30 Under 30 San Diego County Leader No. 4: Matthew Guillory

Some may have been able to predict Matthew Guillory's success 10 years ago when he began his freshman year at San Diego State University.

Guillory, 27, started a banking career the same time he began college—knowing very well he wanted to gain the experience necessary to "complement" his education. Moreover, as a first-generation college graduate, he was determined to pay for his degree on his own dime.

Now, the business leader is quickly climbing the ranks. He's currently creating his own technology company and is in the process of constructing a real estate investment portfolio.

But there's more to his résumé. 

Guillory founded the Mission Valley Sunset Rotary Club in 2009 and oversaw its charter in 2010. He said it's his "effort to help others, both domestically and aboard, and satisfy my goal of starting my own nonprofit vehicle to be able to make a difference to the world and change lives."

Now, the man who said he's inspired by his mother is taking on the role of mentoring his younger brother and other young people in the region.

"As I continue my journey, I will always mentor others who wish to change their life and has the passion to do so," he said. "It's not easy to come from a low-income family and learn how to change economic classes and join the top 1 percent. I would definitely try my hardest to do it though, and teach others how to as I learn the ropes and reach new milestones."

Advice for young people:

"The advice I would give is to never ever give up and to know that, even with the most difficult challenges, to believe that one can prosper and achieve their dreams, despite what opposition they may encounter. Never be selfish and always be willing to help others because the power of your network is truly one great measure of your net worth and you never know who may be able to help you one day, so pay it forward. The theory of the six degrees of separation is very true, so use that to your advantage."