Michael Goostree

Michael’s career in business began when he was five, selling peach trees door-to-door in his native Georgia. Those seeds grew into a career in the financial services industry, one he enjoyed for over forty-five years. During that time, he had the dual privilege of helping clients begin serious financial plans, as well as seeing those plans bear fruit.

Michael’s first client was a fellow Jayhawk, an engineer who began working with him when he was just 23. After decades of working togetherthis client retired to his dream home in Estes Park after so many years of planning for it. Stories like that are why Michael loved this business. He helped clients prepare for retirement, purchase or sell a business, and plan for college and aging parents.  His strong background in insurance, developed out of the gate at NYLIC and National Life of Vermont, was also helpful to his clients at every stage of his career. 

For Michael, serendipitously, looking back was a bit like looking forward because he had the chance to watch his son, Toby, grow in the business alongside him. Toby’sinterest and curiosity have given clients the confidence to refer their own children as the business helps another generation make wise decisions. 

Michael lived in, or close to, Kansas City from the time he was 10 years old. He was proud to call himself a Jayhawk. Kansas City was where he bought homes, built a family, and lived with his wife, Marti, for the entirety of their marriage. Toby went to Barstow and William Jewell and Michael was always pleased tohear his son describe himself as Midwestern, a description he took some credit for.

Michael passed away on July 11, 2025, but the company he founded still bears his name. He is much missed.