Category: Education

FEATURE
The Role of Infrastructure in a Diversified Investment Portfolio with Matthew Moreno and Jake Kelsall

The Role of Infrastructure in a Diversified Investment Portfolio with Matthew Moreno and Jake Kelsall

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What if you could tap into the infrastructure of tomorrow, today?

As Americans, it’s fair to say that some of our infrastructure and urban grids are outdated and must be invested in and updated. How can you incorporate infrastructure in your portfolio?

Join Robert Curtiss and portfolio managers Matthew Moreno and Jake Kelsall from StepStone Group as they unpack the robust world of private infrastructure. From bustling airports to critical utilities and the intricacies of renewable energies, this episode uncovers why private capital is taking the reins from government efforts in evolving our global infrastructure.

  • Discussing Overlooked Opportunities: Tap into the vast potential of maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure assets across the globe. [04:00]
  • Navigating Infrastructure Demand: Explore how key sectors are experiencing rapid growth, driven by electrification and globalization. [09:23]
  • Investing Strategies and Risk Management: Learn how StepStone opens the infrastructure asset class to all scale investors and manages the inherent risks. [15:19]
  • Correlation and Resilience: Discover the relative resilience of infrastructure investments despite global economic disruptions. [25:36]
  • Portfolio Diversification: Understand how adding infrastructure could fortify your portfolio against inflation and market volatility. [31:39]
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with StepStone Group:

About StepStone Group:

StepStone Group explores, evolves, and solves with its partners and clients, bringing together diverse specialists and perspectives to cover all of the private markets — uncovering what others may not. StepStone has a unique way of seeing, thinking about, and acting within the world of private markets. These attributes form the foundation of how the firm collaborates and helps clients succeed.

StepStone fosters an environment where everyone feels informed, confident, and empowered to act, applying their curiosity and skills to solve even the most complex challenges. The firm is deeply immersed in data, understanding that intelligence is everything — from the source and quality of data to the advanced tools used to analyze it. StepStone’s rigor, transparency, and proprietary technology yield sharper insights, which in turn inform better strategies and decisions.

Reaching and realizing the most compelling opportunities requires a platform with true breadth and depth, spanning all asset classes, strategies, and structures. That’s why StepStone built one — to provide greater vision, flexibility, and customization. The firm is truly global, with experts on the ground wherever its clients need to be. Now operating in 16 countries with 26 offices worldwide, StepStone’s presence attracts a powerful network of LPs and GPs, granting it distinctive views on every aspect of the private markets.

FEATURE
The Future of Venture Capital with Anthony Giambrone and Stephen West (Ep.68)

The Future of Venture Capital with Anthony Giambrone and Stephen West (Ep.68)

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Want to know how venture capital is reshaping the future? Join us as we explore this dynamic landscape with industry experts.

Robert Curtiss, CFP®, sits down with Stephen West and Anthony Giambrone from StepStone to demystify venture capital. They explore how this dynamic sector, historically the reserve of institutions, is becoming more accessible. Discover how venture opportunities can diversify your portfolio and how the VC landscape has transformed over the past decade.  

Top takeaways include:

  • Difference between Private Equity and Venture Capital and why VC matters [04:58]
  • Today’s VC landscape and the democratization of investment accessibility [12:38]
  • Insights into innovative sectors like AI and aerospace [15:06]
  • Real-world examples of tech advancements reshaping industries [18:21]

Resources:

Connect with Anthony Giambrone and Stephen West:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guests:

Mr. Giambrone is a member of the private equity team, focusing on venture capital and growth equity investments.

Prior to joining StepStone, Mr. Giambrone was a principal with Greenspring Associates, a venture capital and growth equity investment firm that merged with StepStone in 2021. Previously, he was a senior associate at Mercato Partners, a leading growth-stage, venture capital fund based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Before that, he was an investment banking analyst with Deloitte Corporate Finance (formerly McColl Partners).

