

Orion's The Weighing Machine
Orion Portfolio Solutions
Orion’s The Weighing Machine How does Orion help financial advisors guide investors toward their financial goals? We provide the services and solutions advisors need to help clients stay invested in balanced portfolios. On Orion’s “The Weighing Machine,” featuring Orion Chief Investment Officer Rusty Vanneman, CFA, CMT, BFA, we cut through the market clamor and focus on time-tested principles that help financial advisors and investors reach their long-term financial goals. Each podcast reviews weekly commentary by Orion’s investment team and features a special guest to discuss market headlines.
Wealth Management services are offered by Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC d/b/a Brinker Capital Investments a registered investment advisor. Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc. (“Orion”).
The CFA®️ is a globally respected, graduate-level investment credential established in 1962 and awarded by CFA Institute — the largest global association of investment professionals. To learn more about the CFA charter, visit www.cfainstitute.org.
The CMT Program demonstrates mastery of a core body of knowledge of investment risk in portfolio management. The Chartered Market Technician®️ (CMT) designation marks the highest education within the discipline and is the preeminent designation for practitioners of technical analysis worldwide. To learn more about the CMT, visit https://cmtassociation.org/.
Think2perform’s Behavioral Financial Advice program integrates traditional finance practices with psychology and neuroscience to improve emotional competency and decision-making behavior that increases effective usage of the financial plan with clients. To obtain the Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA) designation, participants must complete a self-directed course, which takes 20-30 hours to complete, and includes a mix of interactive exercises, videos and case studies. To learn more about the BFA, visit https://www.think2perform.com.
0503-OPS-3/4/2024
Wealth Management services are offered by Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC d/b/a Brinker Capital Investments a registered investment advisor. Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc. (“Orion”).
The CFA®️ is a globally respected, graduate-level investment credential established in 1962 and awarded by CFA Institute — the largest global association of investment professionals. To learn more about the CFA charter, visit www.cfainstitute.org.
The CMT Program demonstrates mastery of a core body of knowledge of investment risk in portfolio management. The Chartered Market Technician®️ (CMT) designation marks the highest education within the discipline and is the preeminent designation for practitioners of technical analysis worldwide. To learn more about the CMT, visit https://cmtassociation.org/.
Think2perform’s Behavioral Financial Advice program integrates traditional finance practices with psychology and neuroscience to improve emotional competency and decision-making behavior that increases effective usage of the financial plan with clients. To obtain the Behavioral Financial Advisor (BFA) designation, participants must complete a self-directed course, which takes 20-30 hours to complete, and includes a mix of interactive exercises, videos and case studies. To learn more about the BFA, visit https://www.think2perform.com.
0503-OPS-3/4/2024
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 4, 2023 • 27min
Sean O'Hara of Pacer ETFs - Rethinking Value Investing
Value investing has long been a pillar of success for many savvy investors. However, as the markets evolve and new dynamics emerge, this conventional approach may no longer provide optimal results. Recognizing the need for a fresh perspective, investors are now turning their attention to a different lens through which to view value investing—one that takes into account a company's free cash flow yield.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Sean O'Hara, President at Pacer ETFs and Director at Pacer Financial. Sean began his career at PLANCO/Hartford in 1985, where he spent 22 years as a wholesaler, divisional manager, and managing director of the national wholesaler team. In 2007, Sean joined Joe Thomson at Pacer Financial to serve as a national wholesaling company for various products, including exchange-traded funds, exchange-traded notes, annuities, and SMAs. In 2015, Pacer ETFs was launched. A leader of an award-winning ETF provider, Sean talks about cash cows, ETFs, SMAs, and artificial intelligence. More importantly, Sean speaks about the potential problems with traditional value investing and how value investing can be improved.Key Takeaways
[02:52] - Sean's career history and why he created Pacer ETFs.
[04:19] - What makes Pacer ETFs unique?
[05:42] - What cash cow means to Pacer ETFs.
[06:22] - The pitfalls of traditional value and how Pacer thinks about value differently.
[08:44] - How Sean defines book value and intangible value.
