2024 Year-End Letter
Personal Updates, Business Reflections, and Looking Ahead

Dear CRBSS Client,

Thank you for taking the time to read the 2024 CRB Strategic Services (CRBSS) Year-End Letter. I’m excited to share some personal updates, business highlights, and reflections on the markets as we approach the close of another year.

Personal Updates

On a personal note, I’m pleased to report that my intentional focus on physical and emotional well-being has paid dividends this year, enriching my life and, by extension, enhancing the outcomes I deliver to you.

Kaylee, my wife of 12 years, Annie, our energetic 4-year-old, and I have celebrated several milestones this year. We broke ground on a long-awaited home addition (pictures below)—a project that brings us closer to our dream of creating an inter-generational living space. By mid-2025, this vision will come to life as my parents move into their new residence on our existing property. This idea, born during the pandemic, is now becoming a reality.

In addition to our construction project, we’ve enjoyed quality family time camping, gardening, and pursuing educational goals. These moments have been grounding and fulfilling, reminding us of the importance of balance and growth.

Business Reflections: Thank You for Trusting CRBSS

When I founded CRBSS in 2022, my goal was to combine the attentiveness and respect I learned during my early career at the Four Seasons with the precision and reliability of a boutique investment advisory firm. Two years later, I’m proud to share that our firm now advises or manages over $50 million in assets, while maintaining strong relationships with state and federal regulators.

This year, we’ve focused on delivering value to you through personalized recommendations and services that exceed industry standards. Your trust has been instrumental in building a firm that reflects not only your needs but also your values.

With approximately 55 exceptional households served, CRBSS has fostered a community that often transcends the traditional advisor-client relationship, leading to genuine friendships. For this, I’m profoundly grateful. Thank you for allowing CRBSS to play a role in your financial journey.

Markets and Economy

As we’ve discussed throughout the year, we are living in an extraordinary moment in human history. Advances in technology, abundant resources, and evolving societal structures have created tremendous opportunities. Yet, the complexity of our world brings inherent risks that require vigilance and thoughtful management.

Since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, policymakers have employed various tools to maintain stability. While these measures have supported markets, frequent intervention can also introduce distortions. As we look to 2025, we remain mindful of the rising potential for volatility, even as markets continue to deliver strong returns.

Our focus will remain on addressing your questions, exploring the evolving global financial landscape, and leveraging the benefits of diversification. Together, we’ll continue to build resilience across the 8 Forms of Capital—a framework that enhances your ability to take risks successfully while achieving superior, risk-adjusted results.

Season’s Greetings

As the year winds down, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes to you and your family. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Holidays! May your season be filled with peace, joy, and love.

Thank you for being an integral part of the CRBSS family. I look forward to another year of growth and success together.

Warm regards,
Cole Brooks
Founder, CRB Strategic Services