Customized Competent Caring Conflict-Free Collaborative

We define wealth by a family's level of well-being: their state of being happy, healthy and prosperous, now and for generations to come.

Welcome to the Private Trustee

Welcome to The Private Trustee, where we help families gain clarity and consensus about the troublesome “soft issues” that often delay the completion of otherwise cutting-edge estate plans. We also serve as independent trustees, co-trustees, successor trustees, trust protectors and special trust advisors.

Contact Me

Frank and Maria Mullins

512-517-4451

[email protected]

Member - Independent Trustee Alliance (ITA)

Preservation of long-term family wealth is a question of human behavior. It is principally a matter of building the family’s human and intellectual capital.

-Jay Hughes, “Family Wealth”

We define a family’s wealth by its original definition: well-being evidenced by affinity, trust and love. It’s the collective relational health of the family.
We guide affluent families who prioritize family unity and want to enhance their family members’ lives now and for generations to come.

Can your family truly flourish inside the estate plan you’ve created?

Who will lead the family when you’re gone?

The greatest threats to “successful” generational wealth transfer are the known, yet unresolved conflicts within the family. “Success” being defined by the family’s unity and financial assets both being preserved after the transfer.

We facilitate family meetings where challenging topics can be safely discussed and where understanding, if not always agreement, can be reached.

Client Reviews

Frank is the best investment I've made! I didn't know what I didn't know. Initially I didn't realize the importance of hiring a Special Trust Advisor. Looking back over the last six years, engaging Frank was one of the best decisions I've made in my roles of trustee and primary beneficiary. In addition to serving on my investment and distribution committees, he's also my liaison with the administrative trustee.

D. Harris

Frank and Maria were an indispensable help for my family as we transitioned into a new phase or our life. They skillfully helped us navigate both the financial challenges and the emotional hurdles that we had to face. In particular, they put together a family weekend that helped create a better understanding between all members as well as strengthened the relationships. We are truly in their debt.

B. Wilbers

Frank, I want to thank you for all you have done for my family and me. Your wisdom around guiding us to the right resources, people, and processes, etc. has been invaluable. Your caring spirit never left a doubt; you always had us as a priority to grow and meet life challenges, money issues, and stewardship in a lasting and meaningful way.

J. Vickery

Our work and preparation with Frank for many months in preparing the agenda and selecting our most impactful stories set the stage far a family gathering that produced unimagined blessing to all and the return of our son to the family. Thank you. Frank, for a gift we could not find or give ourselves. Through your coaching, support, and skilled pressure, we have our family back.

J. Cunningham

"Consigliere” is an Italian term of affection for someone like Frank. The definition has to do with being a wise advisor or counselor but, beyond that, a trusted confidant or friend who represents the family in its affairs. At the core of who Frank was and is for our family, the word “trusted” stands out above all else. Frank is a skilled professional who took extreme care in understanding the different dynamics that existed in our family and led us through a process so that we could get more clarity about who we are as a family and where we want to go in the future.

A. Ogden

Frank brings to the table a variety of skills and years of experience that are unique in one person and which are especially well-suited to this type of work.

K. Anderson

Through the use of multiple assessment tools, we were able to reaffirm the value of family unity as a priority. Along the way, we were given tools that helped us improve our communication skills and group exercises that raised our levels of empathy for one another. With Frank's guidance and experience, we transformed the way we work together, and share in the responsibility of "family business." I truly believe we would not be as healthy as we are without the caring assistance of Frank.

J. Terracina

At the core of what Frank was and is for our family, the word "trusted" stands out above all else. Frank is a skilled professional who took extreme care in understanding the different dynamics that existed in our family and led us through a process so that we could get more clarity about who we are as a family and where we want to go in the future.

J. Ogden

I've witnessed firsthand Frank's skill at listening well, discerning the key issues in the family relationship dynamics and skillfully direct decision makers to consider and adopt better approaches to developing family unity as they plan for the future. It's a great skill to get everyone on the same page. Frank will do just that.

A. Deetjen

A Trusted Advisor with a Heart for Families

Frank’s lifetime journey as a student of human nature began in college where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of North Texas and has continued throughout his twenty plus years as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). Frank was an early proponent for values-based estate planning that emerged in the late 1990s. It advanced the idea that planning should prioritize the family’s unique values and circumstances in addition to the traditional tax-driven strategies.

Frank is also passionate about helping families who have a loved one(s) struggling with addictions. As an experienced volunteer, Frank serves as a group leader for Celebrate Recovery, a 12-Step ministry for those suffering with hurts, destructive habits and hang-ups.

Authored to Inform, Accredited to Connect

Frank’s commitment to lifetime learning and collaboration shines through his work as a co-author of “un-Prepared: Heirs at Risk”, a guide to helping families navigate the unintended challenges that accompany inheritance. Additionally, his accreditation as a Toastmaster Competent Communicator reflects his dedication to fostering open, honest conversations that resonate with small and large groups.

A Purposeful Voice for Empowerment

From prominent stages like the Purposeful Planning Institute to grassroots engagements, Frank shares a consistent message: estate planning should be empowering, transparent and deeply human. His work ensures every family he encounters feels understood, informed and confident in their path forward.

Work with Frank

At The Private Trustee, we believe clarity and peace of mind go hand in hand. Whether you’re looking for family governance support, an independent trustee for a unique beneficiary or looking for an innovative thinking partner, we’re here to serve.

Get in Touch Today

Let’s navigate your legacy journey with clarity, integrity, and purpose.

Member of the Independent Trustee Alliance

The Independent Trustee Alliance is a professional association formed by trustees, fiduciaries and other family consultants who work independently or for family offices.

Learn More About ITA