Founders & history

Our history

In the spring of 1985, a pivotal moment in the world of financial planning in southeast Michigan was set into motion when Ken Grace, a driven and forward-thinking individual, made the bold decision to establish his own firm.

Ken, who was working at General American at the time, embarked on a journey that would forever change the landscape of financial services. It was during a pension class at Purdue University that Ken first encountered the term “Financial Architects.” Instantly recognising its significance, he seized the opportunity to claim it as the name for his envisioned enterprise. This choice would come to symbolise the meticulous planning and visionary thinking that would define the company’s ethos. Financial Architecture was born, and Ken knew what to do.

As fate would have it, Ken’s journey towards building Financial Architects, Inc. was further enriched when he received a call from Turner Thompson, his former colleague at General American, who was in Houston at the time but yearning to return to Michigan. Turner was more than just a colleague; he was Ken’s ultimate collaborator and right-hand man.

Together, they embarked on a journey of collaboration and partnership that laid the foundation for the company’s enduring success. Turner’s mentorship and unwavering support were instrumental in guiding Ken as he helmed the company, ultimately shaping Financial Architects into the thriving and innovative financial planning firm it is today. This story stands as a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and the enduring impact of two individuals who dared to become the architects of their financial destiny.