David Rice: Drumming, Bowling, and Building a Career in Trust

For David Rice, the path to earning his CTFA™ wasn’t straightforward, but it was deeply rewarding.

David began his Cannon journey online to accommodate his young family. “With a three-year-old at home, online made the most sense for that first year,” he shares. “It was a challenge to juggle coursework alongside a busy workday, but it gave me a strong foundation.”

Everything shifted once he experienced Cannon Trust School in person. “Being onsite in Hilton Head brought it all to life. The environment, the people, the instructors…it was all top notch. It really changed everything for me.”

Real Conversations, Real Learning

David enrolled in Cannon’s Trust School to pursue his CTFA™ designation. “I’ve taken the exam once and didn’t pass, but I have it rescheduled and I’m back into study mode,” he says.

Looking back, David found the exam broader than expected. “I spent a lot of time with practice tests and felt prepared. But the actual exam included more on insurance, which I don’t deal with regularly in my role. It was a learning moment.”

Even with that surprise, David felt confident in what he learned through Cannon. “The Cannon exams were tough in the right way. They gave me a deeper understanding of the material and helped me feel equipped to handle complex client needs.”

For David, the instructors stood out immediately. “Daniel, Myles, Clint…they knew how to connect. It never felt like we were just being lectured at. It was a real conversation. They made the material relevant to our daily lives and brought the class into the discussion.”

Myles, in particular, left an impression. “He made sure everyone in the room participated. That alone kept people engaged. You didn’t want to be unprepared.”

It wasn’t just the classroom time that mattered. “The relationships built outside of class were just as important. We’d be sitting around a fire after dinner, talking with the instructors. That’s where a lot of the learning happened.”

“If you’re on the fence, just dive in,” David says. “I was nervous. It’s a commitment. But from my first day on campus, I knew I was in the right place.”

He adds, “There’s no ego at Cannon. The instructors don’t act like they know everything and you don’t. They treat you like a peer. It’s supportive. It’s like being part of a fraternity in the best sense. Everyone wants you to succeed.”

A Life Beyond Work

David’s passions go well beyond trust and estate planning. “I’ve been a drummer for years. I’ve played in jazz groups and even toured with a heavy metal band. It’s a huge creative outlet for me.” He’s also a semi-professional bowler. “I travel for tournaments. I have a sponsor. It’s a fun community. A little different from the wealth management world, but it brings balance.”

Family traditions also play a big role in David’s life. “We’re all pretty local. Holidays mean big meals. My family’s Italian, Portuguese, and German, so food is the center of everything. We make a point to be present with one another.”

David credits his workplace with helping him keep perspective. “My management team is really strong. They help prioritize what’s urgent and what can wait. Friday at five? That’s family time.”

He continues, “When we lost my grandmother recently, I didn’t worry about work. The team picked things up. That kind of support matters. It helps me show up better for both work and home.”

Final Thoughts and Reflections

To those just starting in the industry, David offers a realistic view. “You won’t learn it all in a year or two. It takes time. Even my manager, who’s been doing this for 30 years, still sees new things all the time.”

“This field is about people and problem-solving. A colleague of mine described it best. When his daughter asked him what he did, he said, ‘I’m a financial problem solver.’ That stuck with me.”

When asked what kind of legacy he hopes to leave, David doesn’t hesitate. “I just want to be remembered as someone who treated people with respect. It doesn’t matter if it’s the CEO or the janitor. Show up, build relationships, and care about people.”

Looking back on his time with Cannon, David has no regrets. “It’s more than just a course. It’s a community. It’s people sitting around a fire, swapping stories, and building each other up. The whole experience was special.”

As for what’s next? “I’m sad I don’t get to go to Trust School IV next year. Hilton Head was beautiful. The learning, the people, the culture—it was all something I’ll carry with me.”