Today we’d like to introduce you to David York.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I earned my B.S. in Accounting from the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business and my law degree from the S.J. Quinney College of Law. As both an attorney and a CPA, I was drawn early to estate planning because it combined technical complexity with deeply personal impact.
Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of clients—from families to founders and philanthropists. That experience shaped my belief that estate planning should go beyond taxes and documents. It should reflect purpose and values. That’s what led me to co-found York Howell and to develop Entrusted Planning, an approach focused on helping clients pass on not just wealth, but wisdom.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most meaningful work, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Estate planning sits at the intersection of family, money, mortality, and legacy—all sensitive and deeply emotional topics. Early in my career, I realized that technical expertise alone wasn’t enough. The real challenge was helping clients navigate the human side of planning: family dynamics, differing values, generational expectations.
Building a practice that truly integrates those elements took time, trial, and refinement. It also required rethinking how planning is traditionally done—which isn’t always easy in a profession rooted in precedent.
But those challenges ultimately shaped my approach. They pushed me to develop Entrusted Planning, write, speak, and create tools that go beyond legal structures to focus on purpose. The struggle was necessary—and worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of York Howell. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At YorkHowell, we specialize in estate planning, tax strategy, business succession, and nonprofit planning—all through the lens of integrating purpose and values into every client’s plan. Our clients range from families and entrepreneurs to philanthropists, but our mission remains consistent: to help people transfer not just wealth, but wisdom.
What truly sets us apart is our holistic approach. We developed the Entrusted Planning process to move beyond traditional legal documents and tax strategies, helping clients uncover what matters most to them and align their plans accordingly. This framework brings clarity, connection, and lasting impact across generations.
I’m proud that YorkHowell is known not just for technical expertise, but for genuinely addressing the human and relational side of wealth. Our team is deeply committed to fostering legacy, values, and purpose in every engagement.
Above all, I want readers to know that meaningful planning is within reach—planning that reflects your values, strengthens your family, and builds a lasting legacy. That’s what we help our clients achieve.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For me, it’s definitely empathy. Estate planning isn’t just about paperwork or taxes — it’s about people’s lives, values, and relationships. Taking the time to really listen and understand what my clients care about helps me create plans that actually work for them and their families.
Being empathetic lets me build trust and handle some of the tougher conversations with care. It’s a big part of what makes the work meaningful — not just for me, but for the people we serve at YorkHowell.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yorkhowell.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-r-york-0ba851/
- Other: https://www.davidryork.com/