Mr. West is a member of the private equity team, focusing on venture capital and growth equity investments.

Prior to StepStone, Mr. West was a member of the research team at Greenspring Associates, a venture capital and growth equity investment firm that merged with StepStone in 2021. Prior to that, Mr. West was a technology investment associate at JMP securities focused on cybersecurity and an associate management consultant within the strategy and organization practice at Booz Allen Hamilton. Mr. West served as a human intelligence officer in the Marine Corps.

FEATURE
Unveiling Real Estate Secrets with Michael Bell (Ep.67)

Unveiling Real Estate Secrets with Michael Bell (Ep.67)

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What are the mistakes you could be making when selling your home? 

Host Robert Curtis sits down with Michael Bell, a seasoned real estate broker from Sotheby’s in Southern California and author of “Seller Mistakes: What You Were Never Told About Selling Your Home and Why It Should Matter to You.” Michael brings to light surprising insights and common pitfalls in the real estate industry that most sellers overlook. 

Top takeaways include:

  • The truth behind common real estate practices and why they might not serve your best interests [00:01:49].
  • Why interviewing multiple agents is crucial for a successful home sale [00:07:09].
  • Hidden dangers and diminishing returns of traditional tactics like open houses and real estate signs [00:15:35].
  • How negotiating agent commission could reflect your potential sale negotiations [00:13:28].
  • The importance of understanding dual agency in real estate transactions [00:27:55].

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Michael Bell:

About Our Guest:

Michael Bell is the #1 ranked residential broker with Sotheby’s International Realty – Greater Pasadena Brokerage, specializing in high-level fiduciary services for single-party seller representation and marketing to the world’s wealthiest audience. As the top 0.3% of all Sotheby’s agents in 2023, he has completed over 600 sales in his 25-year career. In addition to his role as an expert broker, Michael is a #3 Wall Street Journal Best-Selling author of Seller Mistakes and offers complimentary copies to clients and readers. He also serves as a part-time instructor at Pasadena City College and holds multiple industry designations, including GRI, CPS, and SRES.

Michael’s career path began with a BBA in Finance from Gonzaga University, progressing through roles in credit union volunteering, CMBS underwriting, and private institutional lending. After flipping homes, he founded a brokerage, later selling it to a Top 5 firm.

FEATURE
Financial Trends to Watch in 2025 with Miles Clark (Ep.66)

Financial Trends to Watch in 2025 with Miles Clark (Ep.66)

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What does the future hold for the stock market in 2025? 

Robert Curtiss chats with Miles Clark, a research analyst from Nasdaq Dorsey Wright, known for their expertise in technical analysis and momentum-based trading. Dive into the emerging financial themes of 2025 as Miles offers a glimpse into the factors impacting the market landscape, emphasizing the art of reading the ‘Weight of the Evidence’ and what that data means moving into the next quarter.

Rob and Miles discuss:

  • The significance of momentum and how winners often keep winning
  • The evolving role of small caps and the concerns about participation drying up
  • The influence of a stronger U.S. dollar on international equities and commodities
  • The importance of staying objective and focusing on long-term goals amidst market noise

Resources:

Connect with Miles Clark:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Miles Clark currently works as a Research Analyst for Nasdaq Dorsey Wright (DWA), a boutique investment advisory and asset management division of Nasdaq focused on providing quantitative strategies to Wall Street and professional money managers globally. Since 1987, DWA has been a recognized expert in relative strength and momentum through the application of Point & Figure (XO) charting, as well as a thought leader in tactical portfolio construction.

Miles joined the DWA team as an intern in 2021 and now creates technical-based analysis and client-facing research in the firm’s Daily Market Analysis segment, with more focused coverage in the communication services, industrials, and cryptocurrency spaces. Other areas of involvement to note include supplementing broad-based technical indicators and research projects and the creation of weekly media distributed to prospective clients.

