What does it take to build a successful financial planning firm—while living off the grid in a cabin-caboose hybrid?

Ryan Sullivan of Off the Beaten Path Financial did just that. After leaving a career in engineering that lacked the flexibility and impact he wanted, a chance meeting led him to financial planning. Despite industry warnings, he launched his RIA while still working full-time.

He and his wife bought 20 acres in remote Montana, where their home—half log cabin, half 1890s train caboose—is only accessible by snowmobile in winter. Ryan commuted up to four hours a day while building his firm on nights and weekends.

Early growth was slow—until he hired a coach, shifted away from rigid service models, and focused on project-based planning for architects and engineers. His technical mindset became his advantage, and the business took off.

In January 2025, he earned more than in the previous two years combined. Now, he runs his firm fully off-grid, embracing the lifestyle and clients that make it truly off the beaten path.

Ryan Social

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-sullivan-pe/