Ryan O'Leary
Financial Representative - Chattanooga, TN
Ryan O'Leary is a Financial Representative with Ashford Advisors in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is passionate about helping individuals and families build financial confidence through thoughtful planning, education, and strategies designed to protect and grow their wealth.
Ryan's interest in financial services began at an early age through the influence of his parents. His mother dedicated 30 years to serving as a retirement counselor with the Tennessee Treasury Department, helping teachers, state officials, and public employees navigate the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System. At the same time, his father, an independent contractor in the construction industry, managed his own retirement investments and frequently involved Ryan in conversations about market trends and investment opportunities. Together, these experiences instilled in him an appreciation for both structured retirement planning and the importance of personal responsibility in achieving long-term financial security.
Inspired by these early lessons, Ryan earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance with a concentration in Investments and a minor in Economics from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His academic strengths in mathematics, finance, and economics continue to support his analytical approach to helping clients make informed financial decisions.
Before joining Ashford Advisors, Ryan built a diverse professional background that strengthened his ability to solve complex business challenges and develop lasting relationships. He spent three years with Tower Community Bank as a Universal Video Teller, connecting with communities throughout Chattanooga and Marion County. He later joined Steam Logistics, where he served as a Drayage Sales Coordinator before advancing to Manager of Drayage Sales, partnering with organizations ranging from growing businesses to Fortune 500 companies to optimize their supply chain strategies. Earlier in his career, Ryan also served as an Academic Mentor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, tutoring student-athletes in accounting, statistics, business technologies, and mathematics, and gained valuable experience with Chattanooga startup Bellhops.
Today, Ryan applies the same analytical mindset and strategic problem-solving skills to financial planning. He enjoys studying economic trends and understanding how factors such as inflation, interest rates, and regulatory changes influence markets and financial opportunities. By staying informed on market developments, he helps clients develop personalized strategies that balance wealth accumulation, risk management, and long-term financial goals.
Ryan is actively involved with Incredible Business Networking (IBN), where he collaborates with entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the Chattanooga area, learning from innovative companies while building meaningful professional relationships within the local business community.
A longtime resident of Chattanooga, Ryan enjoys exploring the area's scenic hiking trails, particularly throughout Signal Mountain and Lookout Mountain. He is also an avid sports fan who enjoys cheering on the Seattle Seahawks, the University of Georgia Bulldogs, Chattanooga Football Club, and the Chattanooga Lookouts.
Ryan credits much of his character and work ethic to his late grandfather, Wayne Curtis, whose example of integrity, hard work, and commitment to community continues to inspire him. Another recent milestone that has shaped Ryan personally was becoming an uncle, motivating him to be a positive role model for his young nephew.
Guided by Henry Ford's quote, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success," Ryan believes lasting success is built through collaboration, trust, and strong relationships. He is committed to helping clients navigate life's financial decisions with confidence while building strategies that support their goals today and for generations to come.
Daniel Ryan O'Leary, Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. Ashford Advisors, Inc. is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Guardian. Ashford Advisors, Inc. is not registered in any state or with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a Registered Investment Advisor.