Patrick Coogan grew up in Baton Rouge and believes in giving back to the community that has given him so much.
So even though he could have gone anywhere—the former All-American and All-SEC LSU baseball star went on to a six-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals—he returned with his family to settle in Baton Rouge, where his characteristic hard work and discipline are paying off in more ways than one.
Coogan is the founder and president of Champion Wealth Strategies, a local financial advisory firm. In 10 years—many of which were tumultuous for companies in the financial services industry—Champion Wealth Strategies has grown steadily and now has three locations. While Coogan deserves much of the credit, the Catholic High and LSU graduate credits both his parents and team sports with giving him a strong work ethic and the drive to succeed.
“The financial business is one of trust and relationships. The way you treat people is of the highest importance,” Coogan says. “It’s easy to work hard when you enjoy what you do. I don’t mind staying late and working weekends.”
That might be an understatement. Coogan laughs when he says he watches news on multiple screens to stay current, even when he works out at the gym. He realizes that financial markets are sensitive, and even small pieces of information can have an impact on his clients’ assets and retirement.
“It’s a big responsibility which I take very seriously because it affects my clients’ lives,” he says. As an example, he observes that new technology can impact stock affecting the entire market, which can then create consequences for a client’s 401(k) plan.
Coogan does give himself a break, though. He enjoys watching LSU football at Tiger Stadium and baseball at Alex Box Stadium. He is a member of the LSU baseball radio broadcast team, a founding member of Baton Rouge Uncorked—which donates to worthy causes— and is involved with youth athletics.
“The close-knit business community in Baton Rouge is one of its greatest strengths in attracting young professionals. Once you connect with businesspeople here, they are very supportive and want to see you succeed. The Baton Rouge business community is inclusive,” Coogan says.
Coogan says some of his biggest business opportunities were not apparent at first. But he is glad that he paid attention and acted.
“Opportunities come at us on a daily basis and for a reason,” he says. “Don’t dismiss any of them until you give them full consideration.”
I wanted to be a professional baseball player. Through good fortune and hard work, I was fortunate enough to be able to do that.
It would be fun to be athletic director at LSU, but I already have the greatest job in the world as the father of my two sons.
Opportunities come at us on a daily basis and for a reason. Don’t dismiss any of them until you give them full consideration.
The close-knit business community in Baton Rouge is one of its greatest strengths in attracting young professionals. Once you connect with business people here, they are very supportive and want to see you succeed. The Baton Rouge business community is inclusive.
Tiger Stadium and Alex Box Stadium.
Crime is the biggest obstacle that Baton Rouge faces. It’s No. 1 from a public safety viewpoint.
The uncertainty in the financial world.
I’ll be in a similar position continuing to grow our business and trying to attract the highest quality financial advisors to our company so we become even stronger from the inside out.
