Our Next Professional Headshot Day (PHD) is March 28th
Our Next Professional Headshot Day (PHD) is March 28th
Certified Financial Planner
I met Gus at the Harbour Club, as part of our breakfast group, a relaxed gathering of people on Friday mornings.
I joined the group after the opening of the new club site on June 15th, 2020. At that time we were “socially starved,” as I used to joke, and having breakfast with a few other people, in person, was a way to regain normalcy.
As you can see, Gus is a striking guy, with a friendly face and an impeccable sense of style. He is generous, very social, and a pleasure to talk to.
He was born in Nigeria, where there are 250 official languages and 400 ethnic groups. He used to speak 5 languages proficiently at the time he moved to the US.
Before becoming a student at our Citadel, he studied at the Air Force Military School Jos in Nigeria. He started there at the age of 12 and, in his words, “became a man” there.
The school’s motto is “Strive to Excel” and it gave Gus the physical and some part of his mental endurance to prepare him for his life’s journey.
Q: You told me that you studied at the great Citadel military college. How was that experience and when did you graduate?
A: The Citadel for me was a unique experience as it is for all cadets. I guess mine was more emphasized as I only knew about the institution about 6 weeks before I started as a knob. I was fortunate to bag a Basketball Scholarship. I got to America on a Friday and reported as a Knob on Sunday. My first week was an eye-opener. Whenever I’m asked about The Citadel, I always retort, it’s a great place to be from. There I grew further and expanded mentally. After The Citadel, I knew I was ready for Life.
Q: What do you feel is the most important lesson from your time at The Citadel that you use in your professional life?
A: What I learned most was to have focus and mental tenacity. Our daily routines of repetitions inculcated discipline and a steadfast culture of wanting to get better, never settling for less or the same but striving to excel always. Basically the mantra of our great country, the “can-do” attitude which has made this county the envy of the world.
Q: Tell us how you help our community professionally?
A: As a Certified Financial Planner, I use my profession to help corporations, small businesses, and private clients build a legacy for their institutions and loved ones. As humans, at the core of our being, we seek to provide for ourselves today, later in life (retirement), and ultimately ensuring that our loved ones continue to enjoy the same standard of living they are accustomed to or better when we are gone. These are the creed I practice daily.
Q: Anything else that you feel like sharing?
A: Yes. Our holy city of Charleston is a fantastic setting that the rest of the world yearns for. I’m very fortunate to traverse the Southeast USA, Europe, and Africa almost on a yearly basis, everywhere I go, when I tell them where I’m from, they are overcome with envy. I love Charleston. It’s an alluring destination for nearly everyone I meet.
And that’s why Gus is a Lowcountry Influential.
17 thoughts on “Augustine “Gus” Olalere”
Gus,is a wonderful guy and also a caring friend
He *is* very caring, and that’s why I wanted to feature him. Thank you for participating.
Sure,we met several years ago,all I can say is Gus is a wonderful guy
We were blessed to adopt Gus into our family during his Citadel years and have loved being part of his life. Every time we run into Gus, we can expect the most wonderful greeting, he always has a way of making you feel special. We are so proud of all that Gus has done and given to the community. We have lots of great stories of Gus acclimating to Charleston and the Citadel.
What a great “behind the scenes” that you posted here. Thank you for helping Gus so much.
Gus, who I met almost a year ago, easily became a friend, mentor, and someone I look up to. He’s honest, kind, and very genuine. I’m leaving this comment to acknowledge the impact he’s had on my life in as little as a year.
Thank you very much, Ajoke
I am glad to see this. Gus has proven to be a good man and has persevered to maintain an excellent character. Graduating from The Citadel was only the beginning. Always smiling and encouraging too.
I appreciate you stopping by and adding your point of view, Craig.
His is a true honest and caring person. He is the type of professional that quickly gains the trust of his clients. Gus always gives good solid advice to his clients and he is not a bad person to just have a conversation and beer with!
Thank you for your comment, Ed.
Gus is the real Mayor of Charleston! There is never an occasion, where I am talking to Gus, that he isn’t interrupted by men and women of all ages to get a hug and a greeting. Gus personifies what it means to be a Citadel Man and a Gentleman of the highest order. It is an honor to call him my friend and Brother!
Thank you for sharing your experience with Gus, Paul.
I met Gus about 15 years ago. I am so glad to see he this and to know that Gus is doing well and has continued success. But what else could one expect from such an interesting, kind and intelligent man?
Thank you for sharing your story, Diane.
Gus is one of my most dear friends and I sincerely consider him my brother. He and I have literally traveled the world together, often times in difficult circumstances. He has always brought out the best in me and me in him. He has a huge heart and genuinely wants to make the world in better place. I’m not sure he realizes how much of a positive impact he has had on people.
Gus is “Salt of the Earth” good. I’m honored to call him a friend! We are Classmates from The Citadel. He was special as a Cadet and even more so now!