[09:29] - The difference between enterprise value and free cash flow.
[10:23] - The impact of higher interest rates on free cash flow and dividends.
[11:10] - Tax efficiency comparison between ETFs and SMAs.
[13:16] - Sean's outlook on the market.
[15:24] - How Pacer ETF's cash cow philosophy works.
[17:31] - Sean's take on how artificial intelligence impacts market investing.
[19:20] - Sean's favorite investing idea.
[20:19] - How Sean maintains his physical and mental well-being to perform at his best.
[21:04] - The people Sean is professionally thankful for.
[22:43] - Sean's recommendations for content.
Quotes[08:14] - "If you're going to find cheap stocks today, you can't be constrained by looking at traditional low price-to-book. You have to look at it in a different way. And free cash flow yield does that." ~ Sean O'Hara[10:30] - "Free cash flow is the mother's milk of dividend payments. If you don't have excess free cash flow, you can't pay dividends unless you borrow money to pay them. So, if you like and want to own dividends and grow your dividends over time, companies have to have excess free cash flow." ~ Sean O'Hara[16:49] - "The interesting offshoot to using free cash flow yield is you get a high-quality portfolio, and the names tend to have better earnings growth, which ultimately, in the end, drives stock prices." ~ Sean O'HaraLinks
Sean O'Hara on LinkedIn
Sean O'Hara Email
Pacer ETFs
Pacer Financial
Should've Been A Cowboy by Toby Keith
Joe Thomson
Vanguard
iShares
State Street Global Advisors
The Maze
The Predators' Ball
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Rusty Vanneman
Robyn Murray
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1474-OPS-5/30/2023

Jun 27, 2023 • 26min
Jennifer Grancio of Engine No.1 - Shaping a Sustainable Future Through Activist Investing
Activist investing embodies a powerful call to action, urging investors to engage actively and purposefully in shaping the corporate world. This approach presents a unique opportunity to tackle pressing societal challenges, celebrate transformative opportunities, and drive a more sustainable and prosperous future for both investors and society as a whole. By embracing the total value framework and wielding the power of shareholder votes, investors can foster positive change that transcends mere financial gains.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Jennifer Grancio, CEO of Engine No. 1. In her role, Jennifer guides the firm’s strategy and vision. Before Engine No. 1, Jennifer founded an advisory firm where she worked closely with CEOs to accelerate growth. She also served as a founding member of BlackRock's iShares business, where she led European, U.S., and global distribution and drove the growth of the global ETF industry and iShares’ leadership role. During her tenure at BlackRock, she led teams across wealth, personal, technology, and venture investing.With over 25 years of experience scaling businesses across financial services, Jennifer talks about activist investing and why it is good for investors and society. She also shares the power of shareholder votes and the reindustrialization of North America.Key Takeaways
[02:56] - Jennifer's career background and how she got to Engine No. 1.
[05:53] - How Engine No. 1 won a proxy battle with Exxon.
[08:28] - How Engine No. 1's total value framework works.
[10:12] - Why investors need both good index funds and active thematics.
[11:47] - How VOTE uses shareholder votes to drive long-term value.
[13:33] - Engine No. 1's proxy voting committee and its custom voting framework.
[16:00] - The reindustrialization of North America.
[19:37] - Jennifer's favorite investment idea.
[20:24] - How Jennifer maintains her physical and mental well-being.
[20:55] - The people Jennifer is thankful for on a professional level.
[22:19] - Jennifer's content recommendations.
[23:19] - A look at Jennifer's team at Engine No. 1.
Quotes[05:23] - "We saw an opportunity to build a firm that was looking forward in time to ensure that the average investor and wealth portfolios could take advantage of some of these megatrends. So, Engine No. 1 was built to let people access wealth creation and economic opportunity and some of these huge themes that will unfold over the next 20 years." ~ Jennifer Grancio[09:59] - "The total value framework is an approach that goes deep and is very specific with these big public companies on their material risks because that's an important consideration as an investor." ~ Jennifer Grancio[20:02] - "We could be very sad about our world and some of the challenges ahead, or we can celebrate and take advantage of some of the opportunities. So there's a huge opportunity for jobs, economic wealth creation, and reassuring of jobs and manufacturing back to the U.S. and North America." ~ Jennifer GrancioLinks
Jennifer Grancio on LinkedIn
Engine No. 1
It's The End of The World As We Know It by R.E.M.
