Brandon Medford’s journey to wealth began in 2017 with the founding of his luxury automotive brokerage firm. Today, he’s a multimillionaire, but the path wasn’t always smooth. He learned some tough lessons early on. This essay, based on a conversation with Brandon Medford, reflects on his path to financial success, emphasizing the importance of frugality, strategic reinvestment, and a curious mindset. It has been edited for length and clarity.
The Early Years: A Lesson in Spending
“When I was 22, I was the finance director at an automotive dealership,” Medford recalls. “I was making more money in a month than my parents earned in a year. My annual income was about $500,000, and my expenses were minimal because I lived at home.” Despite this high income, Medford found himself perpetually broke.
“I was spending on partying, travel, and expensive dinners,” he says. “Most of my friends made $50,000 a year, so I always paid when we went out. I wanted to take care of my people.” After three years, his bank account was empty. “I realized I needed to change my mindset about money. It was a devastating experience at the time, but I learned an important lesson: always budget and live below your means.”
Building a Business and Rethinking Wealth
Medford left his job in 2017 to launch his own automotive brokerage. The business quickly took off, specializing in the sale of luxury vehicles. “What set me apart was how I delivered cars. I’d deliver them anywhere, with a big bow and confetti. People wanted to celebrate the milestone of getting their new car, and I made that possible.” His business thrived, particularly after 2021, with the launch of a loan program for entrepreneurs looking to buy high-end cars, turning the sale of Aston Martins, Lamborghinis, and Ferraris into a regular occurrence.
As his wealth grew, Medford sought out role models who valued reinvestment. “I knew someone who sold a business for $80 million and reinvested $70 million. You’d never know he had $80 million in liquid assets because he lived off the $10 million.” This approach resonated with Medford. He knew he wanted to emulate the financial discipline he had witnessed rather than the fast-spending habits of his youth.
The Fruits of Labor: Family and Frugality
Medford reinvested his money in real estate, business ventures, and other enterprises. Now a multimillionaire and a father of three—ages 7, 5, and 4—he balances his current lifestyle with the financial restraint he learned. “I still consider myself a very frugal person, but I’m not afraid to indulge in what my wealth can offer me. I want my family to enjoy the fruits of my labor.”
He’s helped his children experience some of the perks of his success. His 5-year-old daughter landed a modeling gig at New York Fashion Week and attends birthday parties with Dream Kardashian. His 7-year-old son and he go to Knicks games, sitting courtside and meeting the players. “When I was growing up, my dad took me to one Knicks game every year, and we sat way up high. I used to point to the courtside seats and say, ‘One day, I’m going to sit down there.’ To be able to do that now with my dad and son is very meaningful.”
Medford also ensures his children understand that not everyone has the same financial advantages. He takes them to visit family in Queens, where they see firsthand that not everyone has a life of luxury.
The Power of Curiosity and Perspective
Medford believes curiosity is a key ingredient for success. “When you see someone driving a luxury car, you can react one of two ways. You can say, ‘Wow, he’s flashy.’ Or, you can say, ‘I wonder what he’s done to be able to afford that.'” This curiosity has been a driving force in his business. He has visited the Wendy’s where he worked as a teenager in Brooklyn, driving in his Ferrari to the drive-thru and telling the person at the window, “This is just the beginning.” He wants to remind them that, with discipline, they too could achieve their goals.
