Dustin Stanley
Founder and President
Sarasota, Florida
About Dustin Stanley
Dustin Stanley is an American financial advisor and entrepreneur based in Sarasota, Florida. He is the founder and president of Stanley Wealth & Retirement, a firm that focuses on helping retirees and pre-retirees build clear, practical financial strategies for retirement.
Before entering the financial services industry, Stanley spent 24 years working for his family’s manufacturing company, Hytec, in Louisville, Kentucky. He began as a machine operator and advanced to executive vice president, gaining experience in operations, management, and business growth. When the company closed, he transitioned into finance, applying his analytical skills and problem-solving background to retirement planning.
In 2013, Stanley joined a small advisory firm and quickly established himself as a leader in the field. He later became a partner at Strategic Wealth Designers, where he helped grow the firm’s assets under management from about $20 million to nearly $3 billion. In 2025, he founded Stanley Wealth & Retirement, combining investment management, tax strategy, income planning, and education into a single client-centered approach.
Stanley also created the Academy of Retirement, a workshop program designed to improve financial literacy and help people make informed retirement decisions.
Outside of his firm, Stanley has invested in ventures across hospitality and healthcare and continues to advocate for greater access to financial education. He lives in Sarasota with his wife, Kristin, and has two sons. His professional philosophy centers on discipline, integrity, and the belief that long-term success comes through consistent hard work and service to others.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
Hytec
Hytec
Hytec
Hytec
Education
National Engineering Aptitude Search (NEAS)
Junior Engineering Technical Skills (JETS)
Media
Press
Dustin Stanley Urges Americans to Take Control of Their Future Through Goal-Setting and Planning
Read the full article ›Financial Advisor & Retirement Elevated Instructor, Dustin Stanley, Featured on CBS
Read the full article ›Licenses & Certifications
- FINRA Series 65 License – Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
- Life, Health, and Long-Term Care Insurance Licenses – State of Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dustin Stanley do?
Dustin Stanley is the Founder and President of Stanley Wealth & Retirement in Sarasota, Florida. He helps retirees and pre-retirees build practical financial strategies covering investment management, tax strategy, and income planning.
What is Dustin Stanley known for?
Stanley is known for growing Strategic Wealth Designers' assets under management from about $20 million to nearly $3 billion, and for founding the Academy of Retirement, a workshop program aimed at improving financial literacy. He has also been featured in press coverage, including on CBS, discussing retirement planning and goal-setting.
Where is Dustin Stanley based?
Dustin Stanley is based in Sarasota, Florida.
Who does Dustin Stanley work for?
Dustin Stanley works for Stanley Wealth & Retirement, the firm he founded in 2025.
Last updated February 20, 2026