BlackRock
ExxonMobil
The End of the World Is Just The Beginning
Eli Horton
Molly Landes
Yasmin Dahya Bilger
Jason LaMacchia
Yusuf George
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Robyn Murray
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1361-OPS-5/17/2023

Jun 20, 2023 • 37min
Mike Singleton of Invictus Research - Macro-Economy and Market Dynamics
Comprehending the interplay between the macro-economy and market movements can be challenging for investors. Yet, it is a pursuit that holds immense significance in today's complex financial landscape. With its multifaceted indicators and trends, the macro-economy is a powerful compass, guiding investors toward informed decision-making. By grasping the fundamental forces at play, investors can better gauge their investments' potential risks and rewards.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Mike Singleton, Senior Analyst and Principal at Invictus Research. Mike had the opportunity to work for several years with Broad Run Investment Management, where he spent most of his time conducting deep, fundamental diligence on the highest-quality companies he could find. Since then, most of his time has been spent researching the economy at-large and its relationship with the liquid asset markets. Providing institutional-grade macroeconomic research to a wide range of clients, Mike talks about his outlook for the macro-economy, what that means for the market, and his technical analysis of the market price movement. He also speaks about how investors should consider asset allocation, stock bonds, real assets, and cash when building their portfolios.Key Takeaways
[02:56] - What inspired Mike to enter the wealth management industry?
[05:37] - What Invictus means by its tagline, “Macro Made Simple.”
[06:42] - Mike's investment philosophy.
[07:42] - Mike's technical analysis of the market price movement.
[10:52] - How Mike assesses real economic growth.
[11:50] - Mike's outlook on inflation.
[12:52] - How artificial intelligence impacts economic growth and inflation.
[14:53] - Mike’s fiscal and monetary policy outlook.
[16:56] - How the presidential election affects the economy markets policy.
[20:48] - Mike's outlook for the near-term stock and bond markets.
[24:46] - Mike's forecast for real assets.
[26:02] - How investors should think about asset allocation, stock bonds, real assets, and cash when building their portfolios.
[27:35] - Alternative investments that suit the current market environment.
[28:42] - Mike's favorite investment idea.
[29:22] - How Mike stays mentally and physically healthy to perform at his best.
[30:52] - The people Mike is grateful to on a professional level.
[32:15] - Mike's recommendations for content.
Quotes[05:47] - "One of the things that deter retail or professional investors from integrating a top-down or macro perspective into their investment process is that it has a reputation for being extremely complicated, esoteric, and difficult to understand. And there are certainly a lot of macro analysts and public figures that make it seem that way." ~ Mike Singleton[09:06] - "Many people think that markets move randomly, that they're disconnected from the fundamentals, or that the Fed has destroyed rational price discovery. But the truth is, real trending moves in markets almost always reflect real fundamental trends. And that's not just a theory." ~ Mike Singleton[26:18] - "It's generally a good idea to play defense rather than offense when growth is slowing. That means having a net at the low end of whatever you are comfortable with." ~ Mike SingletonLinks
Mike Singleton on LinkedIn
Mike Singleton on Twitter
Invictus Research
In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins
Warren Buffett
American Association of Individual Investors
David Lundgren
Broad Run Investment Management
Blackstone
Fill The Gap Podcast
Stanley Druckenmiller
Market Wizards
The Daily Edge
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Rusty Vanneman
Robyn Murray
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Jun 13, 2023 • 1h
Kostya Etus of Dynamic Advisor Solutions - The Five Key Concepts of Building Successful Investment Models
Building successful investment models is a multifaceted endeavor, where allocation, security selection, selecting the right model provider, rebalance, and trading best practices can make all the difference. By understanding the key concepts behind building investment models, investment firms can navigate the complexities of the financial markets with confidence. Ultimately, this will provide their clients with optimal investment outcomes and create lasting value for all stakeholders involved.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Konstantin "Kostya" Etus, Chief Investment Officer at Dynamic Advisor Solutions. In his role, Kostya is responsible for leading Dynamic's Investment Management team and overseeing all investment operations, including investment people, philosophy, process, portfolios, and performance. Kostya's experience includes managing mutual funds, ETF strategies, and 529 plans and evaluating investment strategies through a robust due diligence framework, including SMAs, model portfolios, and individual funds.With specialized experience in asset allocation and security selection of various ETF and mutual fund portfolios, Kostya talks about what goes into building successful investment models, how to choose the best model provider, and what sets investment firms apart. A self-proclaimed movie buff, Kostya also shares a list of recommended summer movies worth watching.Key Takeaways
[04:07] - An interesting story about Kostya's personal and professional life.
