The Alternative Investor

Brad Johnson
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The Alternative Investor is a show about investing money outside of the stock market (private equity, real estate, venture capital, etc.) where the returns are typically higher but the investment decisions are less straightforward. Join Brad Johnson from Evergreen Capital as he discusses investing in alternative assets to help you make better decisions with your investment portfolio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. MAR 5

    The Truth Behind The Financial Advisor Industry

    In this episode, Brad Johnson explains how the financial advice industry actually works behind the scenes. He breaks down how most advisors are paid, where conflicts of interest can appear, and why many portfolios still rely on outdated strategies like the traditional 60/40 stock and bond allocation. Brad also shares how Evergreen Capital approaches investing differently, with a focus on income-producing assets, private markets, and fee structures designed to better align incentives with clients. Book a Call https://zpr.io/xiRBGeUg5g6q Evergreen Capital info@evergreencap.com Connect with Brad Johnson https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyjohnson/ Key topics: • Why most financial advisors rely on the traditional 60/40 stock and bond portfolio • The biggest problem with the standard assets under management (AUM) fee model • How uncapped advisory fees can grow dramatically over time • Where hidden fees and commissions still exist in the financial advice industry • The difference between fiduciary advisors and broker-dealers • Why many advisors avoid private market investments and alternatives • How incentives shape the advice clients receive • The risks of relying on the 4% withdrawal rule in retirement • Why income-producing portfolios may be a better fit for many entrepreneurs and business owners • How AI is beginning to disrupt the traditional financial planning model Timestamps: 00:10 - How do you differentiate between financial advisors? 01:08 - What’s wrong with the financial advisor business model today? 02:40 - How is your company different from other financial advisors? 03:37 - How do financial advisors get paid? Which payment models do you like and which do you find problematic? 06:11 - Where are financial advisors hiding fees in their contracts? 07:04 - How can clients go about identifying fees their current advisor is hiding? 07:58 - Fiduciaries are typically safer, but is knowing they’re a fiduciary enough? 08:49 - In your opinion, many advisors operate in outdated ways. How so? 11:32 - What is the root of the problem? Why do advisors use outdated strategies? 14:01 - What other conflicts of interest do you see in the most common advisor models? 15:40 - How can clients differentiate between recommendations that are strategy based versus incentive based (favor the advisor)? 17:19 - What questions should clients ask their current financial advisors in their next meeting after having watched this interview? 19:55 - How does your investment philosophy effect the strategies you employ for your clients? 20:58 - What are the most common poor fitting recommendations you see wealthy families pushed into? Why do those pitches work? 23:02 - When should wealthy families consider switching from their traditional advisor, to one with a more customized approach? 24:01 - Do you believe traditional financial advisors are an enemy to wealth generation? 30:08 - What patterns should clients learn to identify in financial advice, that will help them safeguard their wealth? 32:20 - Closing thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min

  2. FEB 22

    Bill Ackman’s $1 Billion Sale (GP Stakes Case Study)

    In this episode, Brad Johnson breaks down the recent news of Bill Ackman selling 10% of his hedge fund, Pershing Square, highlighting the strategic reasons behind this move and its implications for GP stakes investing. Discover the key differences between investing in hedge funds and private equity firms and what this means for investors. GP Stakes Research: https://www.evergreencap.com/gp-stakes-investing Evergreen Capital: info@evergreencap.com Connect with Brad Johnson https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradleyjohnson/ Key topics - 5-10 bullets:Why Bill Ackman sold 10% of Pershing Square for about $1 billion, valuing the fund at $10 billionAckman's growth plans with a potential $25 billion fund aimed at retail investorsThe significance of valuation multiples: private equity vs hedge fundsThe importance of a fund's longevity, team stability, and strategy diversity in private equityRisks associated with minority stakes in hedge funds due to key man risk and firm dependenceComparison of private equity and hedge fund structures for minority investmentsHow Ackman's move exemplifies strategic growth and capital deployment in alternative investmentsWhy private equity firms tend to be more stable and less vulnerable than hedge fundsWhat this case reveals about the evolving GP stakes market and investor considerationsBrad’s perspective on Ackman’s future success with this strategic sale Timestamps: 00:00 - Bill Ackman’s $1 billion stake sale explained 00:23 - Why hedge fund minority stakes can signal growth, not decline 00:44 - Ackman’s ambitious plans with new funds and growth strategy 01:03 - Valuation implications: what a 10% stake says about Pershing Square 01:56 - How private equity valuations compare with hedge fund multiples 02:21 - The significance of fund longevity and team stability in private equity 02:46 - Risks of investing in hedge fund minority interests 03:23 - Differences between hedge fund and private equity structures 03:46 - The stability and resilience of private equity firms 04:05 - The vulnerabilities of hedge funds in minority stakes 04:57 - Why private equity is a more reliable investment space 06:27 - Final thoughts: Ackman’s future and what this means for GP stakes investing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    7 min

  3. FEB 3

    $0 to $11K/Month Passive Income: Why Doctors Love Real Estate

    In This Episode, You’ll Learn:The Wake-Up Call: Why a surgeon’s salary wasn't enough to solve financial burnout.The Hybrid Approach: How to balance index funds with high-yield real estate.The First Deal: A breakdown of Jordan’s first duplex and his 10% cash-on-cash target.Tax Alpha: How his wife’s "Real Estate Professional Status" (REPS) supercharged their wealth.Scaling Secrets: Moving from one property to a portfolio that produces $11k/month in cash flow.Avoid the "Doctor Trap": The 3 biggest mistakes physicians make when investing in alternatives. Resources Mentioned:The Prudent Plastic Surgeon: prudentplasticsurgeon.comStrategy Call with Evergreen: Book HereThe Alternative Investor Newsletter: Join HereEmail Jordan: jordan@prudentplasticsurgeon.comConnect with Brad Johnson:Website: evergreencapital.com Chapters:00:00 – Why financial freedom matters for doctors03:09 – Index funds vs. Real Estate: The hybrid strategy04:10 – Breaking down the first duplex deal06:51 – Systems, automation, and team building10:26 – Replacing clinical income with passive cash flow23:25 – Common mistakes doctors make in alternative assets30:49 – The emotional impact of recurring investment income Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min

  4. JAN 17

    Are You Outgrowing Your Financial Advisor?

    Sign up to access our deal flow: https://altinvestor.beehiiv.com/ To speak with our team: info@evergreencap.com This episode challenges the common belief that family offices are only for billionaires, explaining how wealth management should evolve as income and complexity increase. It emphasizes the importance of treating personal finances like an operating system, focusing on after-tax cash flow, and integrating alternative investments for better tax efficiency and cash flow management. The discussion highlights the limitations of traditional financial advice and the benefits of a family office approach, which includes private equity, real estate, and private credit to solve problems that public markets and retirement accounts do not address effectively. Keywordsfamily offices, wealth management, alternative investments, tax efficiency, cash flow, private equity, real estate, financial advice, operating system, personal balance sheet TakeawaysFamily offices aren't just for billionaires.Traditional advice often stops working as wealth grows.Focus on after-tax cash flow, not