostos is deemed to be the poorest congressional district in the nation).  Too long students have learned how to make money...it is time that they learned how to save responsibly what they have, so they can deal efficiently with the debt they have incurred during and after college years. 
 
·         I will continue to write regular weekly newsletters for Strive Magazine and my financial awareness group.  In addition to the bi-weekly market update newsletters that I provide my clients, and monthly commentary newsletters that I produce through Optimum. 
 
·         I will continue to work in the community with the kids (9th through 12th grade age group).  This is my third year of conducting my youth group Leaders Of Tomorrow.  We meet every Thursday and discuss matters of financial stewardship and professional conduct.
 
·         I will continue to promote and market my financial literacy program that I use in union training workshops across the nation, non-profits, government subsidized housing developments, churches, and schools. 
 
·         I will continue to serve Crown Financial Ministries as a budget coach at my church home on a volunteer basis. 
 
·         I will continue to serve my clients and grow Optimum Capital Management, LLC to be the largest only financial planning firm that truly has the client's interest at heart. 
 
God has his hands on my life to help others, and it is through the tool of financial planning.  I will do my best to make sure that His mission is carried out through me.  I will stop at nothing to accomplish this…whatever it takes. 
 

 
Ryan website will soon be launched www.optimumcapitalmanagement.com
 
contact Ryan at: rmack@optimumcapitalmanagement.com