Ricky Mantei has worked in the financial services industry for more than three decades. A branch manager at Centaurus Financial's Lexington, South Carolina, branch, he began his involvement in the sector at Merrill Lynch in Columbia as a stockbroker and registered representative. For 13 years, Ricky Mantei was responsible for managing close to $200 million in client assets handled by the company and was recognized as one of its top 10 brokers in the United States.

Ricky Mantei then joined Centaurus in its Lexington branch. There, he is responsible for overseeing operations at six offices, altogether handling nearly $2 billion in client assets and employing some 50 individuals. Beyond that, Ricky Mantei serves as the owner of his own office with Centaurus Financial.

A US Air Force veteran, Ricky Mantei’s work in the financial services sector has been interspersed with periods of military involvement. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the Air Force Academy and served as both a combat pilot and F-16 Falcon and F-4 Phantom instructor. He also served as a pilot with the South Carolina Air National Guard. He shared his military experience with junior high students at an event in July 2019.