Building an Integrated Family Office

Episode Overview

In this episode, Joe Reilly speaks with Tom McCullough, Founder and Chairman of Northwood Family Office and Managing Director of Thought Leadership and Strategy at the Ultra High Net Worth Institute.

Tom reflects on his journey from traditional investment management into building one of Canada’s early multi-family offices, driven by a simple belief: wealth management must start with the client, not the product.

Key Topics

The Founding of Northwood

Frustrated by the lack of integrated advice available to his own family, Tom left a 20-year corporate career to build a firm focused on coordination, objectivity and holistic oversight. What began in borrowed office space has grown into a 40-person organisation serving over 100 ultra-high-net-worth families.

The Myth of Investment-Centred Advice

Tom challenges the assumption that investments are the centrepiece of wealth management. Instead, he advocates for goals-based investing rooted in deep discovery, family priorities and long-term purpose.

Wealth of Wisdom

Tom discusses the creation of his two books with Keith Whitaker:

1. Wealth of Wisdom: The Top 50 Questions Wealthy Families Ask
2. Wealth of Wisdom: Top Practices for Wealthy Families and Their Advisors

Both books explore the fundamental questions families face and highlight the importance of curiosity, humility and thoughtful inquiry.

Leadership and the Future of the Profession

Now stepping into a leadership role at the Ultra High Net Worth Institute, succeeding Jim Grubman, Tom shares his focus on making integrated wealth management practical, implementable and sustainable for the next generation of advisors.

Core Themes

1. Integration over silos
2. Purpose before portfolio
3. Education for families and advisors
4. Succession planning within advisory firms
5. Elevating standards in ultra-high-net-worth advice