Category Archives: Industry Innovators

Episode 158 – Commercial Real Estate: Investing with Patience with John Norris



John Norris is the Director of Private Wealth at CrowdStreet Advisors. John is responsible for expanding relationships with wealth managers including RIAs, family offices, broker-dealers, and fintech platforms. CrowdStreet Advisors provides advisors and their clients with access to curated, private commercial real estate opportunities selected from CrowdStreet’s proprietary deal flow source from a deep network of 300 real estate sponsors, developers, and operators.

In this podcast, Doug and John discuss the capabilities and custom solutions CrowdStreet offers financial advisors interested in investing in private commercial real estate.

They also discussed:

  • What attracted John to CrowdStreet and his primary area of focus at the firm
  • How investing in commercial real estate has changed over the years
  • The new REIT CrowdStreet Advisors launched: C-REIT
  • The potential diversification benefits that investing in private commercial real estate can offer a traditional 6040 portfolio, especially in times of market volatility and inflation
  • What advisors may want to be focusing on in private commercial real estate
  • Why advisors and investors may want to consider about private commercial real estate and the kinds of investment opportunities available to them through CrowdStreet Advisors

 

CrowdStreet, Inc. (“CrowdStreet”) offers investment opportunities and financial services on its website. Advisory services are offered through CrowdStreet Advisors, LLC (“CrowdStreet Advisors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CrowdStreet and a federally registered investment adviser.

Investing in commercial real estate entails substantive risk. You should not invest unless you can sustain the risk of loss of capital, including the risk of total loss of capital. All investors should consider their individual factors in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate. Direct and indirect purchase of real property involves significant risks, including without limitation market risks, risks related to the sale of land and risks specific to a given property, which could include the potential for property value loss, potential for foreclosure, changes in tax status and fees, and costs and expenses associated with management of such properties. All investors should consider risks specific to that given property prior to investing.

Though private real estate is, by nature, generally less volatile than the stock market. This lack of volatility does not necessarily translate to private real estate not fluctuating in or losing value. Further, the value of private real estate investments will fluctuate, and the value of real estate often lags behind general market conditions. Further, publicly traded equity REITs may offer more liquidity options than more traditional, non-traded REITs or private placement real estate investments. Non-traded REITS and private placement real estate investments typically have restrictions and limitations on overall liquidity.

This video is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an investment recommendation or advice, or as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy an investment. Though CrowdStreet believes the information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, they make no guarantee, warranty or representation of it.

All information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice, or an offer to buy or sell any security or investment product. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. All examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only.

Resources: 

CrowdStreet Advisors

 


Episode 157 – The Right Toolkit for the Right Client with Andrew Krei



Andrew Krei is the Co-Chief Investment Officer at Crescent Grove Advisors, based near their Milwaukee office with other offices in Lake Forest and Atlanta. Crescent Grove provides quality investment and financial guidance and solutions to individuals and their families, institutions, endowments, and foundations. 

In this podcast, Doug and Andrew discuss how Crescent Grove Advisors differentiates itself from other firms in the advisory space, offering different business lines for different clients.

They also discussed:

  • The formation of Crescent Grove and the core values and experience the firm provides for their clients
  • How Crescent Grove meets the financial needs of the specialized client base of ultra-high net worth individuals and families, top executives, and first-generation wealth builders
  • Building an investment platform for a diverse group of clients
  • Crescent Grove’s approach to alternatives and how they fit into a client’s asset allocation
  • The investment strategies the firm is steering clients towards and the methodology used to identify managers that offer them
  • The biggest challenges for investors in 2023 and how Crescent Grove is counseling clients
  • The biggest mistake investors are making right now

 

Resources: 

Crescent Grove Advisors

 


Episode 156 – Packaging Client Solutions to Deliver Efficiency with Lincoln Ross



Lincoln Ross is the CEO and President of CircleBlack. CircleBlack provides financial advisors with technology that aggregates data, seamlessly integrates other financial applications, manages data from multiple custodians, and delivers actionable intelligence about client portfolios, and more.

In this podcast, Doug and Lincoln look into the inefficiencies in advisor practice from CircleBlack’s standpoint, and the solutions their all-in-one platform provides.

They also discussed:

  • The demand for convenience in the financial services industry and why the transformation is needed
  • The advisor and client exchanges that can and should be offloaded to technology rather than be face to face
  • CircleBlack’s all-in-one platform, including all of the capabilities that an advisor needs to deliver advice to their clients
  • Client retention and communication

 

Resources: 

CircleBlack, Inc.


Episode 155 – Reviving Real Estate to Demolish the Housing Crisis with Scott Clark



Scott Clark is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The True Life Companies. The True Life Companies (TTLC) connects people of vision, property owners, investment partners, and municipalities, to generate and implement innovative solutions to our housing crisis.

In this podcast, Doug and Scott discuss how The True Life Companies is reviving and repurposing underutilized properties to provide housing communities and a piece of the American dream for the younger generation.

