Cleveland, OH — Thanksgiving Day 1981

At 35, following a series of unexpected events, I left behind a decade-long dual career as an air traffic controller and the co-owner of two restaurants that ultimately failed.

Though my future felt uncertain that day, I was grateful for the incredible experiences I had gained. Still, I knew there was no going back. I found myself asking, What could I possibly do next with such a checkered past?

Despite the failure of the restaurants, I discovered that I genuinely enjoyed being an entrepreneur. Meanwhile, my time as an air traffic controller had been thrilling, challenging me to analyze data under pressure, remain calm and focused, and manage high-stakes complexity—skills that required quick, decisive action in a fast-paced environment.

With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and economics, combined with the hard lessons from my restaurant failures, I felt I had earned a school-oh-hard-knocks master’s degree in how not to be an entrepreneur.

Within a few months, I discovered this odd variety of skills translated seamlessly into the relatively new world of financial planning. Just as I guided planes safely through turbulent and crowded skies and delivered dining experiences customized for family life events (weddings, baptisms, birthday parties, graduations, retirements, and funerals), it was natural for me to help family leaders navigate the complexities of their family life dynamics and family financial situations.

This journey led to the founding of Superior Planning,SM a firm dedicated to supporting and guiding family leaders as they work toward their ideal vision of family wealth. What started as a career choice gradually became a passion as I realized I could not only assist families with immediate financial planning but also help those striving to make a transformational impact in their lives and the lives of their loved ones. 

Since that late November day so many years ago, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of family leaders. Together, we’ve enriched their lifestyles, built and protected their portfolios, and created distinctive legacies. I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact of their efforts—not just on themselves and their families, but also on the businesses they lead and the communities they serve. 

Somewhere along the way, my work evolved from a career into my life’s purpose—my personal and professional reason for being. It’s work I love, work I’m committed to doing with excellence, and work I feel compelled to continuously improve upon for as long as i can. 

For that blessing, I am, and always will be, profoundly grateful. 

WHY THIS BOOK NOW?

The world has been in a constant state of flux since I began this journey, and that change seems to be accelerating with no end in sight. When it comes to family wealth, we’ve witnessed significant changes: greater financial abundance, shifting lifestyle behaviours, rapid technological advancements, an expanded universe of investment options, elevated standards of living, and increasingly broad expectations for estate planning and desired outcomes. 

The landscape of financial advising has also shifted significantly. Today, deeper levels of due diligence and compliance are not just recommended—they’re essential for success. This growing complexity demands fresh perspectives, innovative approaches, and strong interpersonal relationships. Over the years, we’ve witnessed tremendous successes as well as difficult failures—families who thrive and grow, and others who, despite their best intentions, struggle to hold on. 

This book draws on my personal experiences and those of my clients, offering insights and guidelines to help you, the family leader, and you, the trusted advisor, work together to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and pave the way for future generations. 

Grounded in love, wisdom, and financial stewardship, this book is not a road map but a treasure map—one only you, the family leader, can draw, because only you know where you want to go. Its purpose is to help you navigate the complexities of family wealth, so you can enjoy an abundant life and prepare your loved ones to continue the journey after you. 

To that end, I am at your service and wish you the very best life has to offer. 

Sincerely, 

Buddy Thomas

Thanksgiving Day 2024