From Corner Store to Wealth Advisor: How Emmanuel Ohana’s Hustle Started at Age 8

You ever meet someone and just think, “Okay—this guy was born to do what he does”? That’s exactly how I felt after chatting with Emmanuel Ohana.

He’s not just a financial advisor. He’s a guy who’s been building businesses since he was a kid—literally. Emmanuel started his first “job” at his mom’s corner store in Nigeria when he was eight. Selling candy, cold drinks, snacks—you name it. And as he puts it, it wasn’t about the hustle. It was about serving people. That mindset stuck.

Fast forward a few decades, a move across the world, and a young family later—Emmanuel now calls White Rock home. And let me tell you, he fits right in. He moved here for the slower pace, the family-friendly vibe, and the kind of community where strangers still say “hi” on the sidewalk. That’s his speed.

Emmanuel’s got this rare combo of energy, humility, and straight-up smarts. He trained as an accountant back home, and when he realized it’d take years to re-certify in Canada, he pivoted. In under a year, he became a licensed financial advisor—and now he’s out there every day helping people get a grip on their money. Not just the “invest in stocks” kind of advice (although he does that too), but real, practical guidance for everyday families.

“Most people think insurance is just for when you die. But it can also help fund your kid’s future or start a business,” Emmanuel told me. “It’s not one-size-fits-all. It’s about what you need.”

That’s the thing about Emmanuel—he listens. Like, really listens. One of his clients told him, “This is the first time I feel like someone actually understands me.” That same client, a single mom of four, was drowning in $30,000 of debt after a restaurant business went sideways. Emmanuel helped her clear it. Then helped her set up a plan so her kids would be taken care of, no matter what.

His secret? He doesn’t push products. He asks questions. “What do you want your money to do for you?” “What’s your 5-year dream?” “How do you view money?” That’s how he builds plans that actually work.

We also talked about a wild stat—one in three mortgage insurance claims are denied. Emmanuel explained how personal life insurance can actually protect your family, not just your lender. He also broke down how business owners can use insurance to reduce taxes legally and strategically—stuff no one talks about because, well, money still feels like a taboo topic.

“I always say, you don’t need to be rich to have a financial advisor. You need one before you’re rich, so you know how to get there.”

And hey, he's funny too. When he's not helping clients, he's being a dad, supporting his wife, and posting practical financial tips over on Instagram @emmy_ohana. You can also grab his free “Dad Playbook” for smart family financial planning at www.emmanuelohana.ca/dad-playbook.

So if you're looking for someone who actually gives a damn about your future, give Emmanuel a call or shoot him a message. He’s the kind of guy you want in your corner.

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