Tag: Alternative Investments

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Why the Smartest Families Invest Differently with Eric Knauss. (Ep.109)

Why the Smartest Families Invest Differently with Eric Knauss. (Ep.109)

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Are traditional investment strategies enough to secure a future?

Join Brent Mekosh as he sits down with Eric Knauss, Chief Investment Officer at Proteus, a seasoned advisor with over 40 years of experience in major firms like Merrill Lynch and T. Rowe Price. They delve into the nuances of private equity, real estate, and hedge funds, emphasizing their potential to enhance and stabilize financial portfolios.

Eric discusses:

  • The benefits of private investment exposure [00:10:20]
  • Understanding the family wealth preservation [00:11:52]
  • Innovations in private market accessibility [00:21:34]
  • Proteus’ role in democratizing investments [00:30:52]
  • And more

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect with Eric Knauss:

About Our Guest:

Eric Knauss is the President and Chief Investment Officer at Proteus. He oversees Proteus’ overall direction, strategy, and operations, including all aspects of investment management from sourcing and selection to due diligence and monitoring. Mr. Knauss is also the lead on managing the Proteus Model Portfolios and Pools. With more than 40 years of experience in the investment management industry, Mr. Knauss began his career at Merrill Lynch and went on to hold leadership roles at T. Rowe Price, GenSpring Family Office, Lazard Wealth Management, and Sight Capital Advisors. Over the course of his career, Mr. Knauss has managed the asset allocation, portfolio construction and portfolio management of large family office and institutional investors on a discretionary basis and has successfully led the creation of two, de novo open architecture wealth advisory practices. He has significant experience in conducting investment manager due diligence and created one of the first after-tax performance reporting systems in the industry.

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Beyond the Basics: Cutting-Edge Strategies for Portfolio Growth & Risk Control with Joe Cortese. (Ep.104)

Beyond the Basics: Cutting-Edge Strategies for Portfolio Growth & Risk Control with Joe Cortese. (Ep.104)

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What makes some financial advisors stand out from the pack? It’s time to discover a unique approach to investment management and portfolio construction.

Join Brent Mekosh as he teams up with Joe Cortese from Fiducient Advisors to discuss mastering risk management and improving investment strategies. They share lessons learned, how to incorporate AI in financial advising, forward-thinking insights, and actionable advice.

Key discussion points include:

  • Risk management strategies and unexpected market downturns [00:01:01]
  • Fiducient’s unique approach to portfolio construction and diversification [00:06:10]
  • The role of active and passive management in today’s financial markets [00:22:16]
  • The rising importance of alternative investments and AI integration [00:28:41]
  • Key differences that separate top financial teams from the rest [00:36:42]
  • And so much more!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect with Joe Cortese: 

About Our Guest:

Joe Cortese joined Fiducient Advisors in 2008. He provides investment consulting services to other financial advisory firms as one of the leaders of Fiducient Advisors’ Financial Institutions practice. Joe also provides consulting services to family offices, high net worth individuals and nonprofit organizations. He gives advice and expertise on all facets of effective investment program design including establishing investment objectives, asset allocation and portfolio design, investment research and due diligence and overall practice management.

Prior to joining the firm, Joe worked for Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth Management Office and as a Managing Director for an investment management firm implementing a value-focused, long/short equity strategy based on University of Chicago Booth research. Joe earned his MBA with concentrations in Analytic Finance and Accounting from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BBA with a Certification in Entrepreneurial Management from the University of Iowa. Joe is a former member of UNICEF’s NextGen Junior Board and the University of Iowa’s J.P.E.C. Alumni Board, as well as Co-Founder of the Hawkeye Business Development Group of Chicago. Joe is currently serving as President of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Alumni Club of Chicago and as an elected member of River Forest School District 90 Board of Education.

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Beyond the Bull Market: Smart Investment Moves for 2025 with Bill Tucker (Ep.102)

Beyond the Bull Market: Smart Investment Moves for 2025 with Bill Tucker (Ep.102)

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What does the future of investing look like in 2025?

