Peter J. Merrick, often referred to as The King of Main Street, is an internationally recognized author, writer, commentator, and keynote speaker, specializing in U.S. and international cross-border risk mitigation. With over three decades of experience, he specializes in business succession planning, financial sovereignty, and cross-border wealth De-Risking, helping business owners, professionals, families, and trusted advisors navigate complex financial, tax, and estate planning challenges with clear, practical solutions. Holding the prestigious Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), he is a trusted voice in financial sovereignty, known for his ability to simplify complex financial issues and deliver actionable strategies.

As a bestselling author, Peter has written three LexisNexis textbooks on Business Succession and Estate Planning and the international bestseller The King of Main Street. With over 800 published articles, his insights have appeared in Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones, and major professional publications. For two decades, he was a regular financial, economic, and tax commentator on one of Canada’s largest news networks. Peter spent 18 years as a columnist for LexisNexis’ Lawyers Weekly and The Bottom Line, one of North America’s largest CPA trade publications. A sought-after educator and lecturer, Peter has taught at multiple universities and colleges, shaping the next generation of financial professionals.

A Canadian expat residing in San Diego, California, Peter considers himself a Citizen of the World. He specializes in business succession planning and cross-border risk management, advising clients on how to protect, preserve, and grow wealth across international borders. He integrates U.S. life insurance and annuity solutions into holistic De-Risking strategies, ensuring financial security for generations.

Peter is the co-author of the bestselling business novel It Starts With Gold, written with Adrian C. Spitters, a gripping financial thriller exposing hidden forces shaping international markets, vulnerabilities in modern financial systems, and the critical steps to preserve wealth in uncertain times. Together, they are working on the next installment of their four-part book series, The Last Asset Standing, which explores the coming financial reset, The Great Financial Confiscation 2.0, and the race to secure financial sovereignty before it is too late.

Known for his bold perspectives, deep financial expertise, and engaging storytelling, Peter challenges conventional thinking and inspires immediate action. His message is clear… The future belongs to those who prepare.

About the Author

Adrian C. Spitters, better known as The Son of a Dutch Farmer, is a private wealth advisor with over 37 years of experience, specializing in De-Risking and protecting wealth, tax optimization, and alternative investments for high-net-worth individuals. His mission is to safeguard his clients’ financial futures by building diversified, resilient portfolios that perform across economic cycles.

Partnered with one of North America’s leading independent private wealth management firms, Adrian’s team provides fiduciary-focused investment management and comprehensive wealth planning. His approach prioritizes capital preservation, ensuring tax-efficient, consistent returns uncorrelated to public markets.

Adrian’s clients benefit from access to alternative investments, including private equity, private real estate, commodities, precious metals, and government-sanctioned, tax-efficient investment structures. His team specializes in corporate insurance solutions through mutual life insurance companies, designed to minimize tax liabilities and protect business, family, and estate assets against financial risk, tax, inflation, and economic downturns.

A strong advocate for minimizing exposure to traditional markets, Adrian emphasizes tangible assets, particularly gold, as a hedge against volatility, inflation, and government intervention. His wealth preservation solutions incorporate alternative, income-producing assets that provide long-term stability.

Adrian’s financial insights have been shaped by decades of studying market cycles. The 1980 housing crash exposed him to the risks of high interest rates and inflation, reinforcing the importance of liquidity and prudent leverage. The 1987 stock market crash (Black Monday) highlighted the dangers of speculative excess. Later crises, including the 2000 tech bubble and the 2008 financial collapse, further solidified his commitment to guiding clients through uncertainty and building resilient investment structures.

As a published author, Adrian has written four books on wealth solutions for business owners and investors: Who's Investing Your Money?, Ready to Sell Your Business?, Ready to Sell Your Farm?, and How to Sell Your Farm Successfully.

Adrian’s latest book, It Starts with Gold, co-authored with Peter J. Merrick, explores the role of tangible assets in protecting and growing wealth in a rapidly shifting financial landscape. He is currently working with Peter on their next book, Last Asset Standing.

Through Adrian’s and Peter’s financial newsletter, It Starts With Gold, Adrian delivers cutting-edge economic insights and investment strategies for ultra-high-net-worth Sovereign individuals, families, farmers, and business owners. He offers complimentary holistic financial reviews and portfolio evaluations, providing tailored, one-of-a-kind solutions to protect and grow wealth with precision and foresight.