Celebrity Estates: Wills of the Rich and Famous

When wrestling legend Hulk Hogan passed away, he left behind more than a fortune; he left a tangled family web. In this episode, David Lenok talks with Lawrence D. Mandelker, Partner at Venable LLP, to discuss the estate challenges surrounding Hogan’s $25 million legacy.  Together, they explore how blended families, strained relationships, and renounced inheritances highlight the planning pitfalls that advisors see every day. From fairness vs. equality to the tools that can prevent disputes, this episode offers lessons advisors can apply directly with their clients. Key Points: * Hulk Hogan’s life, fortune, controversies, and blended family structure * Estate planning challenges with multiple marriages, stepchildren, and strained relationships * How advisors can help clients balance fairness vs. equality among heirs * Discusses tools like trusts, disclaimers, and no-contest clauses to prevent family disputes * Why proactive conversations and lifetime gifts can reduce surprises and conflicts later * And more! Resources: * Listen to Celebrity Estates on WealthManagement.com [https://www.wealthmanagement.com/program/celebrity-estates] * Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/celebrity-estates-wills-of-the-rich-and-famous/id1466224736] * Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2tTjOQRtHIqSUoY6K4GwMS] * Trust and Estates Magazine [https://subscriptions.wealthmanagement.com/?p=TPDCST] Connect With David Lenok: * david.lenok@informa.com [david.lenok@informa.com]  * WealthManagement.com [https://www.wealthmanagement.com/] * LinkedIn: David Lenok [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lenok-a481432a/] * LinkedIn: Informa [https://www.linkedin.com/company/informa/] * LinkedIn: WealthManagement [https://bit.ly/WealthManagementLI] Connect With Lawrence D. Mandelker: * Venable LLP [https://www.venable.com/] * LinkedIn: Venable LLP [https://www.linkedin.com/company/venablellp/] * LinkedIn: Lawrence D. Mandelker [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-d-mandelker-a9175571] * ldmandelker@Venable.com [ldmandelker@Venable.com]  About Our Guest: Larry Mandelker helps high-net-worth individuals with estate planning by counseling on mutigenerational transfers of assets and business succession planning. Through the use of wills, trusts, and other estate planning instruments, Larry works with his clients to creatively design estate plans that address their unique needs and plan for future contingencies, while also focusing on asset preservation, premarital planning, and estate, gift, and income tax minimization goals. His clients include individuals in many industries, including corporate executives and founders, owners of closely held businesses, real estate owners and developers, financial principals, technopreneurs, entertainers, athletes, and publishers.

In this episode of Celebrity Estates, host David Lenok welcomes Ian Freeman, founder of The Freeman Group and a Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Advisor, for a conversation inspired by the estate of legendary boxer and entrepreneur George Foreman.  From naming all five of his sons “George Edward Foreman” to building a $300 million fortune, David and Ian explore how identity, family dynamics and unspoken expectations shape legacy. Ian offers practical insight into the emotional side of wealth transfer and how advisors can foster deeper, more meaningful planning conversations. Ian discusses: * George Foreman’s estate strategy and the symbolic power of naming all his sons after himself * The emotional and psychological layers of wealth transfer, especially in multi-generational families * The importance of flexibility and open dialogue in estate and legacy planning * Common communication gaps and how silence can fracture family trust * How philanthropic goals can engage future generations and reflect authentic values Resources: * Listen to Celebrity Estates on WealthManagement.com [https://www.wealthmanagement.com/program/celebrity-estates] * Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/celebrity-estates-wills-of-the-rich-and-famous/id1466224736] * Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2tTjOQRtHIqSUoY6K4GwMS] * Trust and Estates Magazine [https://subscriptions.wealthmanagement.com/?p=TPDCST] * SS&C Black Diamond Trust Services [https://blackdiamond.advent.com/] Connect With David Lenok: * david.lenok@informa.com [david.lenok@informa.com]  * WealthManagement.com [https://www.wealthmanagement.com/] * LinkedIn: David Lenok [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lenok-a481432a/] * LinkedIn: Informa [https://www.linkedin.com/company/informa/] * LinkedIn: WealthManagement [https://bit.ly/WealthManagementLI] Connect With Ian Freeman: * Website: The Freeman Group – Northwestern Mutual [https://thefreemangroup.nm.com/] * LinkedIn: Northwestern Mutual [https://www.linkedin.com/company/northwestern-mutual/] * LinkedIn: Ian Freeman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-freeman-clu-chfc-casl-aep-47b13a/] * Email: ian.freeman@nm.com [ian.freeman@nm.com]  About Our Guest: Ian Freeman is a nationally and internationally recognized financial representative with a career rooted in purpose, resilience, and service. A graduate of Wesleyan University, where he studied government, history, economics, and philosophy, Ian began his professional journey in banking and investment banking before launching his insurance career in 1987, with just a $5,000 loan, heavy debt, and a leap of faith. Since then, he has helped enrich the lives of more than 4,500 individuals, families, and businesses by writing over $2 billion in death benefits. Ian ranks among the top 40 in career production at Northwestern Mutual and is one of only two representatives in the company’s history to qualify for both the Northwestern Mutual Forum and Lives Leader Summit every single year since their inception. A Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table and past president of the Northwestern Mutual Financial Representatives Association, Ian has served on numerous committees and continues to mentor more than 1,000 financial professionals, with a longstanding commitment to multicultural engagement. Holding CLU®, ChFC®, CASL®, and AEP® designations, Ian is known for blending deep industry knowledge with authentic client relationships. His practice was honored in the 2005 Northwestern Mutual Annual Report, a recognition he attributes not just to accomplishments, but to character. A passionate speaker and educator, Ian travels the country sharing insights on insurance fundamentals and the true impact of financial guidance. Outside of work, Ian enjoys golfing, reading, playing guitar, staying active, and spending time with his beloved Golden Retrievers. For Ian, being a traditional representative isn’t about doing things the old way; it’s about doing them the right way, with heart.

In this episode of Celebrity Estates, host David Lenok welcomes Oliver Pursche, senior vice president at Wealthspire Advisors, for a deep dive into the estate complexities surrounding Leonard Lauder’s famed art collection. From cubist masterpieces to staggering valuations, they explore how collectibles impact balance sheets, spark family conflict and raise nuanced estate planning questions. Here’s what to expect from this episode: * The emotional psychology behind collecting and why it matters to advisors * How valuation types (fair market vs. insurance vs. resale) shape tax and succession planning * What advisors must know about collaborating with clients’ outside experts * Strategies to handle heirs with unequal interest in inherited collections * And more! Resources: * Listen to Celebrity Estates on WealthManagement.com [https://www.wealthmanagement.com/program/celebrity-estates] * Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/celebrity-estates-wills-of-the-rich-and-famous/id1466224736] * Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2tTjOQRtHIqSUoY6K4GwMS] * Trust and Estates Magazine [https://subscriptions.wealthmanagement.com/?p=TPDCST] Connect With David Lenok: * david.lenok@informa.com [david.lenok@informa.com]  * WealthManagement.com [https://www.wealthmanagement.com/] * LinkedIn: David Lenok [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lenok-a481432a/] * LinkedIn: Informa [https://www.linkedin.com/company/informa/] * LinkedIn: WealthManagement [https://bit.ly/WealthManagementLI] Connect With Oliver Pursche: * Wealthspire Advisors [https://www.wealthspire.com/] * LinkedIn: Wealthspire Advisors [https://www.linkedin.com/company/wealthspireadvisors/] * LinkedIn: Oliver Pursche, CEPA, AAMS [https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverpursche/] * (800) 994-3766 About Our Guest: Oliver serves as an advisor based in the firm’s Westport, Conn. and New York offices and is an Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS®). He joined the team with over 25 years in financial services, having worked with independent RIAs, regional Broker Dealers, banks and bank trust departments, and family and multi-family offices. Before coming to Wealthspire, he worked at Bruderman Asset Management, where he served most recently as the interim Chief Market Strategist and Vice Chairman of the Board, and previously as Chief Executive Officer. While concluding his tenure at Bruderman, he simultaneously served as Chief Investment Officer and Chief Market Strategist at EsteV LLC. He has also held leadership positions at Gary Goldberg Financial Services, Trust Company of America, and Neuberger Berman. Oliver is an experienced global macro market strategist with significant media and corporate communications experience, as well as a published author. Active in the industry and his community, he served on the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Entrepreneurs Advisory Board, Westport Arts Center Board, and Harvard Business Review Advisory Board, among others. Originally from Germany, Oliver has resided in Fairfield, CT since 1984 and likes to stay active by playing tennis, scuba diving, and participating in competitive trap and skeet shooting in his free time.

