By: Mike Thomas

In the heart of Los Angeles, where ambition runs as deep as the freeways, Alex Sattley’s story begins. Born and raised in the City of Angels before moving north to attend high school in Portland, Oregon, Alex grew up with a hunger for success and a desire to carve out his own path. Now at 31, approaching his 32nd birthday, he is no longer simply chasing opportunities—he is creating them, not just for himself but for those around him. With six properties, four businesses, and a growing presence in the Phoenix fitness scene through his gym Die Trying, Alex has built an empire rooted in consistency, communication, and the grind.

But what sets him apart isn’t just the scale of his achievements. It’s his mission: to help others succeed by providing resources, mentorship, and the knowledge he wishes someone had shared with him at the start.

From Promotions to Agency Owner

Alex’s entrepreneurial journey took shape in 2017 when he began working in marketing promotions. He quickly recognized the power of branding—not just products but people. “Once I understood how connected everyone was online, I realized the potential of the social web,” he recalls. That realization became the foundation for his social media agency, which today helps clients, particularly women, scale their online presence and often triple their income.

His approach is hands-on and deeply personal. Rather than chasing numbers and taking on hundreds of clients, Alex works one-on-one, building trust and long-lasting connections. That focus on privacy and individual growth has become a signature of his company, distinguishing him from the crowded marketplace of digital agencies.

Lessons From Mistakes

Like most successful entrepreneurs, Alex’s path wasn’t without missteps. One of his earliest mistakes was a simple miscalculation: assuming every month had exactly four weeks. That oversight led to a year of underpaying himself and his employees. “It was a funny mistake,” Alex admits, “but it taught me how critical details are.”

Taxes, credit, and interest rates also came with hard-earned lessons. He once relied on TurboTax, only to discover how easily personal finances can unravel without proper knowledge. He learned that a high credit score without credit history doesn’t carry weight when buying a home. And an auto loan with a deceptively attractive interest rate kept him tied to a car for six years. These experiences, though costly, became teaching tools he now passes on to younger entrepreneurs.

Staying Hungry, Giving Back

Alex sees himself not just as a businessman, but as a mentor. He often works with young people, teaching them how to start businesses, budget, pay taxes, and build consistency. “It’s important to understand how to get rich,” he says, emphasizing practical knowledge that schools rarely provide.

He credits much of his own success to his “core five”—a close group of friends and colleagues who fuel his motivation. Their hunger drives his own, and their trust allows him to build his agency largely through word of mouth. “My clients are the best,” he adds, “and they bring in other clients because they know I’m blunt and honest. That honesty builds trust.”

A Defining Encounter

One story that stands out in Alex’s journey happened, fittingly, in a sauna. Striking up a conversation with an older man at a local gym, Alex learned that the stranger owned the number-one racehorse in the United States, worth over $30 million. The man shared a reflection that stuck with Alex: when he was young and broke, he wished to be old and rich. Now, old and rich, he wished he was young and broke. That lesson—about balance, perspective, and cherishing the journey—remains etched in Alex’s mind.

The Road Ahead

Alex’s ambitions for the next five years are clear. He envisions becoming more of a facilitator, less hands-on in day-to-day operations, and more focused on building systems and opportunities for others. His immediate goals include scaling Die Trying into one of Phoenix’s top gyms, opening two more locations, launching a barbershop, expanding his agency, and acquiring more properties. The ultimate milestone would be to reach a net worth of $30 million.

But even with those goals, Alex doesn’t measure success solely in dollars. His guiding philosophy is captured in his favorite life-lesson quote: “Why not you?” As he explains, “Everyone questions what they can achieve, except for the people who achieve it.”

A Movement of Problem Solvers

If Alex could spark a movement, it would be one focused on teaching real-life problem-solving skills. He sees too many entrepreneurs crumble under stress and self-sabotage. His solution is deceptively simple: take one step at a time. “It’s about showing people how to handle real situations, how to stay consistent and focused when things get tough.”

For Alex, the grind is never just about personal gain. It’s about creating pathways for others, building communities, and proving that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of balance or integrity.

Follow the Journey

As Alex steps further into his 30s, he wants to be seen as both seasoned and still hungry—with room to grow, opportunities to seize, and a community to uplift. His story is one of resilience, mentorship, and relentless ambition. And for those looking to be inspired or to follow along, his journey is just a click away: @alexsattley.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as business, financial, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business or financial decisions. Individual results may vary.