Meet Chris Marchase | Professional and licensed Fiduciary & Professional Numismatist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Marchase and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Before founding Pikes Peak Probate Services I owned a professional Numismatic company, Colorado Tokens and Rare Coins, buying and selling rare coins, which is a capital based type of business. It was very difficult and expensive buying inventory for resale, with a slim profit margin. Not to mention it is a very difficult industry and I wanted to start a more serviced based company utilizing my mind and personal efforts more so than buying a product and listing it for resale. I wanted to get out of the rat race as Robert Kiyosaki describes in his book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” where I could still buy and sell rare coins as a hobby / side Hussle but generate another source of income. Pikes Peak Probate Services started as a volunteer position providing pro bono services investigating when the elderly, and at risk people, were being financially exploited. This turned into a part time job, then a full time job, and subsequently a carrier. Now I own and operate my own professional fiduciary firm serving primarily Colorado but several other states with full time employees providing services associated with professional estate and trust administration, and representation of at risk people under conservatorship proceedings.

What should our readers know about your business?
During my time attempting to be a professional coin dealer I was in my mid-to-late 20’s, now 42, I worked from home in my basement with very little social interaction. I felt I was meant for more and started to volunteer for the El Paso County Colorado DHS Adult Protection Unit representing the elderly and investigating when they were being financially exploited. I was apportioned to a case where my investigation determined an intellectually disabled person’s life savings was stolen by her attorney. I generated a report by which later said attorney was disbarred and never allowed again to practice law. This notice was publicized in the Colorado Bar publication and folks took notice to “who is this young guy to get an attorney disbarred?”

This was not an easy endeavor. I worked for free for nearly two years and was criticized and ridiculed the entire time. I was inadvertently thrown into the deep end of the pool full of attorneys and other sharks. However, sharks are born swimming. I spent years, or otherwise the better part of a decade reading and learning everything I could to understand what it is to be a professional fiduciary. I spent three years at the University of California in its professional fiduciary management school and two subsequent years gaining my national license.

I overcame these challenges with perseverance. This is my best recommendation to any aspiring entrepreneur. Don’t ever give up, keep working, keep building your trade or craft, keep learning and educating yourself and don’t let the haters hold you down. Haters are always going to hate and often they are or scared of your aspirations and success because one day you might become their competitor.

I would like the world to know there are people and companies out there who can help your mother with dementia, or what to do when your father passes away. While this industry is still in its infancy with no federal and limited state oversight there are licensed professionals who are qualified to assist or intervene if necessary and you are not going at this alone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My company name is based on a mountain outside Colorado Springs and climbing to the top of Pikes Peak is a difficult accomplishment, but very satisfying if you are able. This is for experienced only. If you are not the hiking type you can drive to the top of the Pikes Peak or take the Cog Rail Road which is a fan favorite. Don’t forget to get a donut when you get to the top. You should also drive or walk through the Garden of the Gods natural rock structure, and make sure to stop off at the U.S Olympic Paralympic Museum, and the National Money Museum, where I also serve as their assistant treasurer.

If you are looking for food. The best Italian in town is easily La Bella Vita. If you want a delicious steak I would recommend Cowboy Star, or the Pepper Tree. (get the table side pepper filet) Best brunch is by far the Lake Terrace room at the Broadmoor, but make sure to get a reservation early. It’s pricy but worth the money. Old Colorado City is a lot of fun, its like a town within a town, and don’t forget to stop off at Pizzeria Rustica for the best pie. If you are up north stop by Back East Bar and Grill which might be the best sport bar in town with fantastic food. I went there today. Hidden gems might be Patty Jewett at the golf course, O’Furrys, Mother Muffs, Panino’s, and the Publik House(s).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The most influential books I have ever read are “Rich Dad Poor Dad” and the “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck”. These books changed my perception of life, and the real world, and what I call the game.

I would also have to offer recognition to Tom Hallenbeck, who is a dinner table name within the professional coin dealers industry, and professional fiduciary Janice Eder. Both of which who took me under their wing as a mentee during my late 20’s and thought me how to be a professional and master of my craft.

Website: https://pikespeakprobate.com