[07:54] - What Dynamic Advisor Solutions does.
[10:02] - A walkthrough of Dynamic's Berkshire Hathaway weekend blog.
[16:06] - The five key concepts to building investment models.
[22:07] - How advisors can choose the best investment model.
[26:24] - What sets investment firms apart?
[29:57] - The role culture plays in choosing the right partnership.
[32:04] - The must-see summer movies of the year.
[48:01] - Kostya's favorite investment idea.
[49:55] - How Kostya maintains a high energy level to perform at his best.
[51:51] - The people Kostya is thankful for on a professional level.
[55:03] - Kostya's recommendations for content.
Quotes[26:06] - "When choosing the right manager, you need to partner with somebody you believe will be best for your clients and who you believe your personal philosophy as an advisor aligns best with that investment manager." ~ Kostya Etus[26:48] - "Everyone has their unique philosophy and investment process — people, philosophy, process. The first P has consistently been the driving differentiator amongst investment firms." ~ Kostya Etus[31:36] - "Culture has to be absorbed in this idea of compliance and doing the right thing. Everybody needs to take care of the clients and do everything in the best interest of the clients. That leads to taking care of your employees, taking care of your partners, and your relationships." ~ Kostya EtusLinks
Konstantin "Kostya" Etus on LinkedIn
Konstantin "Kostya" Etus on Twitter
Dynamic Advisor Solutions
Why Can't We Be Friends
You've Got a Friend in Me
Jim Cannon
Salesforce
Berkshire Hathaway
Warren Buffett
Q2 2023 Investing Insights: Top 3 Lessons from Warren Buffett In 2023
Oriental Trading
Todd Clark
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Sisu
The Fast and The Furious
The Little Mermaid
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The Flash
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
Asteroid City
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning
Barbie
Oppenheimer
How Do You Live?
Killers of the Flower Moon
Last Voyage of the Demeter
Strays
The Eight Mountains
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3
Josh Jenkins
Lutz
Grant Engelbart
Michael Hadden
Jeovany Zelaya
Ludacka Wealth Partners
Nick Codola
Joe Smith
Parti Pris Investment Partners
Intelligent Investor
Connect with our hosts
Rusty Vanneman
Robyn Murray
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1455-OPS-5/26/2023

Jun 6, 2023 • 32min
Alex Oxenham of Hilton Capital Management - Tactical Income Strategies
In pursuing financial success, investors seek strategies that offer attractive returns and prudent risk management. As strategic decision-making is key to optimizing returns and weathering market volatility, tactical income strategies have emerged as a promising solution. By analyzing macroeconomic factors, assessing market trends, and identifying the most attractive income-generating opportunities, portfolio managers can make informed decisions about asset allocation, selecting the most promising income-generating securities while avoiding those with the highest risk.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Alex Oxenham, Portfolio Manager and Co-CIO at Hilton Capital Management. Alex joined Hilton Capital in 2011 from HSBC Private Bank. As a portfolio manager, Alex looks for opportunities throughout the entire investable universe. He selects investments primarily in the context of a macro-economic backdrop which provides a solid framework for idea generation. With a combined knowledge of debt and equity markets and successfully institutionalizing Hilton's research and investment process, Alex talks about Tactical Income strategies, how they work, and how to incorporate them into investment portfolios.Key Takeaways
[03:36] - Alex's career highlights and how he got to Hilton Capital Management.