Victoria Gray, deputy chairman of Bonhams North America, has spent decades curating and managing some of the most iconic celebrity estate auctions. From U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s six homes to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s salt and pepper shakers, she reveals how intimate artifacts transform into coveted treasures worth thousands. With a blend of art, emotion, and strategy, Victoria shares how storytelling and authenticity drive the value of these items, offering a rare glimpse into the private lives of public figures and the meticulous process of estate auctions. Join WealthManagement.com Senior Editor David Lenok and Victoria for a fascinating discussion on the intersection of celebrity, legacy and financial planning. Victoria shares insights into: * The importance of in-situ photography for authenticity and buyer confidence * How generational and first-time bidders are reshaping the auction landscape * Strategies for appraising estate items for tax filings and sale timing * Lessons advisors can learn from celebrity estate planning challenges Resources: * Listen to Celebrity Estates on WealthManagement.com [https://www.wealthmanagement.com/program/celebrity-estates] * Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/celebrity-estates-wills-of-the-rich-and-famous/id1466224736] * Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2tTjOQRtHIqSUoY6K4GwMS] * Trust and Estates Magazine [https://subscriptions.wealthmanagement.com/?p=TPDCST] Connect With David Lenok: * david.lenok@informa.com [david.lenok@informa.com]  * WealthManagement.com [https://www.wealthmanagement.com/] * LinkedIn: David Lenok [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lenok-a481432a/] * LinkedIn: Informa [https://www.linkedin.com/company/informa/] * LinkedIn: WealthManagement [https://bit.ly/WealthManagementLI] Connect With Victoria Gray: * Bonhams [https://www.bonhams.com/] * LinkedIn: Bonhams [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bonhams] * LinkedIn: Victoria Gray [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-gray-3612a05] * Email: Victoria.Gray@bonhams.com [Victoria.Gray@bonhams.com]  About Our Guest: Victoria R. Gray is a Bonhams Vice President and Director of the Valuations, Trusts & Estates Department as well as Head of Office for Bonhams San Francisco. Since joining Bonhams San Francisco in 2003, she has taken on the responsibilities of managing and developing relationships and mutual business opportunities with trust & estate attorneys, trust officers, wealth managers, certified public accountants, and other fiduciary and professional advisors throughout the United States. Victoria assists clients in a variety of areas utilising Bonhams’ services, including appraisals, auctions, and private treaty sales. In 2007 and 2008, Victoria worked frequently in the Bonhams Hong Kong office, helping drive forward the company’s expansion in the Asian market, including holding the first wine auction in Hong Kong in 2007. In 2008, Victoria was relocated to the Bonhams New York office, where she was tasked with building and expanding the Trusts & Estates Department for the US East Coast. After 5 years as Director and Head of Trusts & Estates in the New York Office, Victoria relocated back to the San Francisco office in 2012, where she has been running the Trusts & Estates group in San Francisco ever since. In addition to being Vice President of Trusts & Estates, Victoria is Head of Office for San Francisco and manages business development opportunities. In addition to her Trusts & Estates responsibilities, Victoria has also served as one of Bonham’s lead auctioneers since 2014, selling auctions ranging from wine, guns, jewellery, Asian works of Art, and Fine Art. In addition to Bonhams auctions, Victoria also serves as a charity auctioneer. Victoria holds a BA in Art History from Bucknell University, and prior to joining Bonhams in San Francisco, Victoria worked at Sotheby’s auction house in New York. Victoria gives frequent lectures and presentations on the art market and appraisals and has recently presented to the Peninsula Estate Planning Council, ACTEC California Fellows annual meeting, and ArtTable Seattle.

