[00:01:43] – Growing Up in an Entrepreneurial Family

Jon shares how his father started an HVAC business after being let go from his job on Jon’s first day of kindergarten. The company was called LSS Company, short for The Lord Shall Supply, reflecting a faith driven approach to work and service.

Key quote:
“I learned the importance of doing a job well when nobody’s looking, that little things matter, that you treat your customer fairly.”

[00:04:14] – Lessons from the Service Van

From the age of five or six, Jon rode along on HVAC service calls with his father, observing how he interacted with customers under pressure. These early experiences shaped Jon’s work ethic, integrity and commitment to fair service.

Key quote:
“Dad was very mindful of doing what is needed, but not more, saving the client money.”

[00:12:10] – The Path to Law School

Jon explains what drew him to law school, including his love for government and history, watching his father struggle to access legal counsel as a small business owner and admiring mentors who had legal training.

Key quote:
“I thought law school was gonna be a little more about the big ideas… You better bring your own big ideas to law school if that’s what you want.”

[00:15:23] – The Power of Parental Encouragement

Jon reflects on a pivotal moment when his mother encouraged him to continue choir despite peer pressure. That encouragement led to a lifelong pursuit of performance alongside his legal career.

Key quote:
“Don’t listen to what those other people say about what you’re gonna do. If you’re moved by it, if you enjoy it, do it.”

[00:17:55] – The Present Moment of Performance

Jon describes how performing requires complete presence, drawing a comparison to athletics. Being fully engaged in the moment brings freedom and authenticity.

Key quote:
“It’s complete freedom. It’s that moment when you’re not thinking about other things, you’re actually most yourself.”

[00:22:55] – Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding Community

Jon shares vulnerably about divorce, depression and how friends in Kansas City stepped in to support him. This season reshaped his understanding of pain, empathy and the importance of community.

Key quote:
“I remember saying, I’m not there, but I can see it… Now I get it. Now I understand what these other people’s stories, these other people’s experiences mean.”

[00:25:20] – Choosing Relationships Over Money

Despite promising professional opportunities in Nashville, Jon made the difficult decision to return to Kansas City in order to heal and live in closer community.

Key quote:
“They didn’t matter as much as what I needed to do at the time.”

[00:30:29] – The Heart of Estate Planning

Jon explains why estate planning is meaningful work. It allows advisors to walk alongside people during major life transitions, balancing technical execution with emotional awareness.

Key quote:
“Estate planning is just the icing on the cake of all the life stuff that’s happening.”

[00:34:18] – The Weight of Final Messages

Jon reflects on how estate plans often become the final message someone leaves behind for their family and why that reality deserves careful thought.

Key quote:
“This may be the last thing they hear from you is what they get in your will or how you’ve treated them. This will be the message that they hear.”

Resources Mentioned

• LSS Company (The Lord Shall Supply) – Jon’s father’s HVAC business
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg – Official Site Busch Gardens – Where Jon performed in summer shows
• Vanderbilt Law School – Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt University
• Kansas State University – Official Site Kansas State University

Key Takeaways

• Early experiences of watching parents serve others with integrity shape how we approach work and client relationships
• Some of the most important decisions require choosing relationships and community over immediate financial gain
• Hitting rock bottom can become a catalyst for growth when we allow others to speak into our lives
• Estate planning is fundamentally about relationships and the messages we leave behind
• Work that allows you to walk alongside people during difficult seasons can be deeply fulfilling
• Being fully present matters, whether in performance, athletics or advisory work