In 1996, Frank Cardia was a financial advisor just six months into his career. However, things weren’t going as intended. He was earning just $200 a week, barely enough to cover his bills— even in the 90s. 

Cardia considered giving up on finance entirely and was seriously becoming a police officer instead, which seemed to be a more stable option. Then, one of his friends—who was more of an acquaintance at the time—handed him $2,000 one morning, telling him to hold out for at least six more months.  

That one act of encouragement gave Cardia the chance to keep going. It also marked the start of a nearly 30-year career where he would not only build a multimillion-dollar book of client business but also help others achieve success and financial security. 

A Childhood Fascination with Finance 

Cardia was interested in finance well before he officially entered the industry. Even as a young boy, he found himself drawn to the nuances of financial markets. This early curiosity stuck with him, ultimately inspiring him to pursue a career where he could help others make the most of the often intimidating world of investing. 

Cardia started his career as a Registered Representative and quickly built a strong portfolio. tA, he focused on equities and day trading, chasing quick gains. As he learned more, he realized that long-term investments offered his clients better results. So, he shifted his business to focus on strategies that prioritized steady growth. 

These changes allowed his career to flourish. Today, he’s a licensed Series 65 Financial Advisor with expertise in stocks, bonds, fixed-income investments, and private equity. His decision to move toward long-term asset management has allowed him to help clients both domestically and abroad build and protect their wealth. 

Owning Every Outcome: A Mindset That Shapes Success

Throughout his career, Frank Cardia has drawn inspiration from various sources, but one book has been particularly transformative: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink. This book introduced him to the idea that every outcome, whether positive or negative, is the result of his own actions. 

This concept continues to guide his choices today, both personally and professionally. Cardia tries to live as if everything he does could be featured in the news, reminding him to make his decisions carefully and intentionally. 

This mindset has carried over to his career, where he’s achieved significant milestones like managing multiple private equity funds and assisting in over $1 billion in funding and venture capital transactions. 

As the co-founder of Augurey Ventures, Cardia has relied on this philosophy to build a business that prioritizes accountability, strategic thinking, and long-term success. 

The Iron Man of Finance: Discipline in Action

Cardia’s commitment to discipline and long-term goals extends beyond his professional life into his personal pursuits. An accomplished endurance athlete, he has completed six Iron Man triathlons and several ultramarathons—races longer than the standard 26.2 miles. 

The mental and physical endurance required for these events reflects the qualities that have driven Cardia’s success in finance. Just as completing an Iron Man race requires months of preparation, strategic planning, and perseverance, building a successful career in financial services demands the same level of dedication. 

In addition to his athletic achievements, Cardia has also committed himself to continual learning. For years, he’s maintained a habit of reading one book per month, which helps him stay sharp and informed. 

Success in the Small Moments 

For Cardia, success isn’t all about achieving massive goals or accumulating wealth. Instead, it’s about the small, everyday victories that build a foundation for long-term success. He believes that following through on what you say you’re going to do—every single day—is what truly defines success. 

This idea is reflected in his daily routine, which is designed to promote focus, balance, and well-being. Each morning, Cardia spends 30 minutes in quiet reflection. 15 of those minutes are for meditation, while the other 15 are for stretching in complete silence. 

This routine helps him start each day with a sense of clarity and purpose, allowing him to approach his work and personal life with renewed energy. 

Uplifting Others Through Generosity and Mentorship

Cardia’s success has given him the opportunity to support causes that are important to him and his family. He and his wife are active members of Panthers Let’s Eat, a local organization dedicated to helping less fortunate members of their community. 

Additionally, they are donors to the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause close to their hearts due to their family’s extensive ties to the military. These charitable efforts are an extension of Cardia’s belief in using success to make a positive impact on the lives of others and acting in ways that would make his children proud. 

Over the past 28 years, Cardia has also taken pride in mentorship. One of his proudest achievements has been training hundreds of young professionals in how to grow and establish their own financial service businesses. He’s built relationships and shared his knowledge, ensuring the individuals he works with have the tools they need to thrive in the competitive financial industry. 

Whether through community involvement, mentorship, or his work in finance, Frank Cardia has consistently sought to give back and contribute to the greater good. 

Achieving Success Without Losing Sight of Character

Cardia’s journey from a young, struggling financial advisor to a respected leader in the industry speaks to his resilience, adaptability, and strong sense of purpose. The $2,000 he received at a trying time in his life wasn’t just financial support, but the lifeline that allowed him to push forward when quitting felt like the only option. 

Nearly three decades later, that act of kindness has been repaid many times over through his accomplishments and contributions, both personally and professionally. Cardia’s career shows his deep understanding of finance, but it also highlights his ability to connect with people. 

Whether it’s helping his clients build and protect their wealth or guiding young professionals toward success, he’s shown that achievement in finance calls for not only expertise but also empathy and commitment. 

Cardia’s accomplishments have solidified his place as a trusted advisor and innovator, but they also reveal a man who values growth in all its forms—not just in wealth, but in character, endurance, and knowledge.