Remembering Peachtree Planning Founder and CEO Emeritus, Bob Mathis

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Robert "Bob" E. Mathis, Founder and CEO Emeritus, of Peachtree Planning, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob had a vision when starting Peachtree Planning in 1987 to be the preeminent comprehensive financial services firm in the Southeast.  His strategy was to serve clients with a proven financial planning process rather than just selling financial products. Bob implemented this strategy by developing a planning firm to provide for the complex financial goals of individual and business clients. Attracting extremely bright, self-directed, driven advisors and professional staff with proven success patterns and strong family values, created an environment fulfilling his vision.  Peachtree Planning is one of the first winners of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution's "Best Workplace" regional award, which they have won numerous times since, as well as, many other accolades. Under Bob's leadership, the firm was named an Atlanta Business Chronicle Best Place to Work, Top Life Insurance Firm and Top Financial Planning Firm, a Nashville Business Journal Top Financial Planning Firm and Best Places to Work, a Birmingham Business Journal Top Investment Firm and Best Places to Work, as well as, one of The Daily Report's Best Of - Financial Planning Firm.  

Bob, who was inducted into the Guardian Hall of Fame in 2017, is a legend within the Guardian family.  He began his career in 1982 as a General Agent with the Atlanta agency.  In 1987, he founded Peachtree Planning, with 11 employees and financial representatives.  During his 33 years with Guardian, he served as Chairman of the Field Advisory Board five times. Under his leadership, Peachtree Planning won the coveted President’s Award in 2007.  When he retired in 2015, Peachtree Planning had over 100 Financial Representatives serving more than 26,000 clients.

He remained dedicated to building a strong culture within Peachtree Planning, where he lived his value statement for the firm "help some people, make some money, have some fun."  Bob's value statements:

Help Some People… 

Our primary reason for being is to serve others, and to make a difference in the financial well being of those we are fortunate enough to call clients. 

Make Some Money… 

The time we actually have on this earth is very short.  The activities we undertake in having a balanced and fulfilling life are often limited by a lack of income or capital.  We intend that while we serve others, we will earn a good living based on our expertise, so that we have the freedom to do exactly what we wish to do for our families and ourselves. 

Have Some Fun!… 

We are blessed to be in a business where we generally work with affluent individuals who share many of our values.  We intend to have fun with those we are fortunate enough to call colleagues and clients. 

Bob believed in giving back to help make his local and professional communities better and stronger, even founding the Peachtree Planning Foundation to support local charitable and civic organizations.  Most noteworthy, however, is that Bob was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  

Peachtree Planning will forever be grateful for Bob’s passion and vision. He will truly be missed, and his legacy will forever live on.