Happy 87th Birthday to Nuge Schneider, Our Honorary Founder

By: Sunni Schneider

Nuge Schneider would have turned 87 years old today. While he never knew this firm would be created, I am certain he would be proud to know that I am a founding force behind it.

I have many fond stories about my dad, but there is one in particular I wanted to share. Nuge often received gifts, usually chocolates, which he would hide away in the dining room buffet. One year, right before Christmas, I found his stash hidden inside a drawer.

When I opened it, I saw two beautifully wrapped boxes with the bows perfectly placed and the cellophane crisp and untouched. I eventually figured out how to carefully slide off the bow, ease the cellophane away, and lift the lid. I’d unfold the inner paper where the chocolates were lined up just so, and then I’d quietly take one… then another… and perhaps one more after that.

I would rearrange the remaining chocolates, rewrap everything exactly as I found it, and slide the box back into the drawer. I did this a few times.

A day later, when I returned for my next visit, I opened the box to find a handwritten note waiting for me:

“You touch these again, you die.”

My heart sank. I immediately wrapped everything back up—lid, paper, cellophane, and bow—and returned the box to its hiding place. I never touched them again.

Years passed without a word about it. Then, at a Christmas dinner long after, the story finally came up and we shared a great laugh. That was my dad. He was observant, playful, sharp, and always one step ahead. He always delivered his humour with perfect timing.

Nuge’s thoughtfulness, warmth, and unwavering commitment to people live on here. The values he passed down, whether they came through a quiet conversation, a joke, or an occasional warning note, remain central to who we are and how we serve our clients.

Happy 87th birthday, Dad. Your legacy continues.