FEATURE
Mastering the Art of Listening with Matt Halloran (Ep. 65)

Mastering the Art of Listening with Matt Halloran (Ep. 65)

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What happens when you truly listen? Are you truly listening or just waiting for your turn to speak?

Robert Curtiss speaks with Matt Halloran, co-founder of ProudMouth, about the art and power of listening. Matt, fresh off releasing his new book “Shut the F Up and Listen,” dives into the epidemic of loneliness and how improved listening skills can pave the way to deeper connections and understanding.

Discussion points include: 

  • The art of “Listening to Listen” and not just to respond 
  • Understanding the five types of communicators: skydivers, hang gliders, water skiers, snorkelers, and scuba divers 
  • How holding space can enhance your listening ability 
  • Practical exercises for honing your listening skills
  • The surprisingly fun eavesdropping exercise for developing a listening focus
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Matt Halloran:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Matt Halloran is a co-founder and chief relationship officer at ProudMouth, the world’s leading influence accelerator for financial advisors.

Matt is an in-demand speaker who has appeared on over 1,000 podcasts and given hundreds of speeches. He hosts ProudMouth’s Top Advisor Marketing Podcast, where he and industry leaders empower advisors to become trusted, recognized authorities.

Matt is the author of The Social Media Handbook for Financial Advisors, the first social media book for financial services. His new book, “Shut the F Up and Listen,” is also available now!

FEATURE
Elevate Your Business with Insightful Accounting and Planning Tips with Ilona and Takaya Brunner (Ep. 64)

Elevate Your Business with Insightful Accounting and Planning Tips with Ilona and Takaya Brunner (Ep. 64)

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How do you run a successful business without sacrificing your personal life?

 Many struggle to find the answers to this question…

Robert Curtiss brings on Ilona and Takaya Brunner, a dynamic CPA duo, to share their inspiring journey and unique approach to balancing work and life as business owners. They dive into how they help fellow entrepreneurs by taking the stress out of back-office tasks so business owners can focus on what truly matters. 

From building a thriving practice while enjoying family life to seamlessly managing client relationships, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable insights! 

Talking points include: 

  • Juggling Family and Business: How Ilona and Takaya manage their CPA practice alongside family life to maintain balance
  • Full-Service Client Care: Their approach to offering comprehensive support that relieves business owners from financial headaches
  • The Power of Core Values: The importance of knowing your business values and using them to drive success
  • Setting Profit Goals: Strategies for understanding personal and business finance to alleviate stress
  • And more! 

Resources:

Connect with Ilona and Takaya Brunner: 

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guests:

Ilona and Takaya Brunner have built a family-owned business that values their relationships with their children, clients, colleagues, and referral partners. They started Brunner Accounting to manage life and business on their terms. 

Ilona’s passion for serving business owners and individuals fueled her desire to open her own practice after spending 8 years in Big Four public accounting and 3 years at a local CPA firm in Burbank. Her services include tax return preparation, tax planning and consulting, IRS and state audit assistance, bookkeeping, and business management.

Takaya helps individuals and companies draw insights from their finances and data. For the last 10 years, he has used his experience as a CPA to execute initiatives with C-level executives by bridging the gap between finance, IT, development, analytics, and business operations. He specializes in helping organizations analyze their financial statements to improve their products, processes, and governance.

FEATURE
Why the Future of Financial Planning is Relationship-Focused with Mike Cy (Ep. 63)

Why the Future of Financial Planning is Relationship-Focused with Mike Cy (Ep. 63)

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As the financial world becomes increasingly interconnected, true wealth management goes beyond portfolios—it’s about clarity, relationships, and forward-thinking strategies.

Robert Curtiss and Mike Cy take us into the heart of their holistic approach to financial planning, showcasing the tools and processes that empower clients to achieve confidence in their financial futures. They uncover how cutting-edge technology and adaptability redefine wealth strategies, even in a post-COVID world, while fostering enduring, multi-generational success.

