From Golf Pro to Fintech Leader: Brad Frey on Networking, 401ks, and Life

What can golf, parenting, and financial planning all teach us about building a meaningful career?

For Brad Frey, now with Conquest Planning, the answer is more than you think.

At Wealth Management EDGE 2025, Torie Happe and Johnny Sandquist sat down with Brad to hear how his journey from PGA golf pro to fintech leader shaped the way he thinks about money, mistakes, and mentorship.

The conversation was a reminder that the paths we take aren’t always linear, and that the lessons we learn along the way can have ripple effects on our families, careers, and the industry we all call home.

Why Saving Early Matters

Like many of us, Brad admitted he didn’t save as early as he should have, even though he really had no excuse with a dad who was a financial advisor.

That experience pushed him to make sure his kids started young, with savings accounts, 401ks at first jobs, and early investing lessons baked into their upbringing.

This mistake shows it’s not how you start. What matters most is what you do next, and how you pass those lessons on.

Building Financial Literacy at Home

Brad and his wife have been intentional about teaching their children financial literacy.

From allowances split into savings, spending, investing, and giving, to lessons about budgeting for trips and goals, their kids are growing up with tools that many of us didn’t get until much later.

In all the talk about what advisors can do to improve financial literacy in the country, Brad’s story shows that tinancial literacy isn’t just a career skill, it’s also a family value.

The Power of Networking

Brad also highlighted the importance of networking in wealth management. He’s lived through industry layoffs, career pivots, and unexpected transitions. In each case, his professional relationships were the bridge to the next opportunity.

This industry may be global, but it’s also incredibly interconnected. As Brad put it, “Networking is so incredibly important… it feels kind of like a family on the road.”

Watch the Full Conversation

Watch the full interview with Brad Frey below to hear everything he had to say about his journey, the financial mistakes that shaped him, and why adaptability is one of the most important skills in wealth management.