[04:44] - Alex's investment philosophy and tactical income strategy.
[06:03] - The macro framework Alex uses for stocks and bonds.
[07:54] - The time frame Alex looks at when making investment decisions.
[08:57] - The kind of investors best served by tactical income.
[10:18] - How tactical income fits into a portfolio.
[12:03] - Alex's rule of thumb for the overall stock market.
[13:00] - What the current portfolio yield looks like.
[16:20] - The most challenging aspect of Alex's job at Hilton.
[20:03] - One of Alex's favorite investment ideas.
[21:42] - How Alex maintains his energy to perform at a high level.
[24:32] - The people Alex is grateful for professionally.
[27:13] - Alex's recommendations for content.
Quotes[07:25] - "When we think about positioning our tactical strategies at Hilton, we think about whether the economy's growing or shrinking or maintaining a neutral base. And then, we adjust our allocations based on those rates of changes that occur in the macro environment." ~ Alex Oxenham[09:22] - "For 21 years, we have been trying to deliver a consistent standard deviation for clients through a market cycle. And what we found from a practical standpoint is that 60% to 30% equity waiting and then fixed income and cash make up the difference." ~ Alex Oxenham[13:23] - "If you target a yield, you end up having undue influence on the portfolio. You have factor exposure to whatever yield goes out of favor. So you end up not being able to control your standard deviation." ~ Alex OxenhamLinks
Alex Oxenham on LinkedIn
Hilton Capital Management
Wake Me Up by Avicii
HSBC
John Authers
Connect with our hosts
Rusty Vanneman
Robyn Murray
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1318-OPS-5/12/2023

May 30, 2023 • 38min
Philipp Hecker of Bento Engine - Advice Beyond Investing
When it comes to wealth management, investment advice is just one piece of the puzzle. Financial advisors who focus on investing miss out on a key opportunity to provide comprehensive, holistic advice that can create real value for their clients. In fact, the importance of providing advice that goes beyond investing has been highlighted by recent research showing that many Americans are leaving significant amounts of money on the table by not optimizing their social security benefits. In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Philipp Hecker, Co-Founder and CEO of Bento Engine. Philipp is a Procter & Gamble trained Brand Manager, recovering BCG Consultant, and Wall Street veteran. He held several senior leadership positions at Deutsche Bank and J.P. Morgan. He is passionate about bringing better advice beyond investing to more American families and using technology to make human advisors more human more often.Passionate about financial planning, behavioral finance, and teaching children about the important concepts of money and wealth, Philipp talks about what advisors need to know about advice beyond investing, why Americans need more advice than just investing, and what Bento's wealth program for children is all about.Key Takeaways
[03:55] - Philipp's personal and professional background.
[06:36] - The why and how of Philipp's creation of the Bento Engine.
[09:15] - Why advisors should take their conversations beyond dollars and cents.
[14:49] - Bento Engine's programs for advisors.
[17:10] - The impact Bento Engine expects on its wealth and children's programs.
[19:47] - What drives the human side of giving advice?
[21:54] - How artificial intelligence could potentially impact financial advisors.
[23:44] - How Bento Engine provides holistic financial advice.
[28:13] - How Bento's technology and content help advisors increase engagement and client satisfaction.
[29:22] - Philipp's favorite investment idea.
[30:49] - How Philipp maintains his physical and mental health to perform at a high level.
[31:31] - The people Philipp is grateful for on a professional level.
[33:17] - Philip's recommendations for content.
