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OUR STORY
In 2023, my dad, an attorney, asked me to meet with him to discuss his digital life before a major cancer-related surgery.
He had an estate plan but he had never thought about a his digital assets. He wanted to ensure that my family could access them in case something happened to him. His Estate Planner did not do this type of work. Neither did his Accountant or IT person. He couldn't find a professional who could handle this task. So he called me.
I started my career at ABC World News Tonight as their digital library's first hired archivist. I moved to CNN and then transitioned to the entertainment industry where I line produced movies and TV shows. A Line Producer organizes a project's logistics, contracts, budget, etc. For 25 years, I produced content internationally. (I've worked and visited over 100 countries.)
During the latter part of this career, I began thinking about changing my profession. About this time, Covid created a teacher shortage in L.A. I made the decision to leave Hollywood and become a public elementary school teacher.
We scheduled a time to meet for 30 minutes. The meeting lasted 4 hours. Together, we uncovered forgotten online accounts, photographs buried on a site he no longer used and didn't tell anyone about and loyalty points he would not have been able to transfer had he died. His file organization, passwords, and security plan needed an overhaul.
Archiving, producing, educating, and a 3-year stint in the tech industry, led me to found Digital Life Advisors. We continued working together over the next few months.
My dad passed away in March 2024. Although his health was failing, his death was unexpected. It was a shock.
I now more fully appreciate what we accomplished. My family won't be spending roughly 600 hours over 20 months the average American family spends settling an estate. We'll have more time to be there for each other.
I am proud that my dad was DLA's first client. I will put the same passion and purpose that I put into organizing his digital life into organizing my clients' digital lives. So that their families can receive the same thoughtful gift that my father gave mine.
- Jeffrey Berk
Los Angeles, CA
April 6, 2024