Q&A with Lisa Rispoli: Building a Legacy Through Trust, Relationships and Client Service
Lisa Rispoli, CPA, AEP, TEP®, has spent over 30 years guiding families and individuals through some of life’s most important financial decisions. Leading Grassi’s Trust and Estates and Private Client Services practices, she has built a career helping individuals and families honor legacies, protect generational wealth and navigate difficult transitions. In this conversation, Lisa shares three decades of insights on relationship-building, career growth and why going “above and beyond” is the best advice she can give.
Q: How did you first get started in trusts and estates, and what has your career journey been?
A: Early in my career, I was tasked to prepare a court accounting matter for an estate litigation matter. I had no background in that area, having been out of school for just three years, but I was able to research and figure it out on my own. That was my first introduction to estate administration.
From there, I began working on estate administration matters for one of the Public Administrators in New York State. Through that work, I met estate litigators and attorneys, and my experience grew through those relationships. I later started my own practice, which allowed me to grow professionally, build client relationships in new ways and manage my work while raising a family.
When I returned to Grassi ten years ago, I shifted more into the planning side. I’d seen the worst-case scenarios in administration — tax issues, litigation, family disputes — when people hadn’t planned properly. That perspective made me a better planner and deepened my passion for helping families prepare for the future.
Q: How has Grassi’s Trust & Estates and Private Client Services practice evolved over the past decade?
A: We’ve been building our reputation steadily, especially in the New York area, but also nationally and internationally. Being recognized through the STEP Private Client Awards really highlighted this and was meaningful for our team.
Over time, we’ve refined our service offerings and expanded the ways we support clients. Many of our clients are business owners who have sold their companies and no longer have in-house accounting teams. We started offering more concierge-style family office services to help them manage their personal finances, and as those relationships have grown, so has our practice.
Q: What are some of the most pressing challenges in estate planning today?
A: One of the biggest challenges is planning for blended families, which we are increasingly seeing more of. There may be children from a first marriage, a second spouse or other complex family dynamics to consider. It requires very thoughtful planning to make sure your wishes are carried out.
Q: What do you find meaningful about your work?
A: It’s especially meaningful to work with widows and widowers. We often see situations where one spouse managed all the finances, and after they pass, the surviving spouse is understandably overwhelmed. I take time to explain things thoroughly and meet them where they are. Helping a client through that transition and seeing them reach a place where they feel in control and understand is incredibly fulfilling.
Each case brings a new story and new challenges. It never gets boring, and there’s always something to learn.
Q: How do you approach explaining complex estate planning concepts to clients?
A: Every individual is unique, and you have to understand their mindset. If they don’t understand something, then I’m not doing my job.
I’ll take the time to break it down, draw it out and talk it through. Whatever it takes to make sure they feel comfortable and understand the decisions they’re making. Sometimes I have clients who get nervous, and I reassure them: “You can get this. We’ll get through this together.”
Q: What principles or values have guided you throughout your career?
A: I’ve always believed that if you work hard and do a good job, it’s rewarding. It’s not only about getting something done correctly, but also about learning something new and building strong client relationships. You have to be available for your clients and confident in your advice. That’s how trust is built.
Q: What has been a challenge in your career that you’ve worked to overcome?
A: When I returned to Grassi ten years ago, my practice was growing, but I knew that I needed to do more to continue to nurture that growth. That included public speaking, which always made me anxious. I took a Dale Carnegie class, and it made such a difference. While it was a challenge, it was necessary for my own growth and to be the kind of resource my clients and colleagues needed.
Q: Why are writing, presentations and continuous learning so crucial in your work?
A: In this field, serving as a trusted resource for clients demands vigilance and constant attention to evolving developments and tax changes. Writing and presenting not only help fellow professionals but also strengthen your own mastery of the material.
I stay informed by reading the news, staying active in professional associations and going straight to the Internal Revenue Code to read it thoroughly. Many people today turn to Google or AI, and while those tools can point you in the right direction, there’s no substitute for reading the actual code. That depth of knowledge is what makes you a trusted advisor.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: I’m a huge Rolling Stones fan. I’ve been to 15, maybe even 20 concerts over the years. I’ve traveled to see them in different cities, and when I was in London, I made sure to visit the store on Carnaby Street. Seeing Mick Jagger at 82 years old, still jumping around the stage — that’s pretty inspiring.
Q: What advice would you give to young professionals starting in their careers?
A: Make yourself stand out. Don’t just do what’s required, but go above and beyond. Be proactive, stay curious, and you’ll succeed. That mindset will set you apart from everyone else.
So many people today do just what they need to do — the bare minimum. But if you push yourself beyond that, if you’re willing to learn and take on challenges, you will go far. That’s what makes the difference.
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Throughout her career protecting family legacies, Lisa has built a lasting legacy of her own. Her leadership has shaped Grassi’s Trust & Estates and Private Client Services practices into nationally and internationally recognized resources. The trust she builds, the clarity she provides and the standards she sets define a career dedicated to helping families and individuals when it matters most.