Leon Spinks shocked the world in 1978 when, in just his eighth professional fight, he defeated Muhammad Ali to become the undisputed heavyweight champion, a victory still regarded as one of boxing’s greatest upsets. Yet, despite his early success and multimillion-dollar earnings, financial missteps and the long-term effects of brain injuries would take a heavy toll. At his lowest point, Spinks worked as a janitor and fast-food worker in Nebraska. But with the unwavering support of his wife Brenda, he eventually found peace and stability in Las Vegas, where he remained a cherished figure in the boxing community until his death from prostate cancer at age 67. Join WealthManagement.com Senior Editor David Lenok as he sits down with advisor and author George Stefanou for an insightful conversation on the unique estate planning challenges faced by first-generation millionaires. Together, they explore the emotional complexities and generational tensions that arise when “old country” values meet modern American dreams—and how advisors can help families navigate the delicate balance between legacy, lifestyle, and long-term stewardship. George shares insights into: * Challenges faced by first-generation millionaires * The emotional side of estate planning and the importance of family conversations * How heirs can avoid a ‘windfall mentality’  * Strategies for fostering family cohesion and legacy * The expanded role of advisors, including the need for increased financial literacy * And more Resources: * Listen to Celebrity Estates on WealthManagement.com [https://www.wealthmanagement.com/program/celebrity-estates] * Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/celebrity-estates-wills-of-the-rich-and-famous/id1466224736] * Subscribe and listen to Celebrity Estates on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2tTjOQRtHIqSUoY6K4GwMS] * Trust and Estates Magazine [https://subscriptions.wealthmanagement.com/?p=TPDCST] * Two-Comma Wealth [https://a.co/d/0ZMRgsP] by George Stefanou, CFP®, CPWA®, CEPA® Connect With David Lenok: * david.lenok@informa.com [david.lenok@informa.com]  * WealthManagement.com [https://www.wealthmanagement.com/] * LinkedIn: David Lenok [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lenok-a481432a/] * LinkedIn: Informa [https://www.linkedin.com/company/informa/] * LinkedIn: WealthManagement [https://bit.ly/WealthManagementLI] Connect With George Stefanou: * Two-Comma Wealth [https://twocommawealth.com/] * Edward Jones: George Stefanou [https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/george-stefanou] * LinkedIn: George Stefanou [https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-stefanou-edward-jones/] * Facebook: George Stefanou [https://www.facebook.com/edwardjonesorlando/#] About Our Guest: George is a first-generation Greek-American and a 2023 & 2024 Forbes Best-in-State Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor, serving as the financial guru behind “Two-Comma Wealth.” As a University of Central Florida alumnus and avid football fan, George brings a unique perspective to the world of personal finance. Alongside his roles as a devoted husband to Kristin and father to Ella and Aubrey, George is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.1.0/72x72/2122.png] professional who also holds the following advanced credentials: Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), Accredited Asset Management Specialist℠ (AAMS®), Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist℠ (CRPS®) and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor℠ (CRPC®). Drawing on over 15 years of experience and thousands of diverse client interactions, George has developed a talent for humanizing finance, helping clients navigate the complexities of wealth management while empowering both investors and advisors.