About Us

"Our mission is not just to hand you a map and send you on your way, but also to board your boat and help you navigate the journey."
- Scott Leonard

Our History & Vision

A Firm that Began Out of Frustration and Fearlessness

Navigoe was created from a dream to establish a truly full-service financial planning firm — one that would deliver financial advice free from the conflicts of interest permeating pay-for-product stock brokerage houses, banks and insurance companies.

This dream started with Navigoe’s founder, Scott Leonard. Back in the early 1990s, when Scott was starting his career in financial services, he quickly became dissatisfied with the way his employers were focused more on product sales than their clients’ needs. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Scott believed that a client’s goals should be the sole objective, so he set out on a brave new path to provide more personalized financial services.

Setting Sail on a New Journey

In 1996, Scott founded Leonard Wealth Management, the predecessor to Navigoe and a trailblazer in all-inclusive, conflict-free, fee-only wealth management. He built up his team and client base for over 10 years, then did what many people only dream of: He gathered his family, bought a boat and set off on a three-year sailing expedition around the world.

Although it may have seemed risky for Navigoe, Scott knew he had created more than a business — he had built a practice. This practice was much larger than just one single person. It was a whole team of trusted professionals that worked together to serve our clients. This structure helped Navigoe sail smoothly while Scott was traveling, provided the team with a new perspective on how to be co-captains throughout our clients’ financial journeys, and has continued to be a driving factor in our success to this day.

About our name

In Latin, “navigo” means to sail, navigate and travel by sea. This name holds a special meaning for us and signifies how we help our clients navigate the financial waters, no matter what life or the market may bring.

Meet the Team

Get to know the people who will guide you through thick and thin, and help you live the best life possible.

Scott

Scott Leonard, CFP®, AIF®

Founding Partner, Financial Navigator
Eric

Eric Toya, CFP®

Partner, Financial Navigator
NavigoeJuly-2 - Copy

Diana Bouch

Director of Operations
jennifer1B - Copy (2)

Jennifer Okamura-Albert

Client Services
Mandi

Mandi Leonard

Event Planning
Heather

Heather Johnson

Client Services
Roxie

Roxie

Dog in Chief

Our Approach

Many financial firms look and sound the same, so it can be difficult to tell the difference or know who to trust. We built Navigoe to offer a unique approach and a better experience.

Fee-Only, Independent Advice

Being an independent firm allows us to serve as your ally. Unlike “fee-BASED” practices, Navigoe is “fee-ONLY.” That means we never receive commissions or referral rewards, providing reassurance that you’re getting unbiased advice.

Education-Based Process

Our consultative, education-based process helps you understand all of your financial decisions and how they may impact your future. We take the jargon out of the conversation and keep you informed about what is most important to you.

Fiduciary Responsibility

As a fiduciary, we are legally responsible for acting solely in your best interest. Our team never sells products or receives commissions, so you only receive our best advice, free from conflicts of interest that permeate the financial industry.

Long-Term Relationships

Our relationship with you is collaborative and nurtured over time. Rather than only hearing from our team at opportune moments, you can count on us for ongoing, proactive conversations about your progress, goals and needs.

The Navigoe Office

Navigoe’s home office is the stately Sweetser House, a historical landmark in Redondo Beach built in 1921. This 2,600-square-foot Colonial Revival home belonged to Chase and Lillian Sweetser and is a familiar sight to South Bay residents traveling the Pacific Coast Highway.

When Scott and his wife, Mandi, purchased the home in 2001, they began an extensive remodel to return the property to its roots. It maintains the Colonial Revival exterior and interior elegance, while functioning as a fully outfitted 21st century office. The lovely landscaping even includes Lillian Sweetser’s original rose garden!

This historical home reflects the heritage of our beach community and is the perfect place for a team of people who help local families build their legacy.

The Navigoe Office