Brent Mekosh sits down with Bill Tucker on Smart Money Simplified to tackle the pressing issues shaping today’s financial landscape. From the growing risks of market concentration to innovative asset diversification strategies, this episode delivers key insights for investors navigating an uncertain economy.

Brent and Bill discuss:

  • The fragility of stock market concentration and its potential implications for investors [00:02:56]
  • The rising importance of alternative investments in a changing financial environment [00:05:02]
  • Political and economic shifts shaping 2025, including tariffs and fiscal policies [00:06:48]
  • The impact of the Jobs Cut and Tax Act expiration on estate taxes and business planning [00:15:37]
  • Strategic diversification into international markets and small-cap stocks [00:28:48]

Unlock a wave of financial foresight as the episode dives into themes like the ‘Age of Alpha’ and the changing financial tides under the new administration. Perfect for entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, or anyone keen on understanding the evolving economy—this episode promises a wealth of knowledge wrapped in engaging dialogue. Tune in, stay informed, and prepare for a future full of financial possibilities.

🎧 Tune in now!

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Celebrating 100 Episodes of Smart Money Simplified With Eddy Augsten (Ep.100)

Celebrating 100 Episodes of Smart Money Simplified With Eddy Augsten (Ep.100)

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How can the right processes transform your investment strategy and elevate client relationships?

In this landmark 100th episode of Smart Money Simplified, Brent Mekosh explores this topic with special guest Eddy Augsten from Concurrent. Together, they delve into crafting cohesive investment frameworks and integrating institutional processes into wealth advisory practices. Tune in and gain an inside look at scaling up your practice, the significance of emotional detachment in the investment process, and how alternative investments can reshape future RIAs. Discover innovative strategies that promise to make your practice more resilient and client-focused.

Eddy discusses:

  • [06:34] Establishing a successful formal investment process 
  • [09:09] Differences in managing institutional clients vs. high net-worth families
  • [21:14] The growing role of alternative investments and private markets
  • [32:36] Enhancing portfolio performance through tax efficiency and direct indexing
  • And more

Connect With Eddy Augsten:

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

About Our Guest:

Eddy Augsten, CIMA, CAIA, MSF, is the Managing Director of Investments at Concurrent, where he leads a small, driven team dedicated to supporting independent financial advisors through funding, technology, and community.

Before joining Concurrent, he founded WealthEngage, gaining valuable experience as an entrepreneur and CIO. This background provides him with deep insight into his current role, allowing him to collaborate effectively with RIAs. His team remains highly attuned to the needs of independent advisors, helping them serve their clients, compete with larger financial institutions, and grow their practices to their desired scale.

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Harvesting Returns: The Business Case for Regenerative Agriculture with Craig Wichner (Ep. 95)

Harvesting Returns: The Business Case for Regenerative Agriculture with Craig Wichner (Ep. 95)

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Can regenerative agriculture save the planet and your portfolio? 

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Craig Wichner, Founder & Managing Partner of Farmland LP, reveals how transitioning from conventional farming to organic and regenerative practices is reshaping agriculture and creating stable, high-return investment opportunities.

Craig conveys why healthier soil leads to healthier ecosystems—and stronger portfolios. He also explains how regenerative farming drives environmental progress while offering compelling returns through innovative strategies like carbon credits and partnerships with top-tier buyers.

Curious about how Farmland LP could work for your portfolio?

Craig outlines accessible opportunities for investors to align profit with purpose, paving the way for a sustainable future!

Key Highlights:

  • Restoring the Land: Regenerative agriculture revitalizes soil through crop rotation, livestock integration, and reduced chemical dependency, creating healthier ecosystems
  • Superior Returns: Organic farmland can generate up to five times more revenue per acre than conventional farming
  • A Stable Asset Class: Farmland LP delivers consistent 11% annual returns with low volatility, offering a safe, reliable investment
  • New Revenue Streams: Carbon credits and partnerships with top buyers like Driscoll’s add unique value to farmland investments
  • Scaling Sustainability: Farmland LP’s large-scale transition to organic farming is set to expand its portfolio to $3 billion, creating measurable environmental and social impact
  • And much more!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect with Craig Wichner:

About Our Guest:

Craig Wichner is responsible for day-to-day management, business strategy, and all investment activity. An experienced technology and real estate investor, Craig has helped build numerous companies over the past 30 years. But it was his work on California farms as a teenager that ultimately inspired him to start Farmland LP. Craig’s mission has not changed since day one – prove that regenerative farming is more profitable and maximizes returns for investors.

