Wyatt Leonard has always believed in investing in himself. Whether it was excelling in academics or staying active in sports, he consistently pushed his limits. But his journey took an exciting turn when he discovered the world of day trading. Self-taught and fueled by a keen interest in the stock market, Wyatt dove into learning the ins and outs of investing, building a diverse portfolio that reflects his dedication and sharp instincts. While he currently balances his role as a Service Advisor at Valley Subaru of Longmont with his passion for day trading, Wyatt envisions a future where he can pivot to trading full-time. His story is one of ambition, perseverance, and the determination to carve his own path.
What motivated you to start your own business, and how did you choose your industry?
I’ve always been drawn to entrepreneurship. The freedom to build something from the ground up really excites me. My passion for the stock market and investing was the catalyst that led me to start exploring business opportunities. I saw how markets work, how trends rise and fall, and I wanted to apply that same mentality to running my own business.
Choosing the industry came naturally to me. I wanted something that aligned with my interests, and given my background in automotive service and the time I’ve spent analyzing markets, I knew I could combine these skills. My role at Subaru has given me an inside look at how to provide great service while maintaining operational efficiency, and that has played a big part in shaping the direction I want to go.
What were the biggest challenges you faced in the early stages of your business, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge by far was gaining credibility. As a young entrepreneur, it’s tough to get people to take you seriously, especially when you’re just starting out. People have their reservations, and earning their trust was a process.
I overcame this by focusing on two things: building strong relationships and delivering consistent results. My experience in customer service at Subaru taught me the importance of communication and reliability. When I apply that to my business, it helps build trust with clients and partners. It wasn’t easy, but persistence and a willingness to keep learning helped me get through the rough patches.
How did you fund your business initially, and what advice do you have for others seeking funding?
I started small and funded the business with personal savings I had from my investments and my job at Subaru. My approach has always been to reinvest profits into growing the business slowly but steadily, rather than taking on debt or seeking outside funding right away.
For others seeking funding, I would recommend two things: first, have a clear plan. Investors want to see that you have a strategy, not just a great idea. And second, look for funding sources that align with your values and goals. Sometimes, bootstrapping, like I did, is the best option to maintain control of your business in the early stages.
What was your approach to building a customer base when you first started?
I leveraged my network. I had built relationships through my time at Subaru and through other roles I held in retail. Word of mouth and personal recommendations are invaluable, especially when you’re new. I also focused heavily on customer service—going above and beyond to meet my clients’ needs. Satisfied customers spread the word faster than any marketing campaign can.
Building trust is key. Whether it’s offering transparency with pricing or providing honest recommendations, people value when you put their needs first. That’s how I started to grow my base.
What are some common mistakes new business owners make, and how can they be avoided?
One common mistake is trying to do everything on your own. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of thinking you need to control every aspect of the business. But the truth is, you’ll burn out fast. Learning to delegate is essential if you want to grow.
Another mistake is underestimating the importance of building a strong team. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you in certain areas—whether that’s marketing, finance, or operations. That’s how you create a solid foundation for the business.
How do you handle competition, and what strategies helped you stand out in the market?
Competition is healthy—it pushes you to innovate and be better. I handle competition by focusing on what makes my business unique. For me, it’s not just about providing a product or service, but delivering an experience. Whether it’s in customer interactions or the quality of service, my goal is always to exceed expectations.
In a competitive market, it’s also important to stay adaptable. Trends change, customer preferences evolve, and you have to be willing to pivot when necessary. That’s one of the key lessons I learned from day trading—reading the market and adjusting your approach as needed.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Be patient and stay persistent. Building a business takes time, and success doesn’t happen overnight. There will be setbacks, and sometimes it’ll feel like you’re not making progress, but that’s part of the journey. Keep learning, stay focused on your goals, and don’t be afraid to take risks when the right opportunity comes along.
Key Takeaways
In writing Wyatt’s story, it’s clear that success is about more than just talent—it’s about grit, learning from every experience, and constantly pushing yourself to grow. Wyatt’s story is a reminder that no matter how young or early in your career you are, you can achieve great things with focus, passion, and a drive to never stop learning. Whether he’s tackling a challenge at work, exploring new places, or fine-tuning his business strategies, Wyatt approaches life with a sense of curiosity and determination. His message is simple: stay patient, stay persistent, and the results will follow. It’s a lesson we can all take to heart, whether we’re starting out or well into our own journeys.