We were lucky to catch up with Samuel Noyola recently and have shared our conversation below.

Samuel , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

One of the most valuable things my parents taught me from a young age is that hard work is a talent in itself. It’s not always about what you know, but how consistently and relentlessly you pursue something that will make all the difference. My dad owned a small supermarket, and every morning, without fail, he would wake up early to head to the market for fresh products. I remember watching him engage every customer with a smile, often making them laugh, because he believed in giving them more than just groceries – he wanted them to feel cared for. That little shop became known for its warmth, and even though my dad didn’t have a lot of resources, everyone knew where to find the best cold coconuts in the neighborhood.

What really stuck with me were the lessons about sacrifice and delayed gratification. My dad would always say things like, “You already have three pairs of shoes, why do you need another when you’ve only got two feet? You have three hats – and just one head!” It made me laugh then, and it still does now, but those words held wisdom. He was teaching me that it’s not about whether you deserve something, it’s about whether you’re in the position to get it without compromising your life or your future.

My parents’ biggest lesson to me, though, wasn’t just in what they said – it was in what they did. They sacrificed everything they had, leaving behind their home and everything familiar to take a boat to the US, knowing full well the risks involved. So many don’t survive that journey – thousands each year – but by the grace of God, they made it. Their courage, their willingness to risk it all for a better future, taught me that no sacrifice is too great when it’s made for something bigger than yourself.

I owe so much of who I am today to those lessons – the belief in hard work, the understanding of delayed gratification, and above all, the courage to keep going even when the path is hard and uncertain. Without those values, I wouldn’t be where I am today

Samuel , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My story is rooted in the sacrifices and resilience of my parents, who came from the Dominican Republic with almost nothing but hope. They were farmers and fishermen who dreamed of a better future for their family, but higher education wasn’t a possibility for them. In search of a brighter path, they embarked on a dangerous journey by boat to Puerto Rico, where I was born. That decision separated us from the rest of our family, but it also opened up opportunities we otherwise wouldn’t have had. When I was 16, we moved to the U.S., starting in New Jersey and eventually settling in Cleveland, Ohio.

Growing up, my parents were involved in several small businesses, from landscaping to painting, despite not speaking the language. They instilled in me the value of hard work and perseverance. Knowing the lengths they went to for my education, I worked just as hard. I pursued scholarships, ran small businesses to fund my studies, and eventually transferred to Cleveland State University to study accounting and finance. That’s where everything changed for me. During my junior year, I earned an internship in finance, and for the first time, I saw just how essential financial planning is in shaping someone’s future.

What struck me was how underserved my own community was when it came to financial education. My parents had worked so hard, but no one had ever guided them on how to truly build and secure their financial future. That realization sparked a passion in me to change that, to be the resource I wish my family had. That’s why I founded Changing Generations Financial. After nearly seven years, I wake up every day with a mission to transform people’s financial futures—just like I’ve always wanted for my own family.

At Changing Generations Financial, we serve clients across 15 states, offering expertise in four main areas: cash flow, protection, wealth accumulation, and preservation. But what sets us apart is our holistic, personal approach:

1. We don’t just focus on the numbers—we focus on people. We take the time to know our clients deeply, both personally and professionally. For us, financial planning is not just about managing money; it’s about helping people achieve their life goals. We’ve even helped clients plan their honeymoons because understanding their dreams is key to helping them succeed.

2. Education is at the heart of what we do. I’ve made it my mission to simplify financial concepts so my clients can confidently make decisions. I believe that everyone deserves access to financial knowledge, regardless of where they come from.

3. We hold ourselves accountable through our unique review process. Every six months, we sit down with our clients to re-evaluate their plans and ensure they’re on track with their evolving goals.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on families and businesses. The name Changing Generations Financial reflects our mission perfectly: we aim to change the financial trajectory of every client we serve, ensuring they not only build wealth but create legacies that last for generations. This isn’t just a business to me—it’s a calling

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients has always been our current clients. For us, building long-lasting relationships is at the heart of everything we do, and that’s why our clients are so eager to refer us to their family, friends, and colleagues. It’s not just about providing financial services; it’s about genuinely getting to know each person we work with, understanding their needs, educating them, and then creating a plan that truly adds value to their lives. When people feel seen, heard, and supported, they naturally want to share that experience with others.

Our clients trust that we’ll deliver more than just financial solutions—we’ll deliver peace of mind and a sense of security for their future. It’s never about offering the most expensive products; it’s about solving real problems and bringing the most value to their lives. That’s what resonates with people. Over the past three years, we’ve gained over 75 new clients each year solely through referrals, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of. It shows that when you invest in relationships and genuinely care about the outcomes for your clients, your business will grow organically.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What’s helped me build my reputation in the market, more than anything, has been my consistency. I believe that consistent effort over time leads to quality results. One of my life philosophies is that success doesn’t come overnight—it’s the accumulation of small actions repeated day in and day out. If you ask my closest friends what I was doing on most Saturdays early in my career, they’ll tell you I was in my office working. If you ask my partner what I was doing at 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. during those first few years, she’ll tell you the same thing. I was fully committed, knowing that while the rewards might take time, they would come as long as I stayed the course.

That consistency, paired with passion, is what has helped me stand out. My passion isn’t just about finance—it’s about the ‘why’ behind what I do. I come from a place where financial knowledge wasn’t accessible. I’ve seen firsthand the struggles that come from not having the right guidance, and that drives me every day. I carry that story with me and share it with the people I work with, so they understand my commitment to their success isn’t just professional—it’s personal. I want to ensure that businesses and families don’t go through what mine did.

At Changing Generations Financial, we treat our clients as family because that’s what they are to us. We take the time to educate, to be honest, and to build financial plans tailored to their unique needs, just as I wish someone had done for my family. My connection to the community and the people we serve is what gives me purpose. The trust we’ve earned comes from our unwavering dedication to helping others, and that’s what drives me as a leader. Consistency and heart—those are the foundations of our reputation

Contact Info:

• Website: https://samuelnoyola.nm.com
• Instagram: Samuelnoyola13
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelnoyola/