What if the most powerful mentor in a child’s life isn’t a parent, but an uncle?

In this episode of Raising Financially Fit Families, Jolene Godfrey sits down with Connor Crown, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Expanse, and uncle to 10, to explore the often-overlooked influence of uncles in multigenerational families. Through stories both heartfelt and hilarious (including a surprise Easter Bunny appearance), Jolene and Connor unpack the rich, informal role uncles can play in a child’s development, identity, and understanding of family values.

Joline and Connor explore:

• How uncles become role models, messengers, and mentors
• The balance between being the “fun uncle” and a steady adult presence
• Why storytelling matters and how it becomes a powerful tool for passing down values
• A hilarious Easter Bunny story with a serious life lesson in accountability woven in
• Why making space for these roles can strengthen family connection and legacy
• And more!

Resources:

• Get your copy of Raising Financially Fit Kids!

Connect with Joline Godfrey:

• Bounce 10
• LinkedIn: Joline Godfrey
• Joline@bounce-10.com

Connect with Guest:

• Expanse Venture Partners
• LinkedIn: Connor Crown
• Connor.crown@expansevp.com

About our Guest:

Connor is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Expanse, an asset management firm built with a family office perspective. Connor’s upbringing and investment experience instilled in him a profound understanding of the principles behind long-term, organizational growth, which he used as the foundation for building Expanse. Expanse’s venture arm is proud to partner with a diverse portfolio of businesses on the forefront of enabling technologies powering the future of finance, healthcare and commerce including OneHealthGroup, Zocks and Release Recovery.

In addition to his commitment to growing innovative businesses, Connor is deeply passionate about philanthropy and driving positive change. As the Co-Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Committee at Crown Family Philanthropies, he’s dedicated to making the city of Chicago safer for future generations. With Expanse, Connor actively seeks partnerships with founders dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the world through their products and services. Expanse’s vision extends beyond financial gains, aiming to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem for families and partners with a shared long-term perspective.

Prior to founding Expanse, Connor spent over five years advising global financial services and insurance firms on enhancing B2C operations and client management. He serves in advisory and board roles for multiple early-stage companies, including Hamsa and ThriveNaturalCare. Connor graduated from Duke University with a BA in sociology and a certificate in marketing/management while also being a member of the varsity track team. He continued his education at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, where he received his MBA with a major in finance and a focus on venture capital. Connor and his wife Alyssa live in Chicago.