Category: Financial

BluBrry Feature Image
Private Equity Investing 101 — Part 2 with Christopher Graham (Ep.105)

Private Equity Investing 101 — Part 2 with Christopher Graham (Ep.105)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Ready to continue learning about private equity investing?

Welcome back! 

In this episode, John and Michael Parise are joined by returning guest Christopher Graham, the founder and CEO of Crown Capital Investments. 

The last conversation covered how private equity works, what investors should look at, and how it’s structured. 

This time, Christopher continues the lesson, covering what sort of questions investors should ask fund managers, his evaluation process, and how he’s continuing to improve his fund’s processes.

Christopher discusses:

  • What type of questions investors should ask fund managers and advisors about recommendations they receive in the private equity space
  • How he evaluates companies to decide if they’re a good investment
  • How far AI has gotten in the industry, and where it has room to improve
  • The benefits of private credit versus private equity
  • How much risk he would put into a private placement life insurance (PPLI) investment strategy
  • What he’s doing to continue to improve his fund
  • And more!

Resources

Connect with Christopher Graham:

Connect with John and Michael Parise:

About Our Guest: 

Christopher Graham founded Crown Capital in 2014. He leads investment and capital-raising activities and provides strategic and operational support to management teams across the portfolio. 

Prior to Crown, he founded The Private Client Law Group, which focused on tax, business, and asset protection for ultra-high-net-worth family offices. As a Family Office Advisor, Chris advised and directed billions of dollars in the alternative investments space globally. Chris was named to the Georgia Super Lawyers Listing for over a decade and rated as a Five Star Wealth Manager. 

Chris holds a BBA in Accounting from the University of Michigan and a JD from Wake Forest University. He is a member of the American Mensa IQ Society, Beta Alpha Psi national honor accounting society, and the Georgia and North Carolina state bars.

BluBrry Feature Image
Private Equity Investing 101 — Part 1 with Christopher Graham (Ep. 104)

Private Equity Investing 101 — Part 1 with Christopher Graham (Ep. 104)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

It may be tempting to get into the world of private equity investing, but it’s important to get the basics under your belt first.

In this episode, John and Michael Parise bring on Christopher Graham, the founder, CEO, and CIO of Crown Capital Investments, to teach you how private equity works, what investors should look at, and how it’s structured.

Chris discusses:

  • How to access the private equity and alternative investment world
  • His investment thesis and why he doesn’t look at venture capital
  • The risk and reward components of private investments
  • Whether or not accredited investor standard regulations should be changed (making it more accessible to the average investor)
  • The structures of SPAC investments
  • The difference between typical private equity funds and the Berkshire model
  • And more!

Connect with Christopher Graham:

Connect with John and Michael Parise:

About Our Guest: 

Christopher Graham founded Crown Capital in 2014. He leads investment and capital-raising activities and provides strategic and operational support to management teams across the portfolio. 

Prior to Crown, he founded The Private Client Law Group, which focused on tax, business, and asset protection for ultra-high-net-worth family offices. As a Family Office Advisor, Chris advised and directed billions of dollars in the alternative investments space globally. Chris was named to the Georgia Super Lawyers Listing for over a decade and rated as a Five Star Wealth Manager. 

Chris holds a BBA in Accounting from the University of Michigan and a JD from Wake Forest University. He is a member of the American Mensa IQ Society, Beta Alpha Psi national honor accounting society, and the Georgia and North Carolina state bars.

BluBrry Feature Image
Turning Risk Into Opportunity Via Enterprise Risk Management with Kyle Hanson (Ep. 103)

Turning Risk Into Opportunity Via Enterprise Risk Management with Kyle Hanson (Ep. 103)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

You can protect your business against risks while also leveraging them as opportunities for growth.

In this episode, John and Michael Parise are joined by Kyle Hanson, the director of business development at Madison Insurance Group, to talk about enterprise risk management.  

Kyle unveils the firm’s application of SWOT analysis to enterprise risk management while sharing client case studies, highlighting the various risk coverages available.

John, Michael, and Kyle discuss:

  • What’s enterprise risk management, and how it differs from basic risk management
  • How risk can be positive (not just a threat) in a SWOT analysis
  • How Madison Insurance Group integrates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) into the enterprise risk management they do for clients
  • Some of the different risk coverages Madison Insurance Group offers
  • And more!

Connect with Kyle Hanson:

Connect with John and Michael Parise:

About Our Guest: 

Kyle Hanson is a Director of Business Development who works in close collaboration with the Director and President, Mark Sims, to strategize, organize, and execute new business development and public relations activities. 

With over a decade of public speaking experience and an accomplished academic background, Kyle is a sought-after conference presenter and a former column editor for the American Choral Directors Association’s national journal. 

Before joining MIG, Kyle honed his skills in non-profit development through an internship at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and a clinical workshop in artistic development at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. 

Kyle holds a High Distinction degree from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and two additional Masters degrees from Bowling Green State University and Indiana University.

BluBrry Feature Image
Here’s How Copper Beech Helps Business Owners Plan For Generational Wealth (Ep. 102)

Here’s How Copper Beech Helps Business Owners Plan For Generational Wealth (Ep. 102)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Today’s topic is pertinent to business owners. If you’re grappling with unique financial challenges related to entrepreneurship and business ownership, this episode is for you.

This week, John and Michael Parise explore a case study about a client who owns a business. They provide a detailed walkthrough of their process from start to finish while detailing how they helped the client gain a generational wealth mindset by emphasizing education around how he thought about his finances.

John and Michael discuss:

  • The three key areas the client wanted to focus on and sought help from Copper Beech
  • Copper Beech’s approach to managing wealth for future generations (long-term instead of short-term planning)
  • Why family meetings were critical to the planning process
  • The recommendations their client’s family implemented and why
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with John and Michael Parise:

BluBrry Feature Image
Shifting How We Work To Transform The Way We Live — Part 2 with Joe Mechlinski (Ep. 101)

Shifting How We Work To Transform The Way We Live — Part 2 with Joe Mechlinski (Ep. 101)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

It’s no secret that the hybrid working environment has evolved.

So, how can companies make sure their employees are bringing their A-game and representing their values without scheduling yet another Zoom meeting? 

In this episode, John and Michael Parise continue their conversation with Joe Mechlinski, the CEO of SHIFT.

This time, Joe unveils the challenges that business leaders are facing in today’s work environment. Listen in and learn more about what SHIFT does and its role in helping executives improve their team’s communication, work culture, and employee engagement.

Joe discusses:

  • The size of the companies and teams that SHIFT helps
  • Why asynchronous collaboration is the solution for a happy hybrid work environment
  • SHIFT’s approach to helping strengthen a firm’s work culture
  • Ways a company can start working with SHIFT
  • The importance of taking care of your employees and giving them what they need to bring their best selves to work
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Joe Mechlinski:

Connect with John and Michael Parise:

About Our Guest: 

Joe Mechlinski is a bestselling author, speaker, and social entrepreneur who helps organizations build engaged, mission-driven cultures. He challenges business leaders to strategically approach talent acquisition, development, and retention. Joe founded four businesses, each with varying degrees of success, which provided him with valuable insights and hands-on experience. At 23, Joe established SHIFT, a collective of businesses that revolutionized workforce engagement.

BluBrry Feature Image
Celebrating 100 Episodes of The Truth About Wealth

Celebrating 100 Episodes of The Truth About Wealth

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

John and Michael Parise have made it to 100 episodes!

And this week’s release is all about celebrating this achievement with you! Listen in as John and Michael celebrate their 100th episode by reflecting on their podcasting experiences. Together, they share some stories, reminisce about past episodes, and reveal their favorite moments as podcasters.

John and Michael discuss:

  • The beginnings of The Truth About Wealth Podcast
  • How their holistic family approach has let them help families build generational wealth
  • Instances where their show has helped both clients and strangers alike with their family wealth
  • Podcasting and annual symposiums as the resources they use to help families 
  • Some of the most educational and memorable episodes they have recorded
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with John and Michael Parise:

BluBrry Feature Image
Shifting How We Work To Transform The Way We Live — Part 1 with Joe Mechlinski (Ep. 99)

Shifting How We Work To Transform The Way We Live — Part 1 with Joe Mechlinski (Ep. 99)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Change starts by shifting our working environment.

Would you agree?

In this episode, John and Michael Parise explore how transforming the way we work can have a profound impact on the real world with Joe Mechlinski, the CEO of SHIFT. 

Joe unpacks how SHIFT helps companies effectively manage their resources and create engaged employees. He also talks about the core values of his entrepreneurial success and the changes in the workplace ever since going virtual.

Joe discusses:

  • SHIFT’s approach to helping executives establish a clear direction for their organization
  • Ways the firm helps executives create an engaged and motivated workforce 
  • The values he learned from his father and how they continue to contribute to his entrepreneurial success
  • From working in an office to working remotely: How emotional intelligence (EQ) has changed post-pandemic 
  • The differences in the workplace between current and previous generations
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Joe Mechlinski:

Connect with John and Michael Parise:

About Our Guest: 

Joe Mechlinski is a bestselling author, speaker, and social entrepreneur who helps organizations build engaged mission-driven cultures. He challenges business leaders to strategically approach talent acquisition, development, and retention. Joe founded four businesses, each with varying degrees of success, which provided him with valuable insights and hands-on experience. At 23, Joe established SHIFT, a collective of businesses that revolutionized workforce engagement.

BluBrry Feature Image
Market Outlook: Investing In 2023 with Christian Hyldahl, CFA® (Ep. 98)

Market Outlook: Investing In 2023 with Christian Hyldahl, CFA® (Ep. 98)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Many investors have cold feet and want to pull out of the market for 2023, but sometimes the best option is to take a deep breath, put your emotions aside, and wait a little longer.

In this episode, John and Michael Parise talk to Christian Hyldahl from Varium Investment Partners about investing in 2023. Christian shares his approach to investing, what he believes 2023 has to offer, and some advice for nervous investors who want to pull their money out of the market completely.

Christian discusses:

  • The 2023 market outlook
  • A comparison of active and passive portfolio management 
  • What’s a cover call strategy and its benefits if done properly
  • His advice for nervous investors and reasons to stay invested
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Christian Hyldahl:

Connect with John and Michael Parise:

About Our Guest: 

Christian Hyldahl, CFA®, is the founder and president of Varium Investment Partners. He has 27 years of portfolio management, investment strategy, and research experience across multiple investment styles and products under his belt. Christian is consistently a top portfolio manager in multiple equity categories. Christian is a chartered financial analyst and obtained his master’s of business administration from the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University. Before that, he attended the London School of Economics for their specialized program in international economics and asset management and obtained his Bachelor of Arts in English and History from Bucknell University.

BluBrry Feature Image
Investing In Oil And Gas with Don Hosmer (Ep. 97)

Investing In Oil And Gas with Don Hosmer (Ep. 97)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Many people have been questioning oil and gas with regard to America’s current politics. Luckily, Don Hosmer from Royale Energy, Inc., is here to provide us with some insight!

In this episode, John and Michael Parise speak with Don Hosmer from Royale Energy, Inc. Don talks about investing in oil and gas. He highlights the benefits of the industry from an investment standpoint, its tax benefits, and opportunities based on its peak demand.

Don discusses:

  • The fundamental and psychological reasons behind the softness seen in the oil market
  • The current challenges that the oil industry is facing in the public sectors
  • The current state of the oil reserve and the life cycle to replenish it
  • The tax benefits of his investment program and of investing in oil and gas
  • The risks involved in drilling for oil and gas
  • And more!

Connect with Don Hosmer:

Connect with John and Michael Parise:

About Our Guest: 

Don Hosmer resides in California and is Royale Energy, Inc’s CEO,  an oil and natural gas company. 

Don started the company with his father in 1986. They started with a team of geologists and engineers and started the company primarily as a natural gas producer. 

Approximately three years ago, Royale Energy, Inc. merged with a team of petroleum engineers to form the oil and gas company that is today.

BluBrry Feature Image
Insurance Options When US Insurance Providers Can’t Cover Your Needs with Sean McNiff (Ep. 96)

Insurance Options When US Insurance Providers Can’t Cover Your Needs with Sean McNiff (Ep. 96)

By |

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Spotify | Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

If your traditional insurance provider won’t cover specific risks for you or your business, you have additional options to protect yourself, your business, and your family.

In this episode, John and Michael Parise interview Sean McNiff from Exceptional Risk Advisors about some alternative insurance the firm provides. Sean shares a variety of case studies, from examples of when his work made a significant impact on his clients to some interesting insurance stories. He also talks about the creativity and customization that goes into protecting businesses and families.

Sean discusses:

  • What do Exceptional Risk Advisors and other cover holders for Lloyd’s of London do, who they insure, and what they cover
  • A variety of insurance case examples of when his work seemed to make a huge difference for his client base
  • Why it’s so important for business owners to regularly update their net worth valuations for insurance
  • The creativity and customization that goes into protecting families and businesses 
  • And more!

Connect with Sean McNiff:

Connect with John and Michael Parise:

About Our Guest: 

Sean McNiff is the Vice President of Business Development & Marketing at Exceptional Risk Advisors. He is passionate about developing new business relationships and educating the marketplace. Sean has been with Exceptional Risk Advisors from the day it was founded. His focus lies in working with sophisticated life, executive benefit, and disability insurance advisors whose clients can benefit from partnering with Exceptional Risk Advisors.

Sean received a BA in Communications and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Rhode Island. When he’s not advising clients, he’s outside playing tennis, hiking, skiing, and spending time with his wife and their two children.