Aaron West's Journey From Lone Wolf to Wealth Mastermind

By the time Aaron West walks into a room, you know he’s been through the fire. Born the eldest of six, Aaron grew up navigating life in survival mode. "We were poor and broke," he says with a laugh. "Poor is a state of account, broke is a state of mind." This mindset was foundational for Aaron, setting him on a path where hard work, hustle, and relentless drive became the tools he would wield to build a life on his terms.

But Aaron’s story isn’t just one of grit; it’s about transformation. From hustling through careers—including a stint in the jewelry industry—to running one of California’s top real estate teams, Aaron found his true calling in helping others achieve not just financial freedom but "whole-life wealth." When he talks about success, it’s clear he’s moved past the clichés of Lamborghinis and luxury. Aaron’s focus? Leading a big, authentic life—and helping others do the same.

The Real Estate Game: "Work Hard, Listen Harder"

When Aaron entered the real estate industry in 2005, it was with a fire to build something lasting. "I didn’t want to represent banks or flip foreclosed homes during the recession. I wanted to build a real business," he says. And build it he did. Today, Aaron leads a small but formidable real estate team ranked among the top in California.

But he’ll be the first to tell you it wasn’t just about knowing how to close a deal—it was about leadership. “People achieve success because they’re either good-looking, smart, or they work really hard. I got one of those—I work really, really hard,” Aaron laughs. “But hard work means nothing if you can’t listen and learn from others.”

This ability to learn from others became one of the key factors in Aaron’s success. “You have to be humble enough to admit when you’re wrong. Leadership is about understanding that other people’s perspectives are their truth. I started surrounding myself with people further along the journey than me,” he reflects. This intentional search for mentorship has been Aaron’s secret sauce, shortening the learning curve and sparing him from mistakes that could have derailed his path.

Life’s Balance: A Family, Ironmans, and Living Bigger

Ask Aaron about balance, and he’ll tell you it’s all about intentionality. “A lot of people get hyper-focused on one thing—whether it’s building their business or chasing a specific goal—and lose everything else along the way,” he says. For Aaron, the key has always been setting clear, actionable goals. "When I was training for Ironmans, being a dad, and growing my business, I set boundaries. You need borders to make sure you’re building the person you have the potential to become."

Family is huge for Aaron. Whether it’s being present for his kids or setting aside time for epic vacations with his inner circle, he knows what matters most. "I want to lead a bigger life, and part of that is making sure my personal and family goals aren’t sacrificed for business."

Finding Gobundance: From Lone Wolf to Tribe Leader

It wasn’t always like this. Aaron’s early days were spent as a “lone wolf,” building wealth in isolation. "I didn’t have anyone to share my wins with or even to push me when things got hard," he recalls. That all changed when he found Gobundance, the community of like-minded entrepreneurs and wealth-builders. "It was life-changing. Suddenly, I was surrounded by guys who weren’t just focused on making money. They wanted to build whole-life wealth, to be better fathers, better husbands, and better men."

Aaron is candid about the impact Gobundance has had on him over the past decade. "There are two or three moments I can point to that changed the entire course of my life. Conversations with Gobundance men who poured into me, helped me see things differently, and ultimately made me a better person."

Today, Aaron serves as a regional leader within Gobundance, guiding other men on the same journey he’s walked. "What excites me the most is seeing men who, like me, have started building wealth but don’t have anyone to share their challenges with. Being able to create an environment that fosters growth, accountability, and transparency is what drives me."

What’s Next: Extreme Accountability and Gobundance's Evolution

When asked which Gobundance pillar resonates most, Aaron doesn’t hesitate: "Extreme accountability." For Aaron, setting and sticking to impactful goals is what drives real success. "I’ve become a master of writing goals, and having people hold you accountable to those goals is what keeps you pushing forward."

Looking ahead, Aaron is excited about the future of Gobundance. "I’ve been a member since there were only 55 of us, and it’s amazing to see where we’re going. It’s not just about growing bigger; it’s about reaching more men who need this kind of community to elevate every part of their lives."

And what advice does Aaron have for business owners looking to elevate their game? "If you feel like you’re on an island, find a tribe. Find people who will hold you accountable, give you a bigger vision, and help you become the best version of yourself. Gobundance did that for me, and I hope it can do that for others too."