The passing of family heirlooms from one generation to the next is a celebrated tradition allowing for the continuation of an invaluable legacy well into the future. 

While most collections are curated as a source of joy by their present owner, they are simultaneously an asset class that can appreciate in value long into the future. 

Discover the latest steps from industry experts in protecting your investments in fine arts and generational antiques through an insightful discussion led by J. Max Barger, Corporate Advisory Managing Director at PNC Private Bank Hawthorn, and Michael Smerkanich, East U.S. Regional Leader for WTW Private Client.

“We’re Only Stewards: Preserving, Protecting and Succession of Decorative and Fine Arts” explores a wide range of topics from inventory record-keeping and conservation guidance to collection insurance, financial estate planning and tax implications.

Learn the steps you can take today to preserve the legacy and value of family heirlooms for generations to come. 

SPEAKER BIOS:

J. Max Barger ­­is Senior Vice President and Corporate Advisory Managing Director, leading PNC Private Bank Hawthorn’s℠ Corporate Advisory team. Max and his team develop, coordinate, and deliver advisory capabilities for corporate executives and business owners, and their families across the country, delivering insights, analysis and tailored advice. These capabilities are structured to support PNC’s clients in aligning their corporate, personal, and family goals. The PNC Corporate Advisory team is focused on helping clients drive shareholder value, as well as prepare for various transition events.

Prior to joining PNC Private Bank℠, Max began his career as a trusts and estates attorney after earning both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration. He also taught graduate-level courses in estate planning and taxation at Old Dominion University and Regent University for a decade. He is a member of the Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland Bars, is an Accredited Estate Planner® and Certified Exit Planning Advisor®.

A resident of Arlington, Virginia, Max has served in various leadership positions at PNC, and in professional, arts and eleemosynary organizations in his community. At PNC, he was named a Market All-Star, and is a Summit honoree. He has been recognized as a top Financial Advisor by Washingtonian Magazine and is a Washington Business Journal Business of Pride honoree.

Michael Smerkanich is the East Region Leader for WTW Private Client and is based in the New York City metro region. Mike is part of the U.S. executive leadership team for Private Client and his responsibilities include leading and growing office locations from New England to Florida. Mike’s expertise includes creating risk management and insurance programs for high net-worth individuals, business executives and multigenerational families who have significant complex personal exposures including significant art, antique, wine, and jewelry collections.    

Prior to WTW, Mike worked as a Senior Vice President at Marsh and McLennan where he held various leadership positions including managing the New York City and Washington, DC Private Client Services offices.