A $300M Wealth Manager's Case for Radical Generosity
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Episode Description
On this episode of the On The Rise Podcast's Faith Driven Leaders series, host Nick Stromwall talks with Andrew McNair, founder and CEO of Swan Capital (Sleep Well At Night) in Pensacola, Florida, a firm managing north of $300 million. A self-described "generosity evangelist" who has made and lost millions, Andrew makes the case that a fulfilled life isn't about accumulating — it's about giving it away. He unpacks his 10/20/70 framework, a controversial take on estate planning, how he weaves faith and giving into his company, and how to model generosity so it passes to the next generation. A challenging, practical conversation on money, stewardship, and legacy.
Summary
Ten percent is the floor, not the ceiling.
Andrew treats a 10% tithe as a biblical starting point — a way to "die to self" and take the wind out of greed's sails. From there he encourages giving toward the ministries and passion projects that stir a righteous anger or deep sympathy in you.
Give every dollar a job with 10/20/70.
Andrew's framework: give 10%, invest 20%, and live on 70%. After nearly two decades he's "never seen someone fail who invests 20% of their income," and says the givers find deep meaning and burn out far less. Over time his own giving climbed from 10% toward 50%.
Rethink what your estate plan really says.
Despite saying "God owns it all," Andrew observes that almost everyone leaves their entire estate to family. If it's truly God's, he argues, you'd give at least 10% at death — and you'd avoid robbing your kids of the joy of earning their own. His challenge: blow the dust off those documents and revisit them against scripture.
Bring faith to work through concrete practices.
As an owner, Andrew opens meetings in prayer, employs a corporate chaplain, and directs a portion of profits to lasting kingdom work. Four times a year the office closes for a half-day to volunteer, hoping to drop a "small spark" in employees and clients that reshapes how they see their community.
Multiply giving by involving others.
Andrew's firm matched client donations to a local homeless outreach — clients gave $10,000, Swan matched it to deliver $20,000. Business owners, he says, should look for opportunities to volunteer and insert their faith without apology.
Generosity passes down only when it's modeled.
Contrasting the Vanderbilts (whose wealth vanished by the third generation) with the Green family of Hobby Lobby, Andrew argues generational generosity is caught, not taught. Family mission statements, giving pledges, and mission trips make faith visible in action.
Seek feedback — even when it stings.
Andrew's hardest leadership lesson is to actively look for feedback rather than shy away from it. Anonymous 360 surveys reveal blind spots for free; the job of a leader is to shut up, listen, not get defensive, and keep becoming easier to follow.
Give while your hand is still warm.
Drawing on Die with Zero and the Rockefeller "all of it" story, Andrew notes everyone gives everything away when they die — so why wait? Giving while living takes real leadership, and since "everything's on the other side of fear," he urges people to start now and trust a good Father to provide.
Resources
Website: sleepwellatnightcapital.com
Book: The Giving Crisis: Helping Average Givers Become Everyday Philanthropists
