Meet Garrett Imeson, CFP®

We had the good fortune of connecting with Garrett Imeson, CFP® and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Garrett, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
I’ve always been drawn to a definition of success from the legendary coach John Wooden. He said success is, “peace of mind attained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you’re capable.”

That speaks deeply to me because success is often framed differently in our culture. It’s usually tied to money, status, or proving your worth to the world.

The challenge with those definitions is they tend to keep you chasing something. There’s always another milestone, another comparison, another finish line that moves just a little further away every time you get close to it.

I know that kind of success well as I spent years of my life pursuing it.

Over time, my definition has shifted. Today, success is much more internal and self-driven.

For me, it’s important to understand:

Am I showing up as my authentic self?
Am I expressing myself openly and honestly?
Am I serving others, not just my own interests?

These are the milestones I care most about.

I’ve been fortunate to have been given certain talents and strengths, and I see success as using those in a way that benefits others, not just myself.

At the end of the day, success isn’t something I’ll arrive at. It’s an experience in being the best me I can be.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I help current and former high-income professionals make smarter financial decisions so they can enjoy their lives today while still feeling confident about their futures.

What sets me apart isn’t just the technical side of planning, though that’s certainly important. It’s how I approach the relationship.

Many people come to me feeling overwhelmed. They’re juggling careers, kids, aging parents, taxes, investments, and the constant noise of the markets. My role is to simplify that complexity and bring clarity, but also to meet them with empathy and patience. I’ve been in similar situations myself, so I understand the emotional side of money just as much as the numbers.

I’m most delighted with the trust my clients place in me. Financial planning is deeply personal, and being someone people can rely on during big life decisions isn’t something I take lightly.

Was it easy to start my business? No! I’ve never heard a small business owner say starting a business was easy.

At one point early in my career, I was working as a full-time advisor, moonlighting as an Uber/Lyft driver, and scooping up and charging as many Bird scooters as I could. And, as my kids can attest, I was feeding them the same thing every night: peanut butter toast, frozen peas, and eggs.

There were plenty of times I felt I would never make it. Or I’d go broke before I could ever make any headway. The biggest lesson I learned in those times was one of resilience. No matter how tough the circumstances got, I remembered to be grateful that I was still breathing and to show up as best as I could every day.

Those moments ended up being some of the most important turning points in my journey.

Over the years of business, I’ve learned a few lessons.

A few, in particular, stand out:

Simplicity is powerful. The best financial plans are the ones people can understand and actually follow.
Patience matters. In investing and in life, the long-term approach almost always wins.
Relationships are everything. Trust takes time to build, and it’s the foundation of everything I do.
And maybe most importantly, dream big, don’t put limits on yourself, and love yourself and others.

I want people to know that my approach goes beyond numbers. That as a small financial practice, we can be much more focused on your goals and nimble enough to move ahead of our larger peers.

Yes, we focus on investments, tax planning, retirement strategies, and all the technical pieces. But at the core, it’s about helping people feel more comfortable in their lives.

Because ultimately, money is just a tool. Its purpose is to allow you to create the experiences you want, provide increased opportunities and freedoms, and offer you financial comfort.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If one of my best friends were coming into town, the goal wouldn’t be to rush around San Diego like your typical vacation. It would be to actually experience San Diego the way I love it; laid back, outdoors, and centered on good food and good people.

We’d start with a visit to one of my favorite coffee shops in the city, Lovesong Coffee in North Park. The staff are always welcoming, and the coffee is consistently excellent. It’s the kind of place you can sit, relax, and get ready for the day.

That night, we’d keep it simple and grab pizza. It may not be the trendiest pick, but Round Table Pizza has been my favorite for years.

One day we’d head into downtown San Diego, walk along the marina, and spend some time exploring Seaport Village. I’ve always enjoyed the street vendors, the live entertainment, and the views of the bay and Coronado Bridge.

During the week, we might catch a game at Petco Park. There’s nothing better than a Padres game on a nice day or night. They do a great job creating a fun experience for their fans.

We’d also make our way up to Encinitas, which is one of my favorite places to spend time. The vibe there is excellent. We’d walk through the shops, take our time, and visit the Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens. It’s peaceful, quiet, and has one of the best ocean views around.

San Diego, to me, is all about balance. You can be active or completely relaxed. You can go out or stay in. There’s great food, beautiful scenery, and a pace of life that reminds you to slow down a bit and enjoy yourself.

For me, the “best SD time ever” isn’t about checking off the most boxes. It’s about being present and enjoying where you are and who you’re with.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I contemplated this question, I realized every relationship and every experience I’ve had has played a role in shaping who I am today.

I don’t believe any of us gets here alone. For me, there’s a deep sense that something greater has been guiding me along the way, especially in moments of confusion, despair, and suffering.

That said, there are people in my life who have had an especially profound impact.

My parents laid the foundation for my values.
My wife and children continue to give me perspective and challenge me every single day.
My children’s mom has also been an important part of that journey and growth.

Sports played a big role in my early life, and I’m incredibly grateful for my various coaches from youth through college. They taught me discipline, resilience, and how to be part of something greater than myself.

Professionally, my colleagues at my previous firm helped shape how I think, serve, and show up for clients today.

And then there are my close friends, the people who have been there through different seasons of life, offering support, honesty, and perspective when I needed it most.

When I look at my story, it’s really a collection of all these influences. Each person, each experience, added something that I carry with me today.

Website: https://imesonwealth.com

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/imesonwealth/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/people/Imeson-Wealth-Partners-LLC-Retirement-Financial-Planner/61586221685570/

Image Credits
Ben Dulay