Quotes[10:12] - "Advisors have a unique opportunity to show how much they care by proactively advising clients and prospects on wealth management questions that create quantifiable after-tax value without necessarily having a solution or product to sell at the same point in time." ~ Philipp Hecker[10:37] - "Leading with client-centric advice creates invaluable trust that matters greatly in any relationship." ~ Philipp Hecker[11:57] - "Many Americans leave hard-earned social security benefit dollars on the table. The median lifetime benefit they leave on the table by making suboptimal decisions around social security benefit timing is a whopping $182,000. These are big opportunities where advisors can lead with advice and create real value for their clients." ~ Philipp HeckerLinks
Philipp Hecker on LinkedIn
Philipp Hecker on Twitter
Bento Engine
Bento Engine on Twitter
Bento Engine on LinkedIn
One Tree Hill by U2
Procter & Gamble
Boston Consulting Group
J.P. Morgan
Rethink. Financial Advice Podcast
Kelly Corrigan Wonders
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Rusty Vanneman
Robyn Murray
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1210-OPS-5/1/2023

May 23, 2023 • 34min
Jeff Strese of Jeff Strese Consulting Group - Why Emotional Intelligence Is Important for Financial Advisors
Making financial decisions can be a stressful and emotional experience for clients. Plus, with the increasing complexity of financial markets and the growing diversity of clients' needs, financial advisors have to develop new skills to remain relevant in the industry. Beyond their traditional financial, technical, and legal knowledge, advisors have to incorporate emotional intelligence to provide better advice and create stronger relationships with their clients. But what exactly is emotional intelligence, and how can it help advisors create the most favorable outcomes for their clients?In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Jeff Strese, Principal at Jeff Strese Consulting Group. Jeff has over 25 years of experience working across industries in leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and family dynamics. He is passionate about helping family businesses and organizations create clarity out of the complex as well as inspiring leaders from all backgrounds to develop and master critical skills like coaching, communication, and emotional intelligence.An executive coach and consultant to multi-generational family enterprises, corporations, and mission-driven nonprofit organizations, Jeff talks about what emotional intelligence is and why financial advisors need to understand it. He also discusses incorporating emotional intelligence, active listening, and other qualitative skills in financial services to improve practice and strengthen client relationships.Key Takeaways
[04:33] - How Jeff got into leadership development and family advisory services.
[06:27] - The meaning of emotional intelligence and why advisors should have it.
[09:32] - Why active listening is important in today's advisory practice.
[10:49] - What emotional hijacking is all about.
[12:36] - What overgeneralization and labeling mean in organizations.
[14:43] - The blame game and personalization in organizations.
[16:38] - What discounting the positive means.
[17:28] - The concept of Wealth 3.0 and how advisors can put it into practice.
[21:11] - Jeff's favorite investment idea.
[22:55] - How Jeff maintains his ability to perform at his best.
[25:40] - People to whom Jeff is grateful on a professional level.
[27:49] - Jeff's recommendation for content.
[30:07] - Jeff's insights on AI in financial advice.
Quotes[06:45] - "In the financial advising space, having a baseline of financial, technical, and legal skills is an incomplete package in this day and age. When you begin adding other kinds of qualitative skills like emotional intelligence and active listening, you have a very well-rounded, seasoned advisor." ~ Jeff Strese[11:00] - "The first and basic line of emotional intelligence is around self-awareness. That's the ability to understand how your communication style impacts other people, particularly under stress or tension." ~ Jeff Strese[14:08] - "Advisory firms need to see themselves as learning organizations. If the insides and culture of the organizations do not match the outsides, it ultimately will dumb down the effectiveness of the overall firm and its growth and potential." ~ Jeff StreseLinks
Jeff Strese on LinkedIn
Jeff Strese on Twitter
Jeff Strese Consulting Group
Cullen Funds
Dark Star by Crosby, Stills & Nash
Richard Joyner
Tolleson Wealth Management
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Family Office Exchange
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Rusty Vanneman
Robyn Murray
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DisclosureAdvertisement supplied by Schaeffer Cullen Capital Management. Schaeffer Cullen Capital Management and OPS are not affiliated companies and the advertisement is not a recommendation or endorsement by Orion Portfolio Solutions, LLC for any of the services referenced or provided.1157-OPS-4/24/2023

May 16, 2023 • 52min
Bryan Keller of Dakota Wealth Management - The Future of RIAs
Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) have become popular for individuals and businesses seeking personalized investment advice. They have won the trust and loyalty of clients who value tailored investment strategies with their direct and personalized approach. While the current economic environment presents its fair share of challenges, many experts believe the industry is well-positioned to navigate these obstacles and continue its growth trajectory. RIAs remain confident about the future of their industry and are expected to be vital players in the financial services industry for years to come.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Bryan Keller, Chief Strategic Officer at Dakota Wealth Management. In his role, Bryan focuses on the firm's merger & acquisition efforts, creating strategic opportunities with industry partners, Dakota's investment policy and portfolio management, custodian and trading platforms, and ensuring a superior client experience. Skilled in managing the mechanical details of investment management offerings and strategically developing customized client portfolios, Bryan talks about the future of Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), the ins and outs of the RIA landscape, and how mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are playing out in the RIA industry today.Key Takeaways
[03:54] - Bryan's career history.
[06:56] - How Bryan began working with Dakota Wealth Management.
[09:02] - What a typical day for a Chief Strategic Officer is like.
[10:58] - How M&A plays out in the RIA industry today.
[13:51] - How high-interest rates and volatility in equity markets impact M&A activity.
[15:54] - Factors that can make RIAs ineffective at selling their businesses.
[18:06] - How advisors can sift through the overwhelming information involved in M&A.
[21:24] - How likely are smaller RIAs to succeed in the future?
[22:46] - The top challenges and needs of advisors in the future.
[24:52] - How generative AI can impact financial services.
[27:13] - What a snowflake investor and a snowflake market are.
[31:11] - What advisors should consider when building portfolios in the current economic climate.
[36:25] - Bryan's outlook for inflation and economic growth.
[37:52] - How Bryan maintains his ability to perform at a high level.
[39:59] - The people Bryan is grateful to on a professional level.
[43:46] - Bryan's recommendations for content.
Quotes[16:40] - "Every seller wants to get everything they want as part of a deal. They want the highest price, they want the loosest terms, and they want it all. But if the buyer is doing the same thing for every transaction they're doing, what they end up getting at the end is just an aggregated business." ~ Bryan Keller[21:28] - "RIAs are phenomenal businesses. The clients like them more because they're getting that direct, customized approach." ~ Bryan Keller[37:29] - "We have a challenging economic environment at the headline level, but it's navigatable. I don't see it as something I'm particularly worried about." ~ Bryan KellerLinks
Bryan Keller on LinkedIn
Dakota Wealth Management
Jigsaw Falling Into Place by Radiohead
Peter Raimondi
BlackRock
Dance of the Cranes
Monday Morning Bullets
Jeff DeMaso
What You Do Is Who You Are
The Hard Thing About Hard Things
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1100-OPS-4/18/2023

May 9, 2023 • 32min
Phil Voelker of AAMA - Understanding the State of the Economy and Markets
The current state of the market and economy is a topic of great concern for many people. With inflation still on the rise, interest rates increasing, recession risk looming, and banking crises, it is understandable that individuals and businesses alike are left uncertain about their future.In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Phil Voelker, Chief Investment Officer at Advanced Asset Management Advisors (AAMA). In his role, Phil directs and manages AAMA's investment policy strategy. Throughout his career, Phil has pursued and secured a broad spectrum of objectives, from short-term cash management to aggressive growth of investments. Before joining AAMA, Phil served as Chief Investment Officer for a large regional investment firm, directing its multi-billion dollar investment portfolio.With over 40 years of experience managing securities portfolios, Phil answers the top questions and concerns about the market and how it compares to historical experience. He also shares his view on inflation, interest rates, recession risk, and the banking crisis.Key Takeaways
[03:03] - Phil's career history in investment management.
[03:51] - The role AAMA plays in the industry.
[04:52] - Phil's assessment of the current banking situation.
[06:09] - Phil's take on the current inflation environment.
[10:06] - Are we heading for a recession?
[11:54] - What Phil thinks about the current volatility in the stock market, the economy, and corporate earnings.
[17:25] - How the current inflation compares with the long-term experience.
[19:34] - One of the key points to remember in 2023.
[21:42] - How AAMA positions its portfolios in response to market and economic conditions.
[22:44] - Phil's favorite investment idea.
[24:14] - How Phil maintains his energy to perform at a high level.
[25:08] - The people Phil is grateful to on a professional level.
[26:34] - Phil's recommendations for content.
Quotes[09:47] - "There's a disconnect between what the Fed's saying and what the market is expecting. Unless something major breaks, we don't expect a pivot." ~ Phil Voelker[19:08] - "From a historical perspective, today's interest rates are not excessive, certainly not relative to inflation. They're not excessive relative to long-term averages. And it would be nice for everyone if the Fed would stay away from trying to control interest rates and let the market figure it out." ~ Phil Voelker[20:49] - "It's sad that when the Fed's done fighting inflation and it drops back to 2%, that doesn't mean anybody recovers their dollars' purchasing power. It means that they're losing it more slowly than they had before." ~ Phil VoelkerLinks
Phil Voelker on Advanced Asset Management Advisors
Advanced Asset Management Advisors
Beethoven Fur Elise
AAMA Market Commentary – Q1 2023
AAMA Advisor Kit
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Rusty Vanneman
Robyn Murray
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0960-OPS-4/4/2023

May 2, 2023 • 39min
Steven Atkinson of Buckingham Strategic Partners - Becoming an Admired Financial Advisor
In a dynamic field such as financial advisory, becoming successful takes more than technical knowledge and expertise. It also requires a unique combination of qualities that enable advisors to connect with clients on a deeper level, understand their unique circumstances, and ultimately help them achieve their financial goals. In this episode, Rusty and Robyn talk with Steven Atkinson, Executive Vice President at Buckingham Strategic Partners. In his role, Steve leads a team committed to providing a transformational experience to investment advisors who have chosen to partner with their firm. His team proactively and reactively works with advisors, ensuring they understand their goals, obstacles, and business plans.Having a passion for helping advisors do more, Steve talks about what makes a good advisor, the qualities of a successful and admired financial advisor, and how to build good relationships and get fans.Key Takeaways
[03:12] - How Steven got into investing.
[04:56] - How Buckingham Strategic Partners serves financial advisors.
[06:40] - What it's like to be Buckingham's Vice President.
[08:05] - The key qualities that make the best advisors.
[11:25] - What the best advisors do to build relationships.
[18:14] - The key principles of a good leader.
[20:10] - Steve's take on how AI could impact financial advisors.
[21:43] - What inspired Steve to create the Admired Advisor podcast.
[23:17] - What Steve's book, “27 Principles Every Investor Should Know”, is about.
[29:41] - Steve's favorite investment idea.
[30:28] - How Steve maintains his ability to perform at a high level.
[31:46] - The people Steve is thankful for professionally.
[34:00] - Steve's recommendation for content.
Quotes[14:24] - "Every single client views you as a leader. You're handling their financial future, and they're trusting that you know the pathway and how to get there." ~ Steven Atkinson[18:33] - "There's no better time to show up as a leader than during times of crisis, and some of the best advisors lean into those crisis moments. They grow their reputation and their business when things go wrong. They show up, and they're present for their clients." ~ Steven Atkinson[21:24] - "If you're in the people business, you'll always have to spend time with people. That's one of the things you can't outsource. I don't think you can outsource the human element of making that connection and having those real conversations." ~ Steven AtkinsonLinks
Steven Atkinson on LinkedIn
Buckingham Strategic Partners
Standing Outside The Fire
CLS Investments
27 Principles Every Investor Should Know
Triumph of the Optimists
Strategic Coach
Dan Sullivan
Alex Potts
The JOLT Effect
The Admired Advisor Podcast
Connect with our hosts
Rusty Vanneman
Robyn Murray
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0891-OPS-3/29/2023