Meet Robert & Adrian

Though they grew up worlds apart, they found common ground in their mission to show entrepreneurs and their families what is possible, probable, and achievable with their wealth. They wrote this book to help wealth creators explore the meaning of money while developing the tools necessary to pass their legacy to future generations.

 

About Us

Robert Balentine

Robert is the Chairman of Balentine and a three-time entrepreneur. His own entrepreneurial journey began in 1987, when he and his father each borrowed $100,000 to start Balentine & Company, which grew to become the largest independently owned wealth management firm in the South, at the time. Barron’s and Forbes have named Robert among the nation’s leading wealth management advisors thirteen times, most recently in 2024. In 2013, the Metro Atlanta Chamber presented Robert with their inaugural Business Person of the Year Lifetime Achievement award, and in 2018 the Atlanta Business Chronicle named him one of Atlanta’s Most-Admired CEOs.

Read Award Disclosures here.

Adrian Cronje, Ph.D.Adrian is Balentine’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Advisor and a founding partner. Originally from South Africa, he holds a Ph.D. in macroeconomics and econometrics from Cambridge University and is also a CFA Char…

Adrian Cronje, Ph.D.

Adrian Cronje is Balentine's Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the firm has experienced exponential growth. In 2023, Adrian was recognized as one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Most Admired CEOs. In addition, Balentine was named one of America's fastest-growing companies by Inc. and one of America's fastest-growing Registered Investment Advisors by Citywire RIA. Adrian is a founding partner of Balentine, its former Chief Investment Officer, and a member of both the management committee and the investment strategy team. Originally from South Africa, he holds a Ph.D. in economics and finance from Cambridge University and is also a CFA Charterholder. Prior to founding Balentine with Robert, Adrian was the Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Strategist at Wilmington Trust and the Director and Deputy Head of Quantitative Equity Products at Schroeders. In 2010, Adrian was named to the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40. In 2018, Adrian was recognized as a Top Entrepreneur Honoree by TiE, an organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and giving back to the community.

Read Award Disclosures here.

“Something in your life brought you to our site. We’re honored you’re here. Our sincere hope is that you will read First Generation Wealth, and that the experiences we share will inspire you to see your situation with fresh eyes and to take added steps to protect the wealth you’ve worked so hard to build and to create a more fulfilling, more resilient life and future legacy. ”
— Robert & Adrian
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About Balentine

For nearly 35 years, the Balentine legacy has been one of innovation, service to clients, and giving back to the community.

We now have the privilege of leading a firm filled with talent and heart, which advises more than $6 billion in assets for readers like you.

Learn More About Balentine