Tune in and discover how a client-first, innovation-driven approach transforms financial advisory into a tool for lasting impact!

Key topics discussed include:

  • Building aligned relationships through the Fit Process
  • Enhancing client experiences with high-tech onboarding strategies
  • Using the Sounding Board Service for proactive financial guidance
  • Simplifying complexities with the Value-Added Support Team (VAST)
  • Unlocking exclusive private market opportunities with alternative investments
  • Adapting virtual engagement tools for seamless client support
  • Creating long-lasting multi-generational financial plans
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr.:

About Our Guest:

Mike “Cy” Cajthaml Jr. has enjoyed a 14-year career in the financial services industry. Mike is a passionate and energetic leader who enjoys developing business refinement and practice management strategies and thrives on helping his clients achieve their goals.

He got his start in the industry at a large insurance marketing organization, where he consulted financial advisors across the country on product and marketing solutions for their businesses. During his time with this firm, he was introduced to Pareto Systems and began learning about the Pareto Process.

After six years of coaching and consulting advisers, Mike decided to become a financial advisor himself and built a practice with his father in Overland Park, KS. Together, they managed millions of dollars of assets and utilized various insurance-based products. Mike knew the value of creating professional contrast in an incredibly competitive marketplace and began implementing many of Pareto’s processes.

FEATURE
Precision, Performance, and People: Inside SEIA’s Process with Vince Reyes and Tony Nguyen (Ep. 62)

Precision, Performance, and People: Inside SEIA’s Process with Vince Reyes and Tony Nguyen (Ep. 62)

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As financial markets grow more complex, the difference between a good trade and a great one lies in precision, relationships, and cutting-edge tools.

Robert Curtiss welcomes Vince Reyes, Director of Trading Operations, and Tony Nguyen, Senior Trader at SEIA, to uncover the meticulous strategies behind SEIA’s trading desk. Together, they break down how high-touch execution, trusted dealer relationships, and advanced tools drive superior client outcomes—even in volatile or illiquid markets.

So, tune in as they explore SEIA’s finely tuned trading operation, revealing how their client-first approach ensures precision and performance in every trade while adapting to an ever-changing financial landscape!

Key topics discussed include:

  • Mastering high-touch trading for precision in large or illiquid orders
  • Leveraging relationships with bond dealers to obtain better execution for fixed-income trades
  • Using advanced tools like RFQ to achieve competitive pricing on ETF block trades
  • Implementing robust compliance systems, including quarterly best execution reviews and real-time trade monitoring
  • Delivering a “white-glove” client experience through tailored, relationship-driven strategies
  • Insights into evolving client needs, including increasing demand for sophisticated strategies like options trading
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

Connect with Vince Reyes:

Connect with Tony Nguyen:

About Our Guests:

Vincent Reyes, CMFC®, is the Director of Trading Operations at SEIA. Since joining SEIA in 2007, Vincent has overseen and managed all trading operations in the Century City, Pasadena, Newport Beach, Redondo Beach, and Virginia offices. Vincent previously worked as a NASDAQ Market Maker and Proprietary Trader at two major brokerage firms from 1993 to 2007. He has handled many institutional clients, including hedge funds, pensions, and mutual funds. He has also worked directly with specialists and floor brokers on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Chicago Board of Exchange (options), and other regional exchanges. Vincent is a Bloomberg Certified user and is well-versed in using many electronic trading systems.

Tony Nguyen is the Senior Trader in the SEIA Trading Department. Tony works closely with the firm’s financial advisors and portfolio managers to provide efficient trade executions in fixed-income securities. Before joining SEIA, Tony was a trader for Banc of America Securities on the institutional fixed-income desk serving the Los Angeles and San Diego regions. His clients included Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, and insurance companies.

