David lost his father too early in life, and remembered everyone wanting just a few things to remember him by, and the challenge of trying to make that fair to all, when all lived so far away. Sentimental value was more important than any monetary value in that particular case. That memory, along with personal experience with divorce divisions helped David come up with the concept of “Emotional Values” and “Monetary Values” (when needed) being used together for the fairest divisions. Reducing the time and challenging logistics involved seemed like a worthy pursuit.
In early 2010 David committed himself to exploring ideas to help reduce the time and expense around these events, at the very least. From his first internet software company started in 2000, he knew the web made it possible for FairSplit to create a blind, impartial system, equally fair and accessible to all parties. The transparency for all to see the same information the web provided, together with a thoughtful blind bidding process, solved the two most challenging parts for something to be fair to all parties.
The listing and sharing web based tools alone eliminated emailed spreadsheets and photo file sharing, or required travel to see things in person. Sometimes listing and sharing to make decisions is all that is needed. AI quick listing capability was added in 2024, and changed inventorying a home from a 30-50 hour job item by item, to a submit to AI for naming, describing, categorizing, estimating values, instantly. The patented system of rounds provided a structured framework for fairness and the Admin services provide an independent third party role providing executors and trustees relief.
A breakthrough approach to the process, making it even more fair and easy to do, will be introduced this summer. We call it DYBBS (Dynamic Blind Bidding System). The new patent pending approach, is the result of fifteen years helping thousands of families.
David MacMahan is the founder and president of FairSplit.com, long time entrepreneur and someone who challenges status quo. Over the past fifteen years of working with families dividing estates, he is now widely recognized as the leading industry expert on estate division of personal property. He is often hired to serve as Administrator of the FairSplit process, coordinating with the executor or trustee. The role is sometimes the independent third party mediator, to help keep tensions down between family members, and reduce the pressure on executors.
In past companies, David has created products like Hero Hoops (front inside cover of Sharper Image for two years), cheering wastebasket basketball, The Revenger sound effects for the dash of the car, etc. Those products sold millions of units through companies such as Sears, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Toys R Us, QVC, HSN, and major mail order companies. He and the products were featured in People, Time, Newsweek, USA Today, on CNN and other media over the years. His first online software provided enabled retailers from Overstock, 1-800Flowers, HarryandDavid, etc. to provide an e-card with gift, image and message, letting people know “A Gift is On The Way!”. His early company received 8th and 11th place rankings in the KPMG and MEC Fast 50 in N.C.
Klea believes in the sacredness of the family and envisions a future where her clients deeply appreciate the significance of their estate planning decisions in preparing for incapacity and passing. Engaging actively in her community, she serves as the founder of the Utah Valley Women and Leadership Collaborative, the founder of 100 Women Who Care-Utah Valley, and contributes to the Utah Bar’s Estate Planning section. Additionally, she holds a board member position for RODS Heroes. With a B.A. in history and gerontology, as well as a J.D. degree from BYU, Klea brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice. As the parents of five young adults and one teenager, Klea and her husband, Michael share a love for camping and hiking in the National Parks, often exploring in their rehabbed 1966 Jet Trailer.
Matt Paxton is a nationally recognized downsizing and decluttering expert and the host of the hit show, Legacy List with Matt Paxton on Public Television. He is also one of the top hoarding experts in the country and a featured cleaner on the television show HOARDERS for all 10 seasons. Paxton started cleaning out homes after his father and grandparents passed away in the same year. Matt founded Clutter Cleaner and focused on solving difficult living situations caused by hoarding, but the experience of handling his father’s and grandparents’ estates stuck with him and is the reason for creating Legacy List with Matt Paxton. Paxton is the author of “The Secret Lives of HOARDERS” and is an experienced speaker, podcaster, and entrepreneur. Matt lives in Virginia with his 3 sons.
Matt Paxton: “I have always been excited to use FairSplit to provide an easy way for families to view and divide fairly online in a way not possible for us before. As my client’s age, I was finding the need to show and divide the items online and FairSplit allows us to do that effortlessly.” – Matt Paxton, author and host of the TV show Legacy List with Matt Paxton and HOARDERS.
