Finding purpose through loss: A journey of family, faith and financial legacy

In the rolling hills of southwest Missouri, on farmland that has been in the family since 1833, Robin Walker has built more than just a successful financial advisory business. 

He has created a legacy of resilience, faith and service that has sustained him through life's most difficult trials – the devastating loss of his son, Cary, to addiction.

A father's pain, a father's love

"It's hard when you have a family member struggling with addiction," Robin reflects. "He was an amazing human being – he just had his issues."

The day they found Cary is etched in Robin's memory. After, when Robin's wife asked their grandson Andrew if he was okay, Andrew's response was profound: "I've been preparing for this day my entire life." 

These words resonated deeply with Robin, highlighting the painful reality that loving someone with addiction often means grieving them long before they're gone.

Despite the challenges, Cary and Robin had begun to reconnect meaningfully in the year before his passing. Their relationship wasn't built on guilt but on "mercy and grace," as Robin puts it. 

"The only way to get him from where he was to where he needed to be was with love," he explains. "I didn't believe he would respond well to guilt, anger, or anything negative."

Finding peace

Six weeks before Cary passed away, he joined his family for church at Life Church in Rogers, Arkansas. He was there with his mother, Tammie, his sister Caitlin and her family and Robin. That morning, when the pastor asked if anyone wanted to rededicate their life to Christ, Cary quietly raised his hand. It was a simple gesture, but one that now means everything. "Little did I know how important that was going to be," Robin says. "I have peace knowing that's where his heart was."

For Andrew, finding closure after loss came unexpectedly. While going through his father's belongings in the garage, he felt what he described as "the intuitive hand of our father, my father – definitely heavy," which gave him peace.

A legacy of service

With over 42 years in the financial industry, Robin has built a substantial business, growing from $70 million in assets to $283 million today. But he sees his work as more than just managing money.

"I have always said my job is my ministry," he explains. "The wealthy need Christ just as much as poor people do. This is my ministry."

His own experiences have deeply influenced his approach to serving clients. "I connect differently with clients who have lost a child or a younger niece or nephew. You just don't know what it's like until you've gone through it," he says. "I give God all the glory – His timing is perfect, whether you believe it or not."

The succession plan

At 67, Robin isn't thinking about retirement. "I don't want to retire – I want to keep riding my bike," he jokes. However, he has been thoughtful about succession planning, particularly after Cary's passing.

Enter Andrew, who joined the firm on June 1st. "I don't know if the catalyst was my son passing, but the celebration of life, with all our clients there, it was a celebration," Robin says.

For Andrew, the decision to join his grandfather's business represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. "I take this seriously," Andrew says. "He's worked painstakingly for 42 years building this business and all these relationships. I almost feel a sense of responsibility to do so."

Robin is confident in this plan: "When I mention Andrew, that's the best succession plan I could come up with yet."

Technology as an enabler

Part of what makes this transition possible is the advancement in technology. "Tech is so much better today than before," Robin notes. "We've doubled since starting our own company six years ago – the work hasn't doubled, that's due to technology."

Andrew particularly values their AdvisorEngine CRM system. "If I'm going to make it to half a billion in assets, I don't see how I can do it without it," he says. The system allows him to track every client interaction, review portfolios, and document all communications.

Lessons for the next generation

When young professionals ask Robin for career advice, his response is simple yet profound: "If you can find a way to serve others, you will always have employment."

He tries to convey this wisdom to those entering the financial industry: "If you're serving, you're always going to be in demand. But if you're simply in it for the money or excitement, you're going to be disappointed."

Today, Robin continues to work while dedicating time to his church, Camp Barnabas – a Christian camp for children with special needs – and various other outreach efforts. He has served on the Board of Camp Barnabas since its inception 31 years ago, and the experience has deeply shaped his understanding of love, mercy, grace and what it truly means to serve. 

The family farm remains a source of connection to his roots and Cary's memory. "Taking up my father's mantle, working around the property, spending time on the tractor – it connects me to my father," Andrew says.

Through music shared across generations, faith that sustains them through loss, and a business built on serving others, Robin and Andrew continue to build a legacy that honors Cary's memory while looking to the future.

"We think we can best honor Cary by the way we live our lives," Robin says simply. 

In this philosophy, they've found not just a succession plan for a business, but a path forward through grief toward purpose.