Praise for First Generation Wealth

To learn more about how we earned these awards, click here! 

Reviewed in the Journal of Wealth Management

“The authors, Robert Balentine and Adrian Cronje, draw on their vast experience with wealthy families and entrepreneurs, but also share personal stories throughout the book which brings meaning and depth to the points made in the text. They point out that great care must be taken when mixing family and business. And, that it takes empathy to understand the next generation. The book discusses common conflicts that arise and provides straightforward actionable advice, particularly emphasizing the importance of clear communication in family governance.”

Read the Full Review

“Entrepreneurs worry – about their children, about the assumed power of wealth, of falling back into financial insecurity.  Robert Balentine and Adrian Cronje have written a book of simple wisdom that reminds those new to wealth of the fundamentals of life, not the fears. The three guiding principles they describe are calming and sensible. I especially recommend the chapter on seeing the world through the next generation’s eyes for its reminders of the values that are truly important. If you need a guidebook to the strange new world of good fortune, you will enjoy First Generation Wealth.”

Jim Grubman, P.D.
Family Wealth Consulting

“I learned early on from my father the importance of intention in sustaining wealth through generations. In their book, Robert and Adrian capture essential principles for being intentional with yourself, your business, and your family, so that your legacy has a positive impact on future generations and their communities. First Generational Wealth is a powerful guide to what makes or breaks the passing of wealth and legacy through generations in a way that inspires you to carefully consider the critical questions they pose.”

Michael B. Russell
CEO, H.J. Russell & Company

 

  • “During our careers, so many of us are so wholly immersed in our companies that we don’t take time to think through communication around money within our own families. First Generation Wealth provides a thoughtful roadmap to help navigate issues around wealth and legacy.”

    Frank Blake
    Former Chairman and CEO of The Home Depot

  • “In First Generation Wealth, Robert and Adrian provide guiding principles that hit very close to home. Supporting your family and community in the next generation goes beyond a check. It’s teaching what was learned in difficult times about one’s self, one’s resiliency.”

    Sam Reese
    CEO, Vistage Worldwide

  • “How do you sustain a business, family health and harmony, and family wealth? It has to be an ongoing purposeful process (mission) and Robert and Adrian have explored the history of what works (and doesn’t). If you want to “sustain” this is a must-read.”

    Joe W. Rogers, Jr.
    Chairman, Waffle House

  • “In First Generation Wealth, Robert and Adrian challenge you to ask yourself critical questions, which are relevant wherever you are in your journey towards building family resilience. Over time, asking these questions will help you fine-tune your wealth and legacy strategy as your family’s needs change.”

    Sally Belk Gambrell
    President, the Bambrell Foundation


“This is a book for entrepreneurs, but it is not about entrepreneurship. It is about what happens next. After business and financial success, the concern of the entrepreneur and his or her family is how to use the wealth wisely and preserve the family. The book is wonderfully clear and useful, and absolutely riveting in its narrative.”

— Dennis T Jaffe, Ph.D.
Senior Research Fellow, BanyanGlobal Family Business Advisors, and author of Borrowed from Your Grandchildren: The Evolution of 100-Year Family Enterprises