They also discussed:

  • The launching of TTLC, its mission, and how the firm has evolved
  • The True Life Companies’ path to the advisory community
  • The company’s strategy for creating livable communities out of run-down pieces of real estate
  • The data TTLC uses to determine what geographical locations to assist in
  • Homeownership in the US and the struggle to find attainable and affordable housing

 

Resources: 

The True Life Companies


Episode 154 – Alternative Assets: Friction, Solutions, and Investments with Joe Ujobai



Joe Ujobai is the Chief Executive Officer at Alternative Investment Exchange (AIX), a digital platform built to improve the process for investing in alternatives and enable growth for the industry.

In this podcast, Doug and Joe discuss how AIX combines technology, workflows, and a great client experience to help the advisor get their investor into alternative investments.

They also discussed:

  • The background of AIX and what it offers from a tech perspective
  • How AIX works with and helps advisors be more successful
  • The current challenges that advisors are facing and what AIX is solving for them
  • How AIX helps reduce advisor’s friction and the other points of friction that can be seen from an industry-wide perspective
  • What types of alts advisors are looking for in their portfolios and why these specific ones 
  • How AIX is helping the overall alternative investment industry grow

 

Resources: 

AIX Alternative Investment Exchange


Episode 153 – EVPs: Differentiate your Talent Strategies and your Firm with Liz Manibay



Liz Manibay is a Senior Business Management Consultant in the Business Consulting and Education area of Charles Schwab Advisor Services.

Live from the Sanctuary Oasis Conference in Las Vegas, Doug and Liz discuss the employee value proposition sector of employee branding and how firms can make their EVP more powerful and engaging.

They also discussed:

  • The Schwab industry benchmarking survey, specifically the employee value proposition (EVP) and what they’re telling advisors about it
  • How firms can stand out from other firms who are looking to hire key talent
  • EVPs at a firm level, as well as an individual level, and the resources advisors can use to start developing an EVP for both of these groups

 

Resources: 

Sanctuary Wealth

Charles Schwab Advisor Services


Episode 152 – The App to Ensure You Never Lose a Client – With Tom Fields



Tom Fields is the Founder of Fynancial, a custom mobile app that builds advisors a platform to retain clients, build trust, and provide a new service without ever reducing fees.

In this podcast, Doug and Tom explore the world of client-facing apps for advisors to leverage and how Fynancial differs from its competitors, creating a user experience the end client is actually looking for.

They also discussed:

  • The significance of retention for IRAs and how Fynancial is helping in this area
  • The difference between traditional client portals and the approach Fynancial takes
  • The current trend of wealth transfer and the challenges financial advisors face in engaging with the next generation of clients
  • How financial technology can support the shift from traditional financial advice to financial coaching
  • The role social media plays for the next-gen in how they will consume financial advice and how advisors can leverage the platforms
  • The benefits of using a client-facing app for content marketing

 

Resources: 

Fynancial

 


Episode 151 – Hybrid Work and the Failing of its Management – With Steve Gresham



Steve Gresham is the Chief Executive Officer of the Execution Project while also acting as a Senior Education Advisor to the Alliance for Lifetime Income.

In this podcast, Doug and Steve discuss the installation of hybrid and virtual work and what happens when connecting remotely becomes the default for companies.

They also discussed:

  • The Oxford Dictionary word of the year, “goblin mode”, and why it should matter to the CEOs of the financial industry
  • The ideas of employee engagement, quiet quitting, and hybrid work circling the landscape 
  • The possible success or deterioration of a company when hybrid or virtual work is implemented
  • The reductions in workforce always being the fault of the company
  • Making 2023 the year CEOs need to connect the dots

 

Resources: 

The Execution Project


Episode 150 – The Evolution of Investors, Advisors, and the Client – With Gerald Graves



Gerald Graves is a Managing Partner at Filigree Wealth Advisors, LLC, an independent RIA located in various areas of the West Coast but managing clients nationwide. 

In this podcast, Doug and Gerald dive into the journey of Graves through the financial services industry and the takeaways he recommends to current investors and advisors.

They also discussed:

  • Advice for younger individuals building a career and the importance of knowing who exactly you’re working for
  • Seeing the history of corporate America unravel in real-time, developing an understanding of which business structures work and which do not
  • The freedom to information clients now have with the internet and technology pulling back the curtain on the industry
  • Charles Schwab’s influence on the industry as a trailblazer, focusing on technology and the client
  • How advisors can navigate the way they want their business to look and which resources they should utilize for their business structure
  • Focusing on the end investor

 

Resources: 

Filigree Wealth Advisors


Episode 149 – Humanizing the Language of Wealth Management – With Laton Spahr



Laton Spahr is the President & Portfolio Manager of ALPS Advisors, the innovative asset management, distribution, and fund services business within SS&C Technologies.

In this podcast, Doug and Laton discuss the importance of understanding the spectrum of investment management, and how to get great investment ideas in the client’s hands more efficiently.

They also discussed:

  • Spahr’s transition from portfolio management to leading an asset manager focused on ETFs and wealth management integration
  • Disintermediation across the industry and visions of that change
  • How technology will improve the ability of wealth management managers to deliver on their value proposition
  • How asset managers adapt to the changes in wrappers, distribution, and the overall influence of wealth managers
  • Who ALPS Advisors is both cooperating with and competing with 
  • The most significant challenges heard from large wealth managers and smaller independent advisors

 

Resources: 

SS&C Technologies