At The Trust Company, we often say our work is about walking alongside clients through life’s biggest decisions. For me, one of the most important influences in how I approach that responsibility has been my dad—Mark Knackendoffel, our Founder and CEO.
This Father’s Day, I wanted to reflect on just a few of the lessons he’s passed down—lessons about money, work, character, and the kind of wealth that really matters.
One of the first financial values my dad taught me was to live within—or ideally, below—your means. Not because you can’t have nice things, but because choosing to prioritize saving and investing over immediate gratification leads to a more secure and meaningful future.
He used to say, “Just because you can afford it doesn’t mean you should buy it.” I saw that philosophy in action throughout my life. He never made a show of success. Instead, he modeled financial discipline, careful decision-making, and long-term thinking. These habits are foundational to how we serve clients today—by helping them look beyond the moment and focus on building something lasting.
When I was sixteen, my dad sat me down to talk about investing. Specifically: Roth IRAs. (*insert teenage eyeroll here*) Over the course of a conversation—and a few diagrams sketched on a napkin—he walked me through compound interest, the time value of money, and why investing early could make such a meaningful difference over a lifetime.
That week, I opened a Roth IRA and committed to contributing what I could. I wasn’t making much—minimum wage jobs here and there—but he offered to match my contributions while I was in high school. That encouragement sparked a habit that stuck. Looking back, I realize it wasn’t just an introduction to financial literacy—it was a lesson in consistency, discipline, and planning ahead.
My parents were intentional about instilling a strong work ethic in my siblings and me—especially when it came to paying for college. From the start, the deal was clear: they would cover half, and I was responsible for the other half. That meant working through high school, saving what I could, and applying any scholarships toward my share.
Once I was in college, my parents would transfer their half to my account each month, and it was up to me to manage it—covering tuition, rent, books, and more. Navigating the logistics of paying my bills was my responsibility. If I overspent, there wasn’t a backup plan. At the time, it felt strict. But it taught me how to budget, plan ahead, and take responsibility. More than anything, it made me value my education. When a class costs you $67, you don’t skip it. Those lessons continue to guide how I approach money—and life—today.
One of my favorite memories with my dad is also one of the most formative.
When I was in high school, my parents helped me buy my first car. It cost $4,000, and true to form, they told me I was responsible for half. They covered it up front with the understanding that I would pay them back. Around that time, I casually told my dad, “Someday, I’m going to beat you at golf.” Without missing a beat, he replied, “Wanna bet?” He proposed that if I could beat him on 18 holes by the end of my senior year, he’d forgive the other half of the car.
It was a long shot. He wasn’t a great golfer (sorry, Dad), but I was worse—and had never come close to beating him. But I practiced, and my senior year he allowed me to tag along on a trip to Phoenix to visit his clients and we managed to squeeze in three rounds of golf. I won two and tied one. He kept his word and forgave the debt, and I’ve never seen someone so happy to lose a bet.
That trip taught me so much more than how to play a better round. It taught me that goals are achievable with hard work. That being pushed beyond your comfort zone builds confidence. And that a promise kept—win or lose—matters deeply. I also learned that a little competition can bring out the best in both of us.
Of all the values my dad passed down, integrity stands above the rest. I’ve never met anyone with a stronger moral compass. It’s what led him to found The Trust Company in 1992 after seeing an industry shift away from fiduciary standards and toward product sales and commissions.
He believed clients deserved better—and that doing what’s right should never be up for debate. That principle has shaped our company culture ever since. He’s had countless opportunities to sell the firm, but has chosen to remain independent because the mission matters more than the money. That example continues to guide me—and all of us at The Trust Company—as we serve our clients with care and objectivity.
Philanthropy has always been a core value in our family. My dad taught me that giving—whether through your time, talents, or resources—isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s incredibly rewarding. He’s served on dozens of nonprofit boards and often says the real value comes from helping causes you believe in, supporting people doing meaningful work, and contributing to the strength of your community.
That belief in service has shaped both our family and The Trust Company. From the start, he built this firm on the idea that success is measured not just in financial outcomes, but in the impact we have on others.
After decades of working in wealth management, my dad has seen the effects of financial handouts that come without accountability. Often, successful parents want to give their children every opportunity—but when that help becomes a way to avoid struggle, it can hinder more than it helps.
He’s seen firsthand how constant bailouts can erode independence and resilience. And he made it clear to all of us: there are no shortcuts. Even at The Trust Company, there was no fast track for me. In fact, my dad didn’t even know I was interviewing for my current role until he walked into the room and saw me sitting across the table. (Surprise!) I’ve always appreciated that. Because while his example opened the door, it’s the values he taught me that helped me earn a seat at the table.
If you’re a kid meeting my dad, there’s a 95% chance he’s given you a handshake tutorial. Firm grip, eye contact, and always introduce yourself with your first and last name.
He’s so committed to this that neighborhood kids would practice before knocking on our door to sell raffle tickets or candy bars. Rumor has it, if you nailed the handshake, you were walking away with a check. He couldn’t say no to confident kids—probably because he knew those skills would serve them for life.
I’m deeply grateful—for the lessons, the memories, and the example my dad continues to set each day. His guidance has shaped not just my own path, but the path of the company he built from the ground up.
To my dad—and to all the fathers and father figures who lead with humility, integrity, and intention—thank you. Your example is a gift, and your legacy lives on in the people you’ve shaped and the values you’ve passed down.
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