A leader who is characterized by early responsibility
Otto Bohon has not developed into a company. He grew up in it.
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, he began working in his family’s restaurant at the age of nine. While most children focused on school and sports, Otto learned how a business runs behind the scenes.
“First I occupied tables,” he says. “But I also observed everything – how people were hired, how money was moved, how systems worked.”
At the age of 12 he already learned payroll accounting. This early revelation gave him a rare advantage. He didn’t just work. He studied the operation in real time.
His father, an immigrant, built a restaurant group from the ground up. This example left a lasting impression.
“I saw what it takes to build something from nothing,” says Otto. “That stays with you.”
From athlete to business builder
As a child, Otto was also very sporty. He played soccer and trained in martial arts. For a while he dreamed of becoming a baseball player.
But the business kept drawing him back.
“I always had this competitive mentality,” he says. “It just shifted from sports to business.”
He attended the University of Arizona, where he earned a degree in psychology. He later completed an MBA with a focus on finance and marketing.
This educational mix shaped his approach to leadership today.
“Understanding people is just as important as understanding numbers,” he explains.
How Otto Bohon built a career in finance
Otto’s entry into the world of finance began in a familiar place – at the bottom.
While in college, he worked as a cashier at Wells Fargo. But he didn’t stay there long.
“I rose quickly because I always focused on learning the system,” he says.
Eventually he became a private banker. This role gave him access to high-profile clients and complex financial structures.
But Otto wanted more control over his path. So he left to become an independent financial advisor.
This decision changed everything.
Over time, he built a practice that managed approximately $500 million in assets. He received several industry awards along the way, including three Quantum Leap Awards and a top MVP award in 2019.
Still, something didn’t feel right.
“I realized that my strength wasn’t just in consulting,” he says. “It was about building systems and teams.”
Why he gave up a successful practice
In 2020, Otto made a bold move. He sold his financial practice.
For many, that would be the highlight. For him it was a pivotal point.
“I knew I could have a bigger impact on the operational side,” he says. “That’s when I saw the real gaps.”
He moved into the consulting and management industry. His focus became clear: helping companies scale by building better systems.
He served as Chief Operating Officer at SIM and later took on the role of Senior Advisor at Affinex Capital.
There he helps manage operations in several companies.
“My job is to make sure the people running these companies have the tools and structure to be successful,” he explains.
Building scalable systems
One of Otto’s greatest strengths is turning ideas into systems.
At Affinex Capital, he helped raise approximately $500 million by improving internal processes and training.
He also developed a training program for people with no industry experience.
“The goal was simple,” he says. “Make it possible for anyone who is willing to work hard to be successful.”
He has also developed CRM systems and operational frameworks that help companies grow faster and more efficiently.
In the last five years alone, his work has helped create over 500 jobs.
“I’m really proud of that,” he says. “Not just growth, but opportunity for others.”
Leading through mentorship and culture
Otto Bohon
sees leadership differently than most.
“I prefer to lead rather than manage,” he says. “There is a big difference.”
For him, leadership is about mentorship and development. He has helped many people get their first real opportunity in the industry.
“I’ve seen people go from zero experience to strong careers,” he says. “That’s what drives me.”
His psychological background plays a role here. He focuses on how people think, learn and grow.
“Systems are important,” he says. “But the people are more important.”
Impact on community and personal life
Otto’s work goes beyond business.
In 2017, he was named Man of the Year by the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40. The award recognized his social commitment and philanthropy.
He has served on boards such as the Arizona Blind and Deaf Children’s Foundation and St. Miguel. He has also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and supported fundraisers for the Southern Arizona Diaper Bank.
“It has always been important to me to give something back,” he says. “Without my community, I wouldn’t be where I am.”
At home he focuses on his family. He and his wife have four daughters.
“I try to spend as much time with them as possible,” he says. “That’s what keeps everything grounded.”
He also enjoys exploring art and managing his growing collection of collectibles.
What defines Otto Bohon’s leadership today
When you look at his career, one theme stands out: construction.
From hospitality to finance to consulting, Otto has always focused on creating structure and opportunity.
“I like to build things that last,” he says.
Today, he continues to work behind the scenes helping companies grow and improve leadership.
His path was not linear. But it was intentional.
“I’ve always pursued where I can have the greatest impact,” he says.