FEATURE
How to Tap into Private Investments with Bob Long (Ep. 61)

How to Tap into Private Investments with Bob Long (Ep. 61)

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Private markets are no longer just for the financial elite—they’re now within reach of individual investors. But how do you make the most of this opportunity without missing out on serious growth?

This week on The Millionaire Next Door, Bob Long, CEO of StepStone Private Wealth, explains how innovative structures like evergreen funds are making it easier to access private equity, credit, real estate, and infrastructure. With features like seamless entry, daily asset valuation, and simplified tax reporting, these investments are transforming how investors build their portfolios.

Find out why diversifying into private markets is more important than ever as public company listings decline while learning how these investments could fuel growth, offer stable income, and protect against inflation.

Key topics discussed include:

  • The growing accessibility of private market investments for individual investors
  • Understanding the distinctions among private equity, credit, real estate, and infrastructure
  • Benefits of StepStone’s evergreen funds for seamless investing
  • Global trends shaping private infrastructure investments
  • Key considerations for accredited investors, including liquidity and advisory collaboration
  • Reasons having a financial advisor in your corner can make all the difference
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with Bob Long:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

Bob Long is the CEO of StepStone Private Wealth. Bob has three decades of experience in the private markets and has led investment teams for global firms in both the general partner and limited partner roles. He has served as the CEO of two publicly traded companies focused on expanding private market access for high-net-worth investors.

Prior to joining StepStone, Bob was the CEO of OHA Investment Corporation, a publicly traded specialty finance company. Previously, he co-founded Conversus Capital, the largest publicly traded fund of third-party private equity funds with $3 billion of AUM, and served as its CEO. Previously, Bob led Bank of America’s $7 billion strategic capital division. Early in his career, Bob served as the lead in-house counsel for a large portion of Bank of America’s Investment Banking Division and worked as a securities lawyer for a major law firm.

FEATURE
How to Protect Your Loved Ones: Special Needs Trusts Explained with April Rosenberry (Ep. 60)

How to Protect Your Loved Ones: Special Needs Trusts Explained with April Rosenberry (Ep. 60)

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As the 2026 estate tax law changes inch closer, the risk of costly financial missteps is rising for those who don’t plan ahead. 

Failing to act now could mean losing millions in taxes.

Robert Curtiss welcomes back April Rosenberry, Director of Estate, Tax, and Financial Planning, to offer valuable insights into the upcoming tax exemptions and what they really mean for estate owners.  Together, they examine why proactive estate planning is more critical than ever—especially for families with special needs beneficiaries. 

Tune in as they also explore SEIA’s unique, holistic approach, revealing how a collaborative strategy can bring peace of mind in the face of an ever-changing financial landscape.

Key topics discussed include:

  • How 2026’s estate tax law changes will reduce exemptions and why early planning is critical
  • The role of special needs trusts when it comes to protecting beneficiaries without losing access to government aid
  • SEIA’s commitment to working with legal professionals to provide tailored, stress-free estate planning
  • Why flexible trust language is vital for adapting to changing family circumstances
  • How a proactive, all-inclusive approach can secure your family’s long-term financial stability
  • And much more!

Resources:

Connect with April Rosenberry:

Connect with Robert Curtiss:

About Our Guest:

April Rosenberry has been a tax attorney for over 25 years. With Bar licenses in California and New York, April specializes in estate planning, company structuring, and litigation. She has represented banks and corporations in court, earning recognition and numerous awards.

April excels in developing departments for companies, expanding client offerings, and managing legal teams in law firms, financial institutions, and wealth advisory firms. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from CSUN in 1995, a Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in 1998, and a Master of Laws in Taxation from USD School of Law in 1999.

Recognized in Modern Luxury magazine, April has received a Trifecta Award and is designated a Five Star Professional. She contributes to scholarly articles for the American Bar Association and the ACFLS Journal, in addition to speaking engagements and pro bono work for Wills for Heroes. A member of various associations, she enjoys yoga, performing arts, and traveling with her family.

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