Biography of Roy Gagaza
President and CEO of Journey Wealth Management, LLC
Roy Gagaza serves as president and chief executive officer of Journey Wealth Management, LLC, where he helps people approach retirement with organized, easy-to-understand financial strategies. He entered the financial services profession after a long military career, choosing to continue serving others differently. His firm maintains offices in Manteca, California, and in the communities of Aiea and Honolulu, Hawaii, which allows him to support clients in both mainland and island regions while building steady, long-term relationships based on guidance and care.
Military Career
Roy began his career in the U.S. Army Reserve and later moved to active duty as an Armor Officer, ultimately devoting about 2 decades to military service. He became Airborne and Ranger qualified, led a tank platoon with the 1st Armored Division during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, and later commanded a cavalry troop in South Korea. He also served as an operations and training officer, helping units from company to brigade levels prepare for deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Transition to Financial Services
Gagaza balanced demanding military duties with preparation for a second career, drawing on his business marketing background and interest in financial education. While still on active duty, including a year-long deployment to Kuwait in 2004, he met with clients, led educational seminars, and worked toward professional designations. He eventually earned credentials as a Certified Estate Planner and Registered Financial Consultant. He retired from the Army in 2008, carrying
forward a commitment to helping individuals and families make informed, thoughtful financial decisions.
Leadership at Journey Wealth Management
Roy Gagaza now leads a practice that focuses on retirement planning, investment and wealth management, tax planning, health care strategies, and legacy and estate services. He takes time to listen carefully to each person’s goals and concerns before recommending a course of action, favoring step-by-step strategies instead of one-size-fits-all solutions. His work has been recognized by industry partners through honors such as induction into the Advisors Excel Hall of Fame, ongoing Advisors Excel Elite Advisor Awards, Security Benefit Elite Advisor Awards, and the Allianz Century Award for achieving $100 million in premium.
Client Approach and Philosophy
Roy views each client relationship as a long-term partnership centered on education, trust, and readiness for change. He encourages people to picture what a meaningful life after full-time work might look like, then helps them build plans to protect savings, create dependable income streams, and leave room for life’s uncertainties. He continues to draw on discipline, adaptability, and steady leadership developed during military service as he walks clients through market shifts, personal transitions, and complex retirement decisions.
Community Involvement and Service
Gagaza extends his commitment to service into the broader community by working with the highway patrol, local school districts, certified public accountants, and Chambers of Commerce to provide educational seminars. He regularly speaks with pre-retirees and retirees who want guidance on preserving assets, creating retirement income strategies, and using tax-efficient approaches. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from San Jose State University, maintains insurance licenses in Hawaii and California, and continues to build cooperative relationships with other professionals who support financial well-being.
Giving Back and Personal Life
Roy Gagaza supports organizations that reflect his values and background, including groups that assist U.S. veterans, address hunger, rescue animals, and care for trails and open spaces. He and his firm partner with community organizations such as food banks and charitable groups, often encouraging clients to participate in giving efforts. He is originally from Livermore, California, values time with his spouse, adult children, and grandchildren, and enjoys travel, golf, time in the water, paddleboarding, snorkeling, diving, and reading during his free moments.