I enjoy planning and organizing!

It’s in my blood.  My Dad, Bud, was an estate planning lawyer who took the time to organize his life and affairs long before we needed it. He showed us his system. This was a tremendous gift at the time of Bud’s unexpected death, and inspired me to do the same for myself and my family. It took time and effort, but I fulfilled my commitment and “made good” on my intentions to take care of my family in this way. Now I’d like to share this Guidebook system with you.

I began my legal career as an attorney with Davis Wright Tremaine in Portland Oregon. I then worked for more than 26 years (VP and Assistant General Counsel) for International Dairy Queen, Inc., a company owned by Warren Buffet/Berkshire-Hathaway. I provided legal and business counsel throughout the DQ® organization, and also worked with independent franchise owners and the owner association. 

After retiring from full-time employment and taking time for a break and discernment, I wanted a part-time position where I could more directly help people in need. I started with a St. Paul non-profit, Common Hope, helping kids in Guatemala through education, health care, and housing. Covid19 interrupted that, but also provided me time to develop this Guidebook.     I’m also active in my church community (Faith Lutheran in Waconia) and serve through several of our mission partner organizations: Waconia United Food Shelf, Families Moving Forward, Redeemer Lutheran in North Minneapolis, and Common Hope Guatemala.

I graduated from St. Olaf College (1985) and the University of Minnesota Law School (1988).

I am married to Marit (Solmonson), and we have three amazing kids: Britta (& Julia), Everett (& Caroline) and Trina (& Connor). We enjoy time together, often outdoors— biking and hiking in the mountains, relaxing up north at the lake, and visiting the ocean.

EVERYONE HAS A LEGACY.          Yours may come about naturally, or you may take time to identify and nurture it while you’re alive.

I want to help people be more intentional in thinking about and actively shaping their legacy. A good starting point…author Jacqueline Bussie says that in the end “love or the lack thereof” is our only real legacy.

I’m doing my best to live my own legacy and would enjoy helping you do the same!