Scott was incredible. Hard working. An accomplished pilot. A thrill seeker! He was also successful in the music business and a builder of businesses.

Scott was fearless and a great leader.

When I first met Scott, I knew this kid was going places. He was young and hungry and wanted to start saving as much as he could so that he could have the life he wanted.

He wanted to buy the plane(s) that he would fly! And buy the hangar, too! Not just things but to put himself in a place to retire by 50, he would say often.

When investing or saving, he would do nothing with too much leverage. While he was a risk taker in his personal life, when it came to business and money, it was ALL business for Scott. He wanted to ensure he was making the best decisions with what he earned and who he aligned himself with.

Years later, to no one’s surprise, Scott decided to leave his employer and start his own shop. Something different. Change the world and the music business all at the same time.

Married in his personal life, he was also “married” to his client roster, his business partners, and anyone else lucky enough to be in his orbit.

Always one to plan, his key man insurance, operating agreements, living trusts, and everything else was always in perfect order. That pilot in him always wanted to make sure that nothing was left unattended.

The business flourished under his leadership. His portfolio too, with his net worth growing significantly every year.

People just wanted to be around and work with Scott.

And then, last Friday while golfing, I received a message at the office that he had passed away.

A million things went through my brain. Cancer? Car accident? Heart attack. What could have taken this incredible 42-year-old man away from us so soon?

While piloting his plane on his way home with friends, he crashed.

All aboard perished, six people.

Just like that. In an instant.

All the skills in the world. Talent. Businesses. Charm.

Now, while Scott has left us, he certainly has not left us.

He was diligent in his planning, and his family’s financial future is well accounted for, as are the businesses.

You don’t always get to choose when. You don’t always get to choose how or even why.

But you do get to choose what happens if.

I encourage you not to be one of those people that doesn’t plan the “if.”

Be the one that cares about everyone in your orbit and what happens to THEM should your plane not make it home one day.

The choice really is ours.

Rest in peace, my friend. The world has lost a great one.

-J.D.