Randy Golden’s career didn’t begin in finance. In fact, his journey to co-founding Vivaldi Capital Management started after an unexpected setback in college. Facing academic probation and financial challenges, Randy made the bold decision to join the U.S. Army — an experience that instilled discipline, resilience, and perspective that would serve him for the rest of his career.
During deployments in Panama and beyond, Randy learned lessons about responsibility, adaptability, and the importance of leadership. When he returned to finish his degree, those lessons carried him into finance. He quickly recognized flaws in the traditional commission-driven brokerage model and became an early adopter of fee-based advising.
But it was his interest in alternatives that set him apart. Long before they were mainstream, Randy sought strategies that would help high-net-worth families “stay rich,” not just “get rich.” Together with co-founder David Sternberg and their partners, he helped grow Vivaldi from a small independent firm into a thriving wealth and asset management business with nearly $15 billion in combined assets.
Today, Randy continues to think big, mentoring the next generation of advisors and emphasizing the importance of surrounding yourself with smart, driven people.
Journeys to the Summit host Ilya Zlotnik reflects on Randy’s story as one of resilience, vision, and the courage to take bold steps when the path ahead isn’t clear.