Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Hayes.
Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I believe our upbringing and experiences influence us to view money a certain way — whether we fear it, love it, resent it, hate it or just blissfully ignore it. For me, I was constantly fighting judgment and stereotypes. I was told that I would “never make it in a man’s world” or my degrees were merely “sheepskins on the wall”. So, I did not have a good understanding of it or a positive view of it growing up. It was always used in a negative way to control me or others. I was taught you were nothing without it.
Those frustrations fueled me to take action, I wanted to be able to make my own choices, but I had to start getting educated. I got my AA degree and enrolled myself at UCF for my Bachelor’s. By chance in my International Marketing class, my teacher brought in a recruiter from Edward Jones to talk about the importance of financial literacy. I talked to my teacher about it for months after and it was her that encouraged me to go apply. Thus, starting my journey into finance. I have been in the industry now for almost 16 years. In July 2020, I launched my own firm AKH Financial Corp. It was built 100% on input from clients. It is the best products, back office, technology, research, and support staff I could ask for. In light of my work with small business owners, I launched Industry Salon in 2013 and then rebranded it to Salon 728 West in 2020. Salon 728 West has grown to become one of the largest high-end salons in the Volusia County area. This venture has fostered even greater entrepreneurial skills enabling me to provide tested business consulting services to my clients. I understand business owners’ needs in multiple capacities. I now co-host a weekly radio show/podcast with the legendary talk of Florida Mr. Marc Bernier. I tackle the weekly market gyrations along with insightful financial tips for investors. My website www.Amanda-Hayes.com offers endless financial education along with dozens of You Tube videos to help improve financial literacy.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The adversity I had in my relationship’s from a child to a young adult made me work harder. Had it not been for that, I’m not sure I would have the same motivation to climbs the hills. I don’t know any other speed now but GO!! Also, performance has no color. It does not discriminate. Sexism has “evolved” — and a good bit of that evolution is a credit to the #MeToo movement. Anything that brings awareness to a difficult subject or an overlooked issue is important. However, women are performing now and truly being seen in all industries, especially finance, which is awesome! AKH Financial is a place where there are no stereotypes other than great minds working in synchronicity managing wealth for our clients.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a Chartered Financial Consultant and the President of AKH Financial Corp with offices in Florida & Ohio. I take a comprehensive approach to incorporating all aspects of personal, retirement, investment, estate, tax, and business planning. I work with individuals, business owners, and high net worth families, offering a diverse platform of wealth management, insurance, and consulting services. With over 15 years in the financial services industry, I’ve been recognized by my local community as one of the most influential business leaders under 40 in Volusia/Flagler county — receiving the award twice in 2015 and again in 2020. I attribute my success to the high priority I place on being a good steward of the assets entrusted to my care. It’s about taking complex financial concepts and presenting solutions for my clients with simple, easy-to-follow advice.
I’m passionate about improving the lives of those I work with and committed to listening to my clients, the most important component of my practice. My favorite line I ask it – Are you listening to a voice or an echo? An echo tends to sound like everything else, but a voice is clear. And, if it’s one thing I am, it’s straightforward with the truth when it comes to how to create, keep and pass wealth. Ignoring signs is a good way to end up at the wrong destination. You do not want to get lost in this chapter of life. There is a beginning, a middle, and an end that you get to write according to your vision and goals. That’s where I come in with a plan to help you succeed. My expertise and knowledge is here to guide you. How do you want to spend the rest of your life? Where do you want to go and how do you want to live? What monies do you need to do that in the short term and long term? It is our personal involvement in that goal that sets us apart. You are never too busy to take care of yourself, mentally and physically. When you decide to make your finances a priority in your future life… your reality will start to reflect that and so will your choices.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
My favorite quote: Stop being afraid of the solitude that comes with raising your standards. As you get more focused or busy, certain people start to fall off from your circle because you are now putting it in their faces what change can look like. Growth is uncomfortable but so worth it!
Contact Info:
- Email: Amanda@akhfin.com
- Website: www.Amanda-Hayes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandymoney728
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AKHFinancialCorp
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AKmandymoney
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYLlnWrZUTwBt9CM0nt3iFw?sub_confirmation=1&feature=subscribe-embed
