By most people’s standards, building a $20 million net worth before the age of 36 would be the dream. And in many ways, it is. It took discipline, sacrifice, focus, and more than a few late nights and tough decisions. But let me be clear:
The money is not what I’m most proud of.
Wealth without wisdom is hollow. Success without staying true to yourself is failure in disguise. I’ve learned that the hard way — and thankfully early enough to course-correct when needed.
This is the story of how I built serious financial wealth — and why none of it means a thing without loyalty, love, and respect.

The Journey to $20 Million: What It Took

I didn’t come from money. I built this from scratch. My journey has included:

  • Launching and scaling businesses
  • Making bold investment decisions
  • Learning how to manage, grow, and protect capital
  • Taking risks others wouldn’t
  • And staying incredibly focused on long-term wealth-building instead of short-term gratification

By age 36, my net worth crossed $20 million — a mix of business equity, real estate, retirement savings, and cash. That number didn’t come overnight, and it didn’t come easy.

If you’re searching for “how to build net worth before 40,” I’ll tell you: there’s no shortcut. But there is a path — and it starts with aligning your values and your vision.

What No One Tells You About Getting Rich
Here’s what they don’t put in the headlines:
Getting rich exposes you.

If you were fake before the money, you’ll be faker with it. If you were loyal before, wealth will test that loyalty in new ways. The spotlight doesn’t change you — it just reveals more of who you really are.

I’ve seen people burn relationships, chase clout, and become obsessed with status, all in the name of “winning.” But that’s not winning to me.
If I ever had to trade my soul for success, I’d walk away from every dollar. No amount of money is worth selling out who you are.

The Real Currency: Loyalty, Respect, and Staying Real
It sounds cliché, but I truly believe this: Loyalty is everything.

The people who were in your corner before the success are the ones who matter most. Respect is earned, not bought. And if you’re not real with yourself — if you’re not grounded in who you are — then the money will only make you more lost.

I’ve been tested. I’ve had people try to use me, betray me, fake loyalty to get close. I’ve seen how money can attract attention for the wrong reasons. But I’ve also seen how it can amplify your ability to do good — if your foundation is solid.

Lessons From a $20M Net Worth (That Aren’t About Money)
If you’re aiming to build wealth, here’s what I wish someone told me earlier:
Play the long game.

Get-rich-quick thinking leads to regret. Build something that lasts.

  • Your values are your compass.
  • Never compromise who you are for a paycheck, a partner, or popularity.
  • Protect your peace.
  • Money won’t solve your inner chaos. In fact, it can multiply it if you’re not grounded.
  • The right people matter more than profits.
  • Build with people who have your back, not just your number.
  • Don’t let success change you — let it refine you.

If you stay rooted, wealth can help you become more generous, more impactful, and more free.

Why I’m Sharing This
There are enough people online talking about Lambos, watches, and jet life. That’s not me. I’m sharing this because I want other people who are building something meaningful to know: you can win without selling out.

Yes, I built a net worth of over $20 million before 36. But what I’m really proud of is that I stayed loyal. I stayed real. I didn’t burn bridges. I didn’t pretend to be someone I’m not.

And if I had to lose it all to keep my integrity intact? I would.

Final Thoughts
Money is a tool — not a trophy. It can buy freedom, but not fulfillment. It can open doors, but it can’t define your character. I’ve made money, lost some, made it back, and kept growing. But through it all, what’s mattered most is staying true to who I am.

So if you’re on your own path to wealth, remember this: build it the right way. Because how you build it matters more than how big it gets.

“Great partnerships don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of clarity, intention, and alignment—starting with who you are.” – Nick Beghtol