Craig Hersch was a peak-performing attorney and Ironman athlete… until a sudden triple bypass cracked everything open. In this powerful conversation, Ben Laws unpacks the real transformation—how mortality rewired Craig’s priorities, relationships, and business legacy. If you’re addicted to doing, this episode might just save your life—or your purpose. This is the MaxLife podcast.
Guest Bio
Craig R. Hersch is a nationally recognized estate planning attorney, author, and practice development expert. He is the Senior Partner at the Sheppard Law Firm in Fort Myers, Florida. A Florida Bar Board Certified Wills, Trusts & Estates attorney and CPA, he has pioneered several trademarked processes within his estate planning and administration practice, including The Family Estate & Legacy Program™ and The Estate Settlement Program™.
As the creator of The Freedom Practice™, Hersch coaches estate planning attorneys from around the country, helping them enhance client service and distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive legal marketplace. His expertise is regularly featured in Trusts & Estates Magazine, the nation’s leading trade journal for estate attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners, where he serves on the editorial advisory board.
Hersch is a prolific author with numerous books designed to educate clients and legal professionals.
He’s published professional articles in The Practical Tax Lawyer, The Florida Bar Journal, and Trusts & Estates Magazine. He also writes numerous whitepapers providing valuable estate planning insights for clients and attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, Hersch has an entrepreneurial background as a founding shareholder and director of a Florida private state-chartered trust company that, after 18 years, was sold to a regional bank.
Speaking Engagements & Industry Leadership
Hersch is a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering high-energy, insightful presentations to attorneys, CPAs, and financial professionals. His ability to break down complex estate planning, tax, and business succession strategies into practical, real-world solutions makes him a standout presenter at continuing education programs sponsored by The Florida Bar, The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, WealthCounsel, Strategic Coach, and other programs.
His dynamic speaking style blends deep technical expertise with real-world business insights, engaging audiences with actionable strategies they can apply in their practices. Whether speaking to attorneys looking to modernize their firms, CPAs, or financial professionals navigating the evolving estate planning landscape, Hersch delivers high-impact sessions that inspire professionals to elevate their approach.
Personal Life
Craig enjoys cycling, swimming, boating, and hiking, dividing his time between Fort Myers and Asheville. He is married to Patti, and together they have three daughters—Gabrielle, Courtney, and Madison—as well as two sons-in-law, Benji and Philip.
Twitter: https://x.com/fltrustlaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheppardlawfirm/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-hersch-58b29511
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@craighersch
Connect with Craig: https://craighersch.com/
Key Topics
- The mindset shift from “driven achiever” to a more present, intentional version of success
How crisis and vulnerability reshaped Craig’s view on family, time, and legacy
The role of discipline, coaching, and commitment in overcoming physical and emotional challenges
Balancing entrepreneurship, personal goals, and deep family connection
Craig’s reflections on mortality, legacy, and what truly matters at the end of the day
How pushing physical limits helped him reconnect with his values and purpose
Resources & Mentions
Rabbi Sacks
Strategic Coach
Sheppard Law Firm
4freedompractice.com
https://craighersch.com/
Perpetual Wealth