In recent weeks, Aaron and I have come to realize our life is in the middle of another major transition; one so large and transformative that we have come to call it the “Second Founding” as a shorthand to describe the complete overall that is in the midst of unfolding. It’s quick. It’s efficient. We both know what we mean when we say it. In a sense, it feels very much not like we are starting another chapter, but, rather, another book.
Buried thousands of pages within its newly-enacted buget, the State of Ohio just quietly created a new Ohio Homeownership Savings Account program that allows individuals and married couples in the Buckeye State to take a tax deduction in exchange for saving for the purchase of a house. I think this could be the start of something interesting, especially if it takes off across other states and/or the Federal government.
After careful consideration, Aaron and I decided that the Kennon-Green & Co. office will feature mixed media works by Carol Benson-Cobb, a wonderful artist located in Dallas, Texas.
After a long period of neglect, Nintendo launched Metroid Dread, a return to the classic side-scroller model for the legendary franchise. Developed by Spanish video game studio MercurySteam, the sales figures are extraordinary.
Aaron and I are ecstatic to share with you that our second son, Graham Forester Kennon-Green, was born through gestational surrogacy earlier this month. Unlike his brother, Dorian, who arrived at the full 40 weeks weighing 7 lbs. 5 ounces back in April, Graham arrived three weeks ahead of schedule at 37 weeks and 1 day, weighing in at 8 lbs. 3 ounces.
Fueled by a combination of reinvested profits (realized and unrealized gains, dividends, and interest), net client contributions, and new private client relationships, our wealth management business has recently found itself entrusted with more than $105 million in capital. This growth, combined with having a new baby and my desire to be able to walk to work in a matter of minutes, has resulted in an acceleration of our plans. Therefore, effective September 1st, 2021, Kennon-Green & Co. will be headquartered at one of the most beautiful buildings in the United States.
Aaron and I are ecstatic to share with you that our son, Dorian Alexander Kennon-Green, was born in mid-April. After a gestational surrogacy journey that began several years ago, it all paid off when he came into the world in perfect health, weighing 7 lbs. 5 ounces. As I have told friends and family, he was born with a head full of hair, and, to our great fortune and blessing, a temperament that is sweet and patient. It has been one of the great joys of our lives to get to know him.
The second car we ordered back in November finally arrived in time for the birth of the first baby, which is now only weeks away. This marked our first hybrid electric vehicle and, so far, we are loving it.
The news has been filled with stories about GameStop and other stocks with high “short” interests being squeezed in recent weeks so there is no point in me rehashing the specifics. There is a lot I could cover about the actual procedure for how trades settle, how short squeezes happen, who is innocent and guilty, and a host of other relevant topics. Enough ink has been spilled, digital and print, that I’m going to focus on the bigger picture, instead. This whole situation is not good.
As I write this message, it is January 2nd, 2021. Today marks the second day of the new year, the thirteenth day since the start of winter, and the 13,987th day of my life. The holiday weekend afforded me something I haven’t had in a long time: a moment of respite as much of the world shut down for celebration. Well-rested, I’m ready to jump into the New Year. Here is an inside look at some of the things going on in our home and business as we gear up for a post-pandemic world.