Brandon Willett is a Certified Financial Planner with over 15 years of experience helping individuals and families plan for their future. Known for his clear and thoughtful approach, he has built a career on listening first, simplifying complex ideas, and creating strategies that fit real people’s lives.
Born and raised in Monrovia, Indiana, Brandon was a three-sport athlete in high school. He went on to play football at Butler University, where he was recognized as a Division I-AA All-American. The discipline, teamwork, and leadership he learned on the field have shaped his life and career ever since.
Brandon started his journey in financial services in 2009. He quickly earned a reputation for building trust and putting clients first. His goal has always been to help people feel confident, even in uncertain times. “It’s not about having all the answers,” he says. “It’s about showing up, listening, and helping people move forward.”
He earned his CFP designation to deepen his knowledge and uphold the highest standards in the industry. Over the years, he has become known for his steady guidance and honest, down-to-earth style.
Outside of work, Brandon Willett is a proud father of two daughters. He enjoys golf, reading, and spending time with his family. He’s a member of Highland Golf and Country Club and believes in lifelong learning.
Brandon’s life is guided by purpose, balance, and a commitment to helping others succeed—on and off the field.
Q&A with Brandon Willett: On the Meaning and Measure of Success
Q: Brandon, when you think about success, what does it mean to you?
Brandon Willett:
To me, success isn’t about titles or numbers. It’s about consistency, purpose, and doing the right thing when no one’s watching. Success shows up in the small habits—the way you treat people, the way you show up for your family, your clients, your team. It’s less about outcomes and more about effort over time.
Q: You were a standout athlete in high school and college. How did that experience shape your view of success?
Willett:
Sports played a huge role in shaping how I work today. I played football, basketball, and golf at Monrovia High School, then football at Butler University. Being part of a team teaches you quickly that individual talent only gets you so far. You need discipline, preparation, and trust in others. I was fortunate to earn All-American honors in college, but the real lessons were in the film room and the weight room—not just game day.
There’s a play that sticks with me—not because it was flashy, but because it was a broken play. I had to improvise, stay calm, and still get the job done. That’s life. That’s business. Success is often in how you adjust when things don’t go as planned.
Q: How did you carry those lessons from the field into your professional life?
Willett:
When I entered financial planning in 2009, I didn’t have a network or a background in finance. But I did have persistence and a team-first mindset. I focused on building relationships—really listening to people. That’s one of the things sports taught me: don’t assume you know everything. Ask questions. Listen. Be coachable.
Even now, I treat every client meeting like a practice session. Prepare, pay attention, review what worked and what didn’t. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the difference between being reactive and being consistent.
Q: You’ve talked about success being tied to habits. What are a few personal habits that have contributed to your success?
Willett:
I read every day, even if just for 15 minutes. I’m always looking to learn something new, especially outside of finance. Lately, I’ve been reading about decision-making psychology and how people handle uncertainty. That’s helped me not just in business but in parenting too.
I also make space for reflection. A lot of people rush from one thing to the next, but I try to pause—whether it’s after a client call, a round of golf, or just driving my daughters to school. That moment of reflection helps me stay grounded.
Q: Speaking of parenting—how does being a father influence your view of success?
Willett:
It changed everything. Before kids, success was more inward—am I progressing, growing, achieving? But being a dad shifts the focus. Now, I think about what kind of example I’m setting. Am I showing up for my daughters? Am I teaching them resilience, kindness, and integrity by how I live?
One of the best compliments I ever got was from my oldest daughter. She said, “Dad, you always keep your word.” That hit me. That’s success to me—being reliable, being present.
Q: Have you ever had a moment where you failed, and it changed your definition of success?
Willett:
Definitely. Early in my career, I lost a client. Not because I did anything wrong, but because I failed to communicate clearly during a tough time. I learned that doing good work isn’t enough—people need to feel seen and supported. That moment reminded me that success isn’t just about being correct. It’s about being connected.
Q: Do you think success looks different depending on the stage of life you’re in?
Willett:
Absolutely. In my 20s, it was about proving I could do the job—build something from the ground up. In my 30s, it became about stability and refining my process. Now, in my 40s, I think more about legacy. Not in a big, dramatic way—but in the day-to-day. Am I helping others succeed? Am I showing up for my kids, my clients, my community?
Q: What advice would you give someone struggling with feeling “successful”?
Willett:
Start small. Write down what success means to you—without comparing yourself to anyone else. Then look at your habits. Are they moving you toward that vision?
Also, don’t wait for the perfect plan. Life doesn’t work like that. You can move forward with clarity even if you’re still figuring things out. I always say: success isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to ask the right questions.
Q: Final question—how do you measure success now, in a quiet moment at the end of a day?
Willett:
If I know I gave honest effort, listened more than I spoke, and made someone feel a little more confident or cared for—that’s a successful day. It’s simple, but it’s real.