the declarations. podcast with Host Todd S. Rich

Todd Rich sits down with Bill Woodson, Co-Head & Managing Director of Cynosure Wealth Advisors for a thoughtful conversation on the purpose behind wealth, the evolution of family offices, and the personal experiences that shaped Bill’s worldview. Bill reflects on a childhood shaped by constant relocation, the discipline he built working through college, and an early career that moved unexpectedly from investment management to public accounting and eventually into the family office ecosystem. Throughout the discussion, he offers insight into the complexities wealthy families face, why coordination and governance can be as important as investment considerations for many families, and how trust and communication form the core of constructive advisory relationships. He also shares the motivation behind his book on family offices and the educational initiatives he is helping build to professionalize the field.They discuss: • How early life experiences and working through college shaped Bill’s discipline and confidence • Lessons from public accounting that informed his transition into family office leadership • The core challenges wealthy families face and why coordination across advisors is often missing • The interpersonal and governance dynamics that define successful family office environments • Bill’s purpose-driven work developing educational programs and contributing to broader societal impact through family officesLinks:Podcast Website: https://www.declarationpartners.com/podcast/Host Todd S. Rich on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-s-rich-6a091333/Declaration Partners - https://www.declarationpartners.com/The Family Office by William I. Woodson & Edward V. Marshall: https://a.co/d/bf9HBEVWho Moved My Cheese? By Spencer Johnson: https://a.co/d/6YUR0uv00:00 – Introduction03:00 – Early Life, UC Irvine, and Entering the Investment World09:15 – Lessons from Public Accounting and Working with Founders12:30 – Silicon Valley and Building a Multifamily Office15:00 – Entering Private Banking at Merrill Lynch18:45 – Trust, Delegation, and Personality Dynamics20:30 – The Societal Good of Family Offices23:00 – Writing The Family Office 27:30 – Best Practices and Governance Across Generations 29:30 – The EQ Requirements of Family Office Leaders33:00 – Choosing Between MFOs, SFOs, and RIAs34:20 – Behavioral Patterns Among New Wealth vs. Multigenerational Wealth36:00 – Joining Cynosure Wealth Advisors41:30 – Investment Philosophy and Alternatives45:00 – The Great Wealth Transfer & Philanthropy Trends47:30 – Building Academic Programs at Stanford and Chicago Booth49:30 – The Origin and Impact of First Graduate52:30 – Closing Questions

Jimmy Weil joins Host Todd S. Rich on declarations. for a wide-ranging conversation about his upbringing in the Bronx, the lessons he learned on the streets and basketball courts, and the decades he spent building, scaling, and ultimately selling a national paint and coatings company. Jimmy reflects on inheriting a struggling family business, transforming it through niche products and strategic acquisitions, and navigating both near-failure moments and breakout wins. He also shares why he continued building and investing after selling to Benjamin Moore, how he evaluates entrepreneurs today, and why relationships, humor, and resilience have shaped every chapter of his life.They discuss: • Growing up with limited resources, early independence, and learning to read people • Building Insl-x by focusing on specialty coatings and smart acquisitions • The challenges and breakthroughs of scaling into a national manufacturer • Selling the business to Benjamin Moore and deciding not to stay on • Active ownership in gas stations, convenience stores, insurance, and cyber businesses • How street smarts, teamwork, and persistence have guided his decisions • The role of humor, philanthropy, and family throughout his careerLinks:Podcast Website: https://www.declarationpartners.com/podcast/Host Todd S. Rich on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-s-rich-6a091333/Declaration Partners - https://www.declarationpartners.com/David & Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell: https://a.co/d/e3naSyiTopics:(00:00:00) - Intro(00:02:57) - Jimmy's early life and family background(00:05:24) - Lessons from the streets and basketball(00:09:12) - From law school to paint business(00:12:19) - Scaling challenges and innovations(00:25:38) - Reflecting on the decision to leave Berkshire Hathaway(00:27:10) - Venturing into gas stations and convenience stores(00:30:40) - Investing in insurance and other diverse businesses(00:33:40) - Lessons from the streets of the Bronx(00:41:42) - The importance of humor and relationships in business(00:43:39) - Philanthropy and giving back(00:45:49) - Balancing work, family, and mentorship(00:47:07) - Closing thoughts and advice for entrepreneurs(00:50:45) - Podcast disclaimer and legal information 

Michael Spies, Founder of Fuse Strategies and venture partner at Navitas Capital, shares insights from his 30-year journey in real estate and urban development. He discusses the balance between private and public interests in development, lessons learned from Berlin's real estate cycles, and the rising importance of AI in managing assets. Michael emphasizes the shift towards mixed-use spaces and flexible building uses, advocating for community-focused design. His reflections on leadership and human capital showcase the critical role of curiosity and creativity in the industry.

In this episode of declarations., Todd Rich is joined by Francisco Alvarez-Demalde, co-founder and managing partner of Riverwood Capital.  Francisco shares how his upbringing in Argentina shaped his entrepreneurial spirit, how he defines success as the constant pursuit of building, learning, and creating opportunity for others and how he and his partners built a global growth equity platform focused on scaling technology businesses. Their discussion also covers lessons from cycles in the private equity and tech markets, the importance of combining vision with execution, and the role of education and philanthropy in creating lasting impact. They discuss:Francisco’s declaration to make a positive impact on othersLessons from growing up in Argentina and early exposure to tech startupsFounding Riverwood Capital and building a differentiated growth equity modelPartnering with management teams to scale businesses sustainablyInsights on global markets, including opportunities and challenges in Latin America Links:Francisco on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciscoalvarezdemalde/Todd S. Rich on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-s-rich-6a091333/Declaration Partners - https://www.declarationpartners.com/Riverwood Capital - https://www.riverwoodcapital.com/Amp It Up by Frank Slootman - https://a.co/d/8jpo3h6 Topics:(00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:11) - Francisco's declaration and values (00:04:35) - Early life and education in Argentina (00:07:43) - Career beginnings and move to the US (00:12:55) - Founding Riverwood Capital (00:17:26) - Investment philosophy and market dynamics (00:29:41) - Growth and scalability in tech investments (00:32:23) - Building a global company (00:33:08) - The importance of exits in private equity (00:33:46) - Investing, building, and monetizing (00:34:31) - Partnering with management teams (00:37:00) - Balancing ambition and execution (00:40:09) - Global tech opportunities (00:43:12) - Navigating emerging markets (00:45:38) - Argentina's economic outlook (00:51:34) - Personal insights and philanthropy (00:56:40) - Closing thoughts and reflections

Jack Dwyer, CEO of Capital Funding Bancorp and CFG Bank, shares his inspiring journey from accountant to entrepreneur, emphasizing his deep-rooted family values and commitment to community. He elaborates on his innovative healthcare financing model and how he successfully navigated economic downturns, including the pandemic. Dwyer's passion for philanthropy shines through as he discusses his workforce development initiatives aimed at combating systemic poverty and creating healthcare jobs, demonstrating the profound impact of business on community revitalization.

Fred Klein, Senior Counsel at DLA Piper, is a prominent figure in Washington D.C.'s real estate law scene, known for his insightful approach to client relationships. In a heartfelt discussion, Fred shares how personal connections and mentorship have shaped his career. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and trust in legal interactions. The conversation touches on the role of AI in real estate, his shift to teaching at Georgetown, and the value of gratitude in forging lasting professional ties. It's a reflective take on leadership and the human elements of law.

Les Baquiran and Dan Mueller, co-founders of Alpine Capital Advisors, share their inspiring journeys from immigrant backgrounds to creating a global investment firm. They highlight the shift from transactional fundraising to long-term relationships built on trust and intelligence, especially in Latin America. The duo discusses how Latin American investors are seeking opportunities in developed markets and the evolving landscape of global investing. Their insights provide a fresh perspective on navigating the complexities of a changing financial world.

Michael Glosserman, a seasoned real estate executive with 28 years at JBG Smith, shares his remarkable journey from a small Texas town to the heights of DC's real estate landscape. He reveals lessons learned from economic downturns and the importance of long-term investor relationships. The conversation touches on navigating transitions to public markets and the evolution of partnerships. Glosserman emphasizes living in the moment and reflects on the interplay between happiness and independence, offering insights into both career and personal life.

In this engaging discussion, Sean Plummer, founder of Haystack Capital Partners and advisor to over 160 family offices, delves into the unique investment strategies of high-net-worth families. He highlights the importance of relationship-building, trust, and emotional intelligence over mere returns. Sean shares insights on how generational transitions are reshaping wealth management and discusses the rise of direct deals. The conversation emphasizes aligning investments with personal values and the role of philanthropy in creating long-term impact.

Jon Qvistgaard-Petersen, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, shares his wealth of experience in oil and gas, private equity, and automotive retail. He reflects on the leadership lessons from his grandfather and his commitment to philanthropy in children's healthcare. Jon discusses navigating risks in the evolving energy sector, contrasting it with the automotive industry. His mantra, "You must participate in life," emphasizes curiosity, teamwork, and giving back, making for a rich conversation filled with insights on balancing passion and responsibility.