Steve Martin

I founded SRQ Wealth in 2010 with Karin, and I am a Managing Partner and Wealth Strategist at the firm. My job is to cast a vision for the firm that can change the lives of our clients and future clients. One of my favorite roles is to coach clients and create advanced estate planning strategies for our client families. Similarly, I truly love helping clients define and build charitable giving strategies that benefit their families, or sometimes whole communities.

I grew up in Indiana and come from very modest upbringings. I had two loving parents that worked in and out of hourly positions as factories came and went. At times, we struggled with money, but I never knew I didn’t have everything. I always knew I would be successful; my parents instilled that in me. However, I was surprised to find that with wealth, comes more and more complexity. I thought money would make life simple. Boy, was I wrong.

That’s why I got into this business and founded SRQ Wealth, a Concierge Wealth Planning firm, many years ago – to help people find their freedom by simplifying their financial lives.

I began my career in the financial industry in the mid-90’s, shortly after I moved to Florida. I was trained by one of the largest Wall Street firms at the time, PaineWebber, which later was purchased by UBS. In 2002, I completed my studies to be a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® practitioner, and in 2006, I became a Certified Estate Planner. I added Master Certified Estate Planner to my designations in 2020. In 2024, I added Certified Exit Planning Advisor to my designations as well. Prior to that I received a degree in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Indianapolis. I never wanted to be a scientist, but I’m still a nerd at heart and love how Physics taught me to solve problems from multiple angles.

Outside of work, my passions revolve around mentoring men, living out my Christian faith and pushing my body to its limits while enjoying the outdoors. When my kids were young, I founded the Manatee chapter of All-Pro Dad, promoting healthy fatherhood of school age children. My family attends Bayside Community Church, and I’m active in the men’s ministry, serve on the Board of Trustees and volunteer in the kids’ ministry on the weekends. I previously taught Apologetics at Bayside College and given the time, would love to do that again.

I believe a work/life balance is important and coach clients to achieve the same. I’m the recent Past President of F3 Suncoast. F3 is a nationwide group impacting the Fitness, Fellowship and Faith of men. I get up early to train for triathlons and love the feeling of giving it all. I also have played golf for over 45 years but am still searching for that elusive first hole in one!

Years ago, I coached youth baseball, served as the President of the Estate Planning Council of Manatee County and graduated from the Gulf Coast Leadership Institute. I hope to get better at saying “no” to some things in the future!

My family is my rock, and I probably should have mentioned them first. My wife, Lori, and I have been married for 30 years, and we have three awesome kids; 23, 21 and 17. And, of course, we have Rosie, our adorable mini-Golden Doodle who has become SRQ Wealth’s CCO (Chief Comfort Officer).