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Turning Grief Into Action: How Adam Zuckerman is Transforming End-of-Life Planning With Buried in Work

Ron Krit

Adam Zuckerman, CEO & Founder
Adam Zuckerman, CEO & Founder

I was meeting with a new friend who works at the Detroit Jewish Federation, and as our call wrapped up, we started exchanging contacts. Knowing my passion for planned giving and endowments, Tina enthusiastically said, “You have to meet Adam Zuckerman.” She wasn’t kidding—what an incredible introduction that turned out to be!


Adam’s journey to creating Buried in Work began with a deeply personal tragedy. In the span of 12 days, his father’s leukemia resurfaced, and he passed away. As a lawyer and MBA with an impressive career buying and selling distressed companies, Adam was no stranger to high-stakes situations. Yet, nothing could prepare him for the emotional and logistical burden of organizing his father’s affairs.


Amid the grief, Adam found clarity. As he navigated the complexities of estate planning, he created a comprehensive set of documents that a friend described as “the most organized plan I’ve ever seen.” This feedback sparked an idea: what if he could help others avoid the chaos and stress that accompanies the end of a loved one’s life? When Adam shared his resource online, it garnered 1.5 million unpaid visits—proof that he was onto something important.


The Birth of Buried in Work

Determined to simplify end-of-life planning, Adam founded Buried in Work, a platform offering resources, tools, and products designed to help individuals and families prepare for one of life’s hardest moments. From articles and checklists to innovative card games, Adam’s mission is to make these conversations approachable and reduce the administrative burdens that follow death.


“Death sucks,” Adam says, “but this part doesn’t have to.”


His company now serves both individuals and organizations, offering resources to senior service providers, funeral homes, insurance companies, and even employers looking to support their staff during times of loss. The goal? To help people talk about death before it’s too late.


Games That Spark Conversations

One of Buried in Work’s most innovative offerings is a pair of card games designed to facilitate meaningful conversations about life and death. Families have shared how One More Story brought them closer, while Nothing Left Unsaid gave them the clarity and courage to tackle difficult conversations. These games aren’t just tools—they’re lifelines for connection:

  • One More Story encourages families to share memories, lessons, and experiences, preserving the voices of loved ones.

  • Nothing Left Unsaid takes a more serious tone, prompting discussions about estate planning, end-of-life wishes, and critical decisions before they’re urgently needed.


The idea for these games came from Adam’s time with his father in the hospital. As they shared stories, Adam realized the value of those moments and wanted to help other families create similar connections.

 

Beyond the Games

Adam’s platform goes far beyond entertainment. Buried in Work features over 50 information hubs, 2,000 articles, 100 checklists and templates, service provider directories, and even a podcast—all designed to empower people to take charge of their estate planning and end-of-life tasks. By collaborating with attorneys, CPAs, and other professionals, Adam ensures these resources are tailored to provide state-specific guidance and practical tools for every stage of the process.


Among the most impactful tools Buried in Work offers is the Executor’s Summary Report. Designed to drastically reduce the time and stress of managing a loved one’s estate, this tool eliminates the common “scavenger hunt” for critical documents. On average, executors spend 570 hours navigating the complex responsibilities of settling an estate. The Executor’s Summary Report consolidates essential information into a single, organized document, transforming a daunting task into a manageable one.


For those looking for an even more comprehensive solution, the CLEAR Kit (Comprehensive Legacy and Estate Administration Resource) takes estate organization to the next level. With a step-by-step framework, the CLEAR Kit helps families organize personal, financial, and legal information in one place. This system ensures that executors have everything they need at their fingertips, allowing them to complete tasks in hours rather than months. By simplifying what is often an overwhelming process, the CLEAR Kit provides families with the peace of mind they need during one of life’s most challenging times.


A Personal Mission

Adam’s background as a lawyer and his experience meeting with world leaders and managing high-stakes deals taught him resilience, but it was his father’s passing that gave him purpose. His work at Buried in Work is driven by the desire to make end-of-life planning less daunting and more accessible.


“People spend more time planning their weekly meals than their estate,” Adam notes. He’s on a mission to change that. By providing education and practical tools, he helps families focus on what truly matters: being present with one another during difficult times.


The Future of Buried in Work

Adam continues to innovate, with plans to expand his offerings and make end-of-life planning a topic people feel comfortable discussing. Recently, Buried in Work filed to establish an affiliated nonprofit organization, Buried in Work Charitable, with the mission: “To empower individuals and families with resources and tools that simplify estate planning, prepare for end-of-life transitions, and build lasting financial stability.” This new initiative represents an exciting step forward, and it will be inspiring to see how both organizations evolve over time.


At its core, Buried in Work is about empowerment—giving individuals and families the tools they need to take control of their legacy and reduce the burden on those they leave behind. For Adam, it’s not just a business; it’s a mission born out of love, to make life’s hardest moments just a little bit easier. To learn more checkout their website: https://buriedinwork.com/

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