In Episode 37 of the Killer Growth Podcast, Samuel McVay sits down with Mike Proctor, founder of StewardRight, to explore a fundamentally different approach to money and investing. Mike shares his unconventional path into financial advising-graduating during the 2008 financial crisis, working 5+ years at a large insurance company before realizing his "ladder was against the wrong wall," and eventually launching his own registered investment advisory (RIA) firm. His story isn't about get-rich-quick schemes; it's about identity, values alignment, and building a financial practice grounded in discipleship and genuine client relationships. Mike discusses the pivotal moment when he realized he needed to leave corporate finance, the identity crisis that followed, and how that led him to start StewardRight with a focus on stewardship rather than chasing performance. He's now registered in Kansas and Colorado, with expansion plans underway-all while maintaining a fiduciary responsibility and transparent approach to client relationships.
Most people chase wealth. Mike Proctor stewwards it. That subtle but profound distinction sits at the heart of StewardRight, the financial advisory firm Mike founded after 15 years in the industry-years that taught him corporate structures often miss the mark for clients seeking genuine financial guidance.
Mike's journey into financial advising started with a finance degree from Kansas State University and a backup plan to attend law school. But the 2008 financial crisis changed everything. When he graduated, the legal market had collapsed, leaving countless attorneys jobless. That same economic storm became the launching pad for his real career. "I really enjoyed getting to know people one-on-one," Mike recalls, referencing his experience with the Navigators campus ministry program, which shaped his philosophy around discipleship and leadership. "I'm good with math and money stuff, and I love getting to know people. These come together in financial planning and investment advisory."
His first real role was with a large insurance company doing financial planning and investments. After 5.5 years, something inside Mike broke. He realized his ladder was against the wrong wall. He believed in the work so deeply that leaving felt like a personal betrayal-he'd made commitments to people, to a career path, to a system. But the cognitive dissonance between what the industry was pushing and what his conscience was pulling him toward became unbearable. "It was an identity crisis," he admits. A year at another firm confirmed the structural problems weren't unique to one employer. So Mike took the leap and started his own registered investment advisory firm, initially registering with the State of Kansas. Today, StewardRight is registered in Colorado with Texas expansion underway.
What sets Mike's approach apart isn't flashy returns or bold predictions. It's transparency about what he can and can't control. "We can't promise anything," he says matter-of-factly. "Even when we have a really good year, we're going to try again next year, but I don't know if it will keep working. Here's our strategy and we hope it keeps happening." That radical honesty, grounded in his fiduciary responsibility, is the opposite of the overconfident sales pitch that dominates mainstream finance.
For entrepreneurs and business owners listening, Mike's story offers a relevant lesson about business strategy itself. Just as financial stewardship beats chasing quick gains, sustainable business growth requires intentional systems and values alignment-whether that's through local SEO, consistent paid advertising strategy, or building a repeatable client acquisition process. The businesses that win long-term are the ones stewarding their reputation and customer relationships, not chasing vanity metrics.
What is the difference between chasing wealth and stewarding wealth?
Chasing wealth is reactive-making impulsive financial decisions based on emotion or trends. Stewarding wealth is proactive-developing a intentional strategy for where your money goes, how it grows, and what it does for your future. Mike Proctor at Steward Wright emphasizes that most business owners chase money instead of stewarding it strategically. The shift from chasing to stewarding transforms how entrepreneurs think about profitability and investment.
How does financial advisory and wealth management benefit from digital marketing?
Financial advisory firms like Steward Wright need local visibility to build trust with potential clients in their area. Digital marketing-especially local SEO and Google Ads-helps advisors reach high-net-worth business owners actively searching for financial guidance. A strong online presence positions advisors as experts and filters for qualified leads, not tire-kickers.
How does KillerGrowth help financial advisors and wealth management firms get more clients?
KillerGrowth builds local SEO strategies so financial advisory firms rank for searches like 'financial advisor near Wichita' or 'wealth management services.' We design conversion-focused websites, run Google Ads to capture high-intent searchers, and use GoHighLevel CRM to nurture leads through your sales process. We also manage social media to establish authority and trust-critical for advisory services.
What makes KillerGrowth different from other Wichita digital marketing agencies?
We're not a one-size-fits-all shop. KillerGrowth specializes in local service businesses and high-ticket advisory services. We understand that financial advisors, contractors, and service businesses have different sales cycles and client values. We focus on qualified leads, not vanity metrics. And we're transparent-you talk to Samuel McVay directly on your strategy call, not a sales rep.
How do I get started working with KillerGrowth?
Book a free strategy call with Samuel McVay at killergrowth.com/booking. During the call, we'll discuss your current marketing, your goals, and where your ideal clients are searching online. No pressure, no pitch-just honest strategy tailored to your business.