Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard O’Connor
Hi Richard, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey has been guided by a deep commitment to innovation, strategic thinking, and a strong ethical foundation. I began my career working with startups, including serving as an executive producer for DRTV Holdings, where I collaborated with industry leaders like Chad Murdock (Hooked on Phonics), QVC, HSN Direct, and Schulberg Meeting Works. Together, we launched infomercials, established manufacturing operations, and managed distribution and marketing efforts.
On March 1, 1999, I identified an opportunity in the oil and gas industry when prices hit a 30-year low at $9.30 per barrel. Partnering with Mike Davis, then-President of Bank One in Midland-Odessa, Texas, I successfully acquired the Moore Field, managing and developing over 400 oil and gas wells. I sold those assets in 2003 and joined Jay Penske to handle private equity responsibilities and funding for what is now Penske Media Corporation. During this time, I served on the board alongside esteemed leaders such as Steve Wozniak (Apple Computers), Dr. Dick Edmundson (Founder of Earthlink), and Dr. Fred Pettit (Chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston).
After completing two rounds of funding, I stepped into early retirement and relocated with my wife of 30+ years and our two kids to Palm Desert, CA. My focus was on raising our two children while simultaneously pursuing real estate investments. In 2017, I founded Coachella Brands, developing and selling two cannabis industry properties by 2019. Later, in 2022, I acquired the rights to Sunlogix Energy in Palm Desert and Orange County, California, further diversifying my entrepreneurial endeavors.
In 2023, I recognized the transformative potential of Forex and crypto trading algorithms paired with AI, leading to the creation of Smart Capital Corp and Smart Capital Fund. My role as CEO and Chairman allows me to integrate my diverse expertise with a passion for ethical wealth management, offering innovative solutions in Forex, gold markets, and digital currencies.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with visionary leaders, navigate complex industries, and lead ventures that balance innovation with principled leadership. Each chapter has shaped my commitment to fostering trust, transparency, and long-term value creation, helping clients grow their wealth responsibly while maintaining integrity at the core of every decision.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I believe that the most meaningful growth comes from navigating challenges and learning from both great successes and failures. My career has spanned multiple industries, and while it has been incredibly rewarding, the path has been shaped by pivotal moments of hardship, resilience, and reflection.
One defining moment in my career came during my time in the oil and gas industry. The market was in turmoil, and I had made a significant investment in bank-foreclosed wells when oil prices hit a historic low of $9.33 a barrel. Many viewed it as a high-risk gamble, but I trusted my instincts and made a decisive move. That decision not only proved to be a success but also underscored the importance of betting on myself and trusting my intuition in times of crisis.
Another example is from raising capital in uncertain times, such as during the 2008 financial crisis and the turbulence of the COVID pandemic, which also tested my resilience. These experiences taught me the value of managing risk, adapting quickly, and making strategic decisions under pressure, always grounded in ethical leadership and prudent risk management.
Not all lessons came from success. There were times when I ignored my intuition—like partnering on a venture where, despite promising numbers, something didn’t feel right. Ignoring my instincts led to a costly lesson and further highlighted the importance of trusting myself.
Beyond professional challenges, I’ve faced deeply personal struggles that reshaped my perspective. I struggled with alcoholism, and after formal treatment and my son’s tragic accident in 2016, I got sober. My son, just 19 years old at the time, was the victim of a violent crime that left him in a coma with a traumatic brain injury. Those months in the hospital were the darkest of my life, but they also brought a profound reliance on faith. I developed a strong belief in a God of my understanding—what I call “The Frequency” and “The Drift.” This spiritual connection has become a cornerstone of my life. I’ve been fortunate to live a life beyond my wildest dreams, always keeping my purpose and a spiritual light.
This calling inspired me to later serve on the boards of both the Betty Ford Center and Ranch Recovery Center, where I’ve been able to support others in their own recovery journeys. These challenges, both personal and professional, have shaped my commitment to helping others who have faced similar struggles. My purpose is deeply rooted in using my experiences to support and inspire others.
Through the volatility of the oil and gas sector, fluctuating market conditions, and life’s personal trials, I’ve learned that every obstacle holds an opportunity to emerge stronger and wiser. Success isn’t just about achieving goals—it’s about having the resilience to rise after setbacks, the faith to continue, and the courage to bet on yourself when it matters most. These lessons have shaped my approach to strategic financial management and reinforced the values I bring into everything I do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Smart Capital Corp is not your typical investment firm. We’re here to capitalize on the shifts happening in the world—political, societal, economic—you name it. Markets are always evolving, and at Smart Capital, we don’t just keep up; we stay ahead. We specialize in creating tailored financial strategies that leverage opportunities others haven’t even recognized yet. From Forex trading and precious metals to digital currencies and private equity, we’re in the business of helping our clients navigate uncertainty and emerge on top.
Here’s the reality: the financial landscape can feel like a minefield, especially in volatile times. But for us, that’s where the real opportunities lie.
What sets us apart? We’re not just crunching numbers or chasing trends. Smart Capital is built on decades of hands-on experience, bold risk-taking, and proven results. We’ve consistently been early adopters, whether through cutting-edge trading algorithms or anticipating market dynamics before they unfold.
Another key differentiator is the leadership I bring to the table. My career has been defined by making bold moves in industries others might avoid and consistently coming out ahead. But I don’t do it alone. I’ve always believed in the saying, “Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you who you are.” Over the years, my circle has become smaller and more intentional. I surround myself with like-minded individuals who are spiritually and physically fit and share the same professional drive. I have an eye for talent, and at Smart Capital, I’ve built a team of innovative and driven professionals who align with our vision.
What I’m most proud of is how we make strategy personal. Every client has unique goals, and we take the time to craft solutions that work specifically for them. Our approach is data-driven but balanced with instincts that only come from experience. We’re not afraid to adapt, pivot, and innovate, which is why our clients trust us to guide them through any market conditions.
At the end of the day, Smart Capital is about results. We don’t just aim for our clients to succeed; we want them to win big. If you’re ready to approach the financial game differently, you’ve come to the right place.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Newport Beach is easily one of the most dynamic places I’ve ever lived. What I love most is the lifestyle—it’s this perfect blend of coastal beauty and entrepreneurial energy. Mornings start with breathtaking sunrises over the water, and by midday, you’re sitting with some of the most ambitious and forward-thinking minds in business. It’s a place where ideas flow as freely as the ocean breeze, and for someone who thrives on innovation, Newport provides endless inspiration to keep pushing boundaries every day.
What I like least is how easy it can be to fall into a comfort zone here. The city’s polished, idyllic nature makes it tempting to hit cruise control and coast. But that’s not who I am, and it’s certainly not the spirit of Smart Capital. Newport Beach has incredible potential to evolve—not just as a hub for luxury living but as a center for innovation and progress across industries. That’s the opportunity I see, and I’m committed to helping shape that vision for the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.smartcapitalcorp.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartcapitalhc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564880820071
- Twitter: https://x.com/smartcapitalhc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmartCapitalHC
