Our Heritage

The Heart and Life Wisdom Behind Certior

Before Certior was a firm, it was a way of looking at life.

That perspective came from Malka Kantor-Rapkin, a founder in spirit, a source of deep life wisdom, and a quiet heart behind so much of who we are today.


Her influence shows up in the questions we ask, the care we bring to every conversation, and the belief that true success is measured not only in numbers, but in the quality of a life well-lived.

A Guiding Light

Malka set out to build more than a financial firm - she set out to help people live wisely, generously, and with intention. Her “life wisdom” helped to shape the culture of Certior long before our name or logo existed.



As a mother, mentor, and trusted sounding board, she had a way of seeing both the practical realities and the deeper meaning underneath them. Family, relationships, faith, contribution, and stewardship were never separate from money in her mind—they were the reason money mattered at all.

Nowadays, much of Malka’s time is devoted to philanthropic and charitable work, as well as mentoring the next generation in our community and within our extended Certior family. From time to time, she joins us for client gatherings, internal celebrations, and team conversations—moments that are deeply appreciated by clients and colleagues alike.

Her Life Wisdom in Our Work

So much of how we serve clients today traces back to themes she lives by every day:

People before numbers

“No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”

For Malka, care always comes first. She believed you truly see a person only when you listen to their story, not just their statements and balances. That’s why every client relationship at Certior starts with understanding who you are and what matters most—so that any plan we build reflects your life, not just your assets.

Time, energy, and attention are precious

“Things grow where energy flows.”

Malka reminds us that money is only one kind of wealth. Where you focus your energy—your time, your attention, your presence—determines what grows in your life. This insight sits at the core of how we define and plan around wealth for our clients, so that your resources support what you most want to see flourish.

Stand for what matters

“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

Malka believes that clarity of values is non-negotiable. Decisions about money, work, and family should be anchored in what truly matters, not in trends or pressure. At Certior, that shows up in how we help clients articulate their core priorities and then build plans, portfolios, and strategies that hold to those convictions—so that your financial life supports what you stand for, rather than pulling you away from it.

Stewardship over status

“All you give is all you get, so give it all you got.”

For Malka, generosity isn't just about money—it's about effort, attention, and presence. She believes that when you show up wholeheartedly for people, your work, and your community, life has a way of giving back in meaningful ways. That’s why we focus on long-term stewardship, multi-generational planning, and aligning resources with values—so that wealth becomes a force for good in families and communities.

Clarity and calm in the midst of change

"When you accept the tough moments in life, things start to get easier."

When life feels uncertain, Malka has a way of bringing things back to center with simple, grounded truths like this. She reminds us that accepting life’s challenges is often the first step to moving through them with clarity and strength. Today, our role as advisors is to offer that same steady presence—especially during transitions, market swings, and big life decisions—so that you can move forward with confidence, not fear.

Her Legacy at Certior Today

Though Malka no longer serves in an active advisory role, her presence is woven into the DNA of our firm.

• We welcome clients with the same warmth she showed our family and friends.

• We ask deeper questions about life, purpose, and impact because she taught us those questions matter.



• We measure our success not just by performance reports, but by the peace, clarity, and sense of alignment our clients feel.
  

Her influence is not just a story from the past; it’s a standard for how we show up—every client, every conversation, every season of life.