Recognizing the value in others and supporting deserving individuals and causes can produce a ripple effect that leads to lasting social change. Giving back is a cornerstone of a stable society, an act of kindness that can touch the lives of many, including future generations. For Michael Snell, Ph.D., the current President of Snell Consolidated Trust, giving back has been the heart of his family’s and business’ mission.
Brought up with an emphasis on generosity, Snell realized at a young age that his family was grounded in the act of giving back to others. This charitable family of Italian and German immigrants came to the United States with big goals, hopes, and dreams, wishing to foster better and grander lives for themselves and future generations. Snell’s grandparents established philanthropic pillars that led this strong family forward, building a sense of worth throughout the generations while also solidifying the necessary business skills that would provide them with success.
Starting their business with the mission of providing for others, Snell’s grandparents brought a European furrier couture house, Maximilian, to the U.S. These business owners partnered with the company’s founding European family and were able to grow the company while in the States. Generating success and recognition across the globe, Maximilian was sold to a larger management company in the late 1980s, citing that the founder had become ill. This allowed the Snell family to increase their portfolio.
Transitioning into the hospitality world allowed the family to grow in the founding partnership of Sandals, a resort brand that helps you leave the world behind in a relaxing atmosphere. Soon after came the arrival and success of Beaches Resorts, an all-inclusive resort brand.
By the late 1980s, Snell had made his mark on the world. Raised in a household with some of the strongest-minded entrepreneurs, his grandparents and parents helped shape his skillset while grounding him in the family’s mission: to give back. This charitable mentality, the dream and goal to provide for others, was instilled in Snell from birth. His family’s dynamic was always forward-thinking, and they planned to generate a business that would allow them to give back to others.
Despite their unconventional mindset for the time, Snell’s mentality was shaped around the goal of remaining kind enough to support others. With this in mind, the entrepreneur has devoted a portion of his career to working with various charities, missions, and individuals, all in the hopes that doing good will bring others together to do the same in turn.
Also imbued in Snell at a young age was the significance of leading the business toward growth, which would help ensure his family could keep fostering their dreams and the dreams of others. Snell advanced his education with a doctorate in Consumer Behaviorism from Yale School of Management.
Last March, the family faced hardship with the death of Snell’s grandmother, Virginia, who was the founding member of the family and the visionary for their Trust. Stepping into his grandmother’s shoes, Snell was named the President of Snell Consolidated Trust, LLP, a trust that was funded with a legacy gift of more than $230 million in capital and holdings upon Virginia’s passing, highlighting the family’s mission and strategy.
Published by: Martin De Juan