Craig strives to ensure that investors and consumers can look beyond misleading labels and support beneficial farming practices. His efforts were recognized in 2021 when Farmland LP achieved the highest sustainability rating among 10,000+ global corporations reviewed by HIP (Human Impact +Profit) Investor. Craig has a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, with a minor in Economics, from the University of California, San Diego.

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Digital Networks to Power Grids: Investing in Modern Infrastructure with Steve Pointer (Ep. 94)

Digital Networks to Power Grids: Investing in Modern Infrastructure with Steve Pointer (Ep. 94)

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Infrastructure investments might be the stability boost your portfolio needs—are you ready?

This week on Smart. Money. Simplified, Steve Pointer, Regional Director at Cantor Fitzgerald, explains why assets like power grids, water systems, and digital networks are redefining essential investments for today’s markets.

Steve shares three key trends reshaping the landscape:

  • Digital Transformation: Skyrocketing demand for data infrastructure
  • Energy Shift: Renewables and nuclear are paving the way forward
  • Modernizing Aging Systems: Revitalizing U.S. infrastructure with significant investments

Want to make these resilient assets work for you? 

Steve explains accessible fund options and tax strategies for diversifying and deferring capital gains, no matter the market conditions.

Key Highlights:

  • The New Era of Infrastructure: Insights on expanding infrastructure to include digital networks, water systems, and beyond, opening up a wider range of investment opportunities
  • Stabilizing Through Diversification: How infrastructure and real estate investments provide non-correlated returns, adding stability to portfolios in volatile markets
  • Reliable Returns with Government Support: Infrastructure investments benefit from stable, long-term government-backed contracts, making them a dependable choice
  • Greater Access for Investors: Cantor Fitzgerald’s interval funds allow both average and high-net-worth investors to participate in these resilient asset classes
  • Tax-Efficient Real Estate Strategies: How Section 721 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) enable investors to defer capital gains, diversify portfolios, and potentially achieve tax-free growth
  • And much more!

Connect with Brent Mekosh:

Connect with Steve Pointer:

About Our Guest:

Steve Pointer is a Senior Vice President and Regional Director at Cantor Fitzgerald Asset Management, a global financial services and wholesale distribution firm. Steve brings over 15 years of experience in working with wealth management, accounting, tax, and legal professionals on the education and implementation of sophisticated private and public market solutions, including Real Estate, Infrastructure, 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges, Qualified Opportunity Zone Funds, Mutual Funds, Exchange Traded Funds, and Separately Managed Accounts.

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Our Firm’s Evolution: From Broker-Dealer to RIA (Ep. 79)

Our Firm’s Evolution: From Broker-Dealer to RIA (Ep. 79)

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Many believe that the broker-dealer channel and the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) space are the same, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

The real difference lies in their core focus — while one is geared toward sales, the other is deeply rooted in advice, impacting your investment journey vastly.

Brent Mekosh walks you through their strategic move from the broker-dealer world to becoming a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) in this week’s episode of Smart. Money. Simplified.

Listen in and discover the challenges, insights, and unexpected benefits of making such a significant shift in the financial advisory landscape, directly from someone who’s navigated the complexities firsthand.

Brent discusses:

  • His transition from being a broker-dealer to a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and what is the reasoning behind it
  • The value of merging teams for growth and expanded capabilities
  • How do alternative investments diversify a portfolio beyond traditional stocks and bonds
  • How his clients reacted to this business change
  • The crucial aspects of client communication during these transition times
  • And more!

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