Legacy Secured: Multi-Generational Planning for the Campos Family

Legacy Secured: Multi-Generational Planning for the Campos Family

Paul Campos built his equipment leasing business from the ground up in Kansas City, Missouri, running it for decades before inviting his son, Ryan, to join him at the helm. As Paul neared retirement and Ryan also considered an exit, the focus shifted from growth to legacy: how could the business’s wealth and values be preserved, efficiently passed to future generations, and positioned to create lasting impact?

When the Campos family became clients in 2017, the business was in strong shape, but there was more to do. While we worked on operational improvements—documenting processes, tracking key metrics, and upgrading financial organization—Paul and Ryan’s top priority was planning for efficient wealth transfer and legacy-building. They wanted not just tax savings, but structures that would set their family up for generations, and the ability to support causes they cared about.

After deep assessment, we decided on a layered approach: a family-limited partnership (FLP) and an intentionally defective grantor trust (IDGT). This allowed Paul and Ryan to transfer shares in the business to the next generation at a 30% discount (for lack of control and marketability), all while retaining operational control until the eventual sale. The sale of shares was paired with a promissory note from the trust, providing income for years to come and keeping all future appreciation outside the taxable estate. Not only did this structure minimize estate taxes, it was IRS-defensible and provided the founders predictable cash flow after the sale, with principal portions received tax-free.

A few years later, when the business was ultimately sold, the family began receiving payments from the promissory note. This liquidity allowed Paul and Ryan to support their passions and, most importantly, empowered their children and grandchildren with a stable foundation.

But their second act was about more than just financial security. Through our discovery process, Paul and Ryan uncovered a deep desire for philanthropic involvement. We helped establish a private family foundation, where they could direct charitable giving, support causes locally and abroad, and involve multiple generations of the Campos family. The foundation provided significant tax deductions and flexibility—offering public recognition or anonymity, and serving as a platform for family members to work together and learn about giving back.

After exiting the business, Paul and Ryan didn’t slow down. They pursued new passions, acquired another small company as a hobby, and used tax-advantaged strategies to help pay for college for several grandchildren. Other children received gifts structured to maximize their benefits. On the wealth management side, we helped the family reallocate investment assets for stability and income, while providing access to private investment opportunities that matched their interests.

For the Campos family, the benefits were more than financial. Their planning ensured that wealth and values would last for generations, that multiple family members could be involved, and that giving back would remain at the heart of the family story.

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