Things moved fast in the financial tech world. Standing out not only requires creativity and tenacity, but you also need a keen grasp of what consumers actually want and need. And that’s an ever-evolving game of cat and mouse.

Few entrepreneurs embody those traits and are able to recognize those needs as well as Zak Westphal, Founder and CEO of StocksToTrade.

Since launching in 2012, StocksToTrade has rapidly emerged as a preferred trading platform amongst self-directed investors. The company's accessible tools, a wide range of jargon-free educational resources, and an engaged community give retail traders an edge once reserved only for institutional players.

StocksToTrade's remarkable rise speaks to Zak's vision of levelling the market playing field, and clearly, this move has been very much in demand by users right across the investing demographics. So, in this blog, we will unpack some of Zak's core philosophies in his playbook for finding success in the fintech space.

Live Your Future Customers’ Pains

Ideas rooted in personal experience hold special power. Walking in your customer’s shoes unlocks true empathy rarely matched. Not a big surprise that Zak Westphal built StocksToTrade to address his own trader frustrations then.

Of course beyond commiserating, deeply know what makes end users tick. Prone to information overload? Crave community ties? Value simplicity? That intimacy informs product-market fit and branding.

Zak deliberately designed offerings to smooth trading hang-ups through deliberate education, networking, and simplicity. By solving core user “pain points” StocksToTrade grew organically against competitors.

Remix Innovation - Don’t Just Copy It

Zak has mentioned several times how important it was to carefully analyze competing trading platforms during StocksToTrade’s infancy. Rather than replicate their features, he asked “How could this be better for newcomers?”

Armed with user insights, Zak directed creators inventing a uniquely intuitive, educational and empowering experience. That ethos still drives StocksToTrade’s evolution today.

Fintech upstarts take note - rather than imitate, reimagine by starting with user frustrations. Layer in strategic functionality simplifying processes. Guide people towards goals they want to strive for but find daunting.

Test, Experiment, and Learn Fast

No-code tools now let anyone rapidly test concepts before heavy technical build-outs. Zak capitalized by mocking up StocksToTrade site flows and trial API integrations based on customer feedback.

This fail-fast mentality lets you double down on what users love while pivoting from misfires quickly without major financial risk. StocksToTrade continually experiments with new offerings while refining past hits.

As Zak says, “We’re always scouting the next innovations to best serve traders - whether educational channels, data integrations, Web3 or whatever’s next!”

Share Secrets Openly - Don’t Protect Them

Some founders worry about copycats stealing their “special sauce.” But Zak welcomes select partners behind the scenes while openly advising others when it’s needed.  His take? “I know most founders face similar hurdles, so I’m happy to explain how we overcame our own challenges if it helps them.”

Aspiring disruptors take note - transparency and peer support build goodwill impossible through features alone. So rather than silo your startup, share insights to earn community trust and encouragement.

Surround Yourself with All-Star Teams

"Going from zero to even three employees was terrifying,” Zak admitted. Relinquishing control challenged Zak’s early comfort zone. But he knew with scale demands expertise beyond any solo founder.

Now with a growing roster of standout players across technology, content creation, operations and more, StocksToTrade hums like a well-oiled machine.

So don’t buy into wearing every founder hat forever - prioritize recruiting an all-star support system. Empower teams through autonomy, purpose, and camaraderie. Brigade talent to the roles they shine at by getting out of the way.

Build Bonds - Don’t Just Sell Products/Services

StocksToTrade transcends a simple stock scanning and tracking tool by nurturing an engaged community. Chat rooms, networking events, and mentorship programs give a real sense of community, bringing everyone together.

User milestones and wins fueled through the platform become shared achievements. Such bonds build affection and loyalty beyond any single product.

For any fintech entrepreneurs, this shows that there is real value in viewing users as relationships, not transactions. Foster personal connections between members around shared interests. Doing so earns enduring brand affinity, and that’s not easy to come by these days.

Master the Emotional Startup Marathon

Startups always balance exhilaration with gut punches - and sometimes these happen even in the same week. Volatile cycles test founders mentally and physically. During StocksToTrade’s infancy, Zak faced sleepless nights fearing total collapse more times than he cares to admit.

He credits close friends and mentors for keeping spirits afloat through the roughest patches with moral support. Their steadfast belief restored motivation to persevere.

All entrepreneurs will face dark moments where quitting seems wise. Build your personal pit crew in advance who can talk you off the ledge. Vulnerability isn’t weakness - it’s part of the journey.

Keep “Why” at Your Core

Despite StocksToTrade’s remarkable rise, Zak stays locked on his founding purpose - to distribute power into more people’s hands through market access and education.

He knows future technologies like blockchain, digital assets, and AI will further this mission of democratization. Zak measures company success based on community good unlocked, not just revenues or platform stats.

Fintech disruptors - keep your “why” rooted no matter the scale. Let that principle guide decisions and investments to stay true to your idealistic origins. Of course tactics must adapt as companies and industries evolve. But for aspiring founders, Zak's principles offer proven guides to maximize impact while avoiding landmines.