Business

Womack Commentary Series: Greg Womack Discusses the Importance of Refocusing for Success

Published

2 years ago

July 26, 2023

“There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colors, yet in combination, they produce more hues than can ever be seen. There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of them yield more flavors than can ever be tasted.”

—Sun Tzu, philosopher

These words from Sun Tzu beautifully encapsulate the essence of refocusing for success. In a world filled with endless possibilities and distractions, the ability to refocus our efforts and energies becomes paramount. Greg Womack, a seasoned financial expert, delves into the significance of refocusing and shares his insights on how it can be a game-changer in achieving personal and professional goals.

Just like the combination of a few musical notes can create an infinite number of melodies, the power of refocusing lies in our ability to harness our limited resources and channel them toward the right areas. It’s about finding the right harmony to unlock success.

The Art of Refocusing

In a world that often pulls us in countless directions, maintaining focus on our goals can be challenging. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the noise and lose sight of what truly matters. That’s why refocusing is crucial. It’s about consciously redirecting our attention and efforts toward our core objectives.

According to Womack, refocusing is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. It requires self-awareness, discipline, and a willingness to reassess our priorities. By periodically stepping back, evaluating our progress, and realigning our actions with our goals, we can regain clarity and drive toward success.

“Refocusing is a continuous journey, not a destination,” says Womack. “It’s a deliberate choice to realign our actions with our goals and make conscious decisions about where we invest our time, energy, and resources. It’s a powerful tool to navigate through the complexities of life and move closer to the realization of our aspirations.”

Refocusing is a skill that develops with practice and can bring new clarity, ideas, and innovations, just through the exercise itself. The art of refocusing is honed through trial, error, and stamina-building activities. Refocusing often requires taking a step back, breaking away from the activity or thought, and resuming with new perspective and fresh attention.

The Impact of Refocusing on Success

Refocusing has a profound impact on our ability to achieve success. When we are laser-focused on our goals, distractions lose their power, and we become more efficient and effective in our endeavors. By concentrating our efforts on what truly matters, we can make significant progress and create meaningful outcomes.

Moreover, refocusing enables us to adapt and recalibrate our strategies as needed. It allows us to stay agile in the face of challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. By maintaining a clear vision and continuously adjusting our approach, we can navigate the ever-changing landscape and position ourselves for success. By zooming in on a project, thought, or challenge, we find new ways to approach solutions. Similarly, when we zoom out, we see the circumstances through a different lens entirely. All of these perspectives are necessary to holistically problem solve and innovate.

“Refocusing is the key to unlocking our full potential,” says Womack. “It empowers us to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and chart our own path to success. It’s about aligning our actions with our aspirations and staying committed to our goals, no matter what.”

In a world of limitless possibilities and distractions, refocusing becomes a crucial skill for achieving success. By consciously directing our attention, energy, and resources toward our goals, we can unlock our full potential and make significant progress. It’s important to note that refocusing is an ongoing process that enables us to adapt, recalibrate, and stay true to our aspirations. So, let us embrace the power of refocusing and chart a path towards a more fulfilling and successful future.

About Greg Womack

Greg Womack is a respected financial expert and the Principal and President of Womack Investment Advisers, Inc. With thirty years of experience in the financial industry, Womack has built a reputation for his expertise in fee-based planning and investment management. As the founder of his independent registered investment advisory firm, he has helped numerous clients navigate the complexities of financial planning and achieve their financial goals.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Womack leads a well-rounded life, balancing his business endeavors with personal passions. He is an avid outdoorsman, finding solace and inspiration in nature. From camping in the mountains of Montana to riding horseback through picturesque landscapes, he embraces the beauty of the world around him. He has built a rich life, personally and professionally, by focusing his time and talents on growth and development.

Business

Derik Fay and the Quiet Rise of a Fintech Dynasty: How a Relentless Visionary is Redefining the Future of Payments

Published

12 hours ago

October 17, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Long before the headlines, before the Forbes features, and well before he became a respected fixture in boardrooms across the country, Derik Fay was a kid from Westerly, Rhode Island with little more than grit and audacity. Now, with a strategic footprint spanning more than 40 companies—including holdings in media, construction, real estate, pharma, fitness, and fintech—Fay’s influence is as diversified as it is deliberate. And his most recent move may be his boldest yet: the acquisition and co-ownership of Tycoon Payments, a fintech venture poised to disrupt an industry built on middlemen and outdated rules.

Where many entrepreneurs chase headlines, Fay chases legacy.

Rebuilding the Foundation of Fintech

In the saturated space of payment processors, Fay didn’t just want another transactional brand. He saw a broken system—one that labeled too many businesses as “high-risk,” denied them access, and overcharged them into silence. Tycoon Payments, under his stewardship, is rewriting that narrative from the ground up.

Instead of the all-too-common “fake processor” model, where companies act as brokers rather than actual underwriters, Tycoon Payments is being engineered to own the rails—integrating direct banking partnerships, custom risk modeling, and flexible support for underserved industries.

“Disruption isn’t about being loud,” Fay said in a private strategy session with advisors. “It’s about fixing what’s been ignored for too long. I don’t chase waves—I build the coastline.”

Quiet Power, Strategic Depth

Now 46 years old, Fay has evolved from scrappy gym owner to an empire builder, founding 3F Management as a private equity and venture vehicle to scale fast-growth businesses with staying power. His portfolio includes names like Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships, BIGG Pharma, Results Roofing, FayMs Films, and SalonPlex—but also dozens of companies that never make headlines. That’s by design.

Where others seek followers, Fay builds founders. Where most celebrate their exits, Fay reinvests in people.

While he often deflects conversations around his personal wealth, analysts estimate his net worth to exceed $100 million, with some placing it comfortably over $250 million, based on exits, real estate holdings, and the trajectory of his current ventures.

Yet unlike others in his tax bracket, Fay still answers cold DMs. He mentors rising entrepreneurs without cameras rolling. And he shows up—not just with capital, but with conviction.

A Mogul Grounded in Real Life

Outside of business, Fay remains committed to his role as a father and partner. He shares two daughters, Sophia Elena Fay and Isabella Roslyn Fay, and has been in a relationship with Shandra Phillips since 2021. He’s known for keeping his personal life private, but those close to him speak of a man who brings the same intention to parenting as he does to scaling multimillion-dollar ventures—focused, present, and consistent.

His physical stature—standing at 6′1″—matches his professional gravitas, but what’s more striking is his ability to operate with both discipline and empathy. Fay’s reputation among founders and CEOs is not just one of capital deployment, but emotional intelligence. As one partner noted, “He’s the kind of guy who will break down your pitch—and rebuild your belief in yourself in the same breath.”

The Tycoon Blueprint

The playbook Fay is writing at Tycoon Payments doesn’t just threaten incumbents—it reinvents the infrastructure. This isn’t another “fintech startup” with a flashy brand and no backend. It’s a strategically positioned venture with real underwriting power, cross-border ambitions, and a founder who understands how to scale quietly until the entire industry has to take notice.

In an age where so many entrepreneurs rely on noise and virality to build influence, Fay remains a master of what can only be called elite stealth. He doesn’t need the spotlight. But his impact casts a long shadow.

Conclusion: The Empire Expands

From Rhode Island beginnings to venture boardrooms, from gym owner to fintech force, Derik Fay continues to build not just businesses—but a blueprint. One rooted in resilience, innovation, and long-term infrastructure.

Tycoon Payments may be the latest chess piece. But the game he’s playing is bigger than one move. It’s a long game of strategic leverage, intentional legacy, and generational wealth.

And Fay is not just playing it. He’s redefining the rules.