Matt Evans, a native of Palmdale, California, is a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist whose journey is defined by resilience and determination. Raised in a tight-knit, two-parent household, Matt learned the values of integrity and hard work from his father, a police officer, and his mother, a cosmetologist. Inspired by his family’s entrepreneurial spirit, Matt embraced challenges as opportunities for growth.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Matt’s family built a $20 million real estate portfolio, which was lost during the 2007-2008 recession. Undeterred, Matt pursued higher education, earning a business degree with honors from Whittier College. Armed with knowledge and perseverance, he rebuilt his family’s fortune through financial consulting and real estate investments.
As the CEO of Evans Family Consulting, Matt partnered with over 600 financial institutions, providing wealth management and estate planning solutions. Alongside his wife, Crystal Evans, he founded 15 businesses and led impactful initiatives, including a $150,000 gas giveaway in Palmdale, which garnered widespread recognition.
Despite facing challenges, including legal issues caused by a former employee, Matt’s faith and commitment to his goals never wavered. He overcame adversity through hard work, prayer, and an unshakable belief in his vision.
Matt’s philosophy emphasizes personal growth, community support, and the importance of separating money from happiness. His story continues to inspire others to rise above challenges and create meaningful, lasting impact.
What made you want to do the work you do? Please share the full story.
I grew up in a family that valued hard work and entrepreneurship. My parents and grandparents taught me the importance of building something meaningful, and by the time I was old enough to notice, our family had created a $20 million real estate portfolio. When we lost everything during the 2007-2008 recession, I realized how fragile success could be without a strong foundation. That moment inspired me to learn as much as I could about finances, insurance, and real estate to not only rebuild what we lost but also to create a legacy. I wanted to help other families avoid the hardships we faced. That purpose fueled me to start Evans Family Consulting and turn setbacks into a success story.
Tell us 3 surprisingly easy and 3 surprisingly difficult things about your job.
Surprisingly Easy:
Building trust: People connect with authenticity, and being transparent makes it easier to form long-term relationships.
Learning new tools: Staying informed on the latest trends and tools is second nature when you’re passionate about your work.
Networking: Connecting with others who share similar goals feels natural because collaboration creates new opportunities.
Surprisingly Difficult:
Dealing with misinformation: Correcting misconceptions about my business, especially when it affects trust, takes persistence.
Time management: Balancing multiple ventures and projects while prioritizing family can feel overwhelming.
Reputation recovery: Overcoming setbacks caused by others requires patience, faith, and a focus on long-term goals.
Rebuilding After Setbacks: Lessons in Resilience for Entrepreneurs
What are the 3 things you like best about your work and why?
Helping families: I’ve seen how financial education and planning can transform lives, and being part of that change is fulfilling.
Building relationships: My work allows me to connect with incredible people and create partnerships that are meaningful beyond business.
Seeing growth: Whether it’s in clients, my team, or myself, watching growth happen reminds me that hard work pays off. I love knowing the work I do today has lasting impacts.
What are the three things you need in work to achieve purpose? Why are they important to you?
Faith: I rely on my faith to guide my decisions and provide strength during tough times. Without it, purpose feels shallow.
Impact: Helping others achieve financial stability or success gives my work meaning. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about people’s futures.
Community: The people I serve and work with are my greatest motivation. They remind me why I started and why I continue.
Tell us about a time you were dead wrong about something.
I underestimated the damage a single disgruntled employee could cause. When their actions led to legal and reputational issues for my company, I thought the problem would resolve quickly. Instead, it spiraled into something much larger. I handled it by staying calm, seeking legal help, and focusing on what I could control. I learned that vigilance is crucial, even when you trust your team. It taught me to be proactive, not reactive.
How do you get yourself out of a funk?
I turn to prayer and reflection. It helps me center myself and put challenges into perspective. I also focus on physical activity, like playing golf, to clear my mind and shift my focus. Spending time with my wife, Crystal, or helping others through acts of kindness always lifts my spirits. I’ve learned that focusing on gratitude, rather than setbacks, can completely change your mindset.
What do you value most and why?
Faith is the foundation of everything for me. It gives me strength, clarity, and peace, even in difficult situations. I also value family deeply. They’ve been my biggest supporters and motivators. Finally, I value perseverance because life will always bring challenges, and the ability to push forward is what determines success.
What are you doing that is difficult? Please explain.
One of the hardest things I’ve done is rebuilding a reputation after facing challenges caused by others. It’s not easy to overcome negativity, especially when it’s unfair. But I’ve learned to focus on results and let my work speak for itself. I invest in relationships and community trust, knowing that these are the real foundations of success.
What is your favorite movie and why?
I’ve always loved “Moana.” It’s a story about courage, self-discovery, and following your heart—values I deeply connect with. Moana’s journey to embrace her true purpose, even when faced with doubts and challenges, is incredibly inspiring. Every time I watch it, I’m reminded that stepping out of your comfort zone is essential to achieving greatness. It’s a powerful message that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and stay true to your path.
If you could go back 2 years and give yourself advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to trust the process and let go of unnecessary worry. Looking back, I spent too much time focusing on things I couldn’t control. I’d also remind myself that short-term sacrifices are worth it for long-term rewards. Lastly, I’d say, “Keep the faith—you’re stronger than you think.”
Who has been your biggest mentor in life (personal or professional) and how have they helped you?
My father was my greatest mentor. He taught me the importance of discipline, integrity, and perseverance. Watching him work tirelessly as a police officer while supporting our family showed me what real dedication looks like. His values became the foundation for how I approached business and life.
Just for fun, what is your favorite dessert?
Cheesecake is my favorite! I love its rich, creamy texture and how versatile it is. Whether it’s plain or topped with fruit, it feels like the perfect treat after a long day. It’s also something Crystal and I often enjoy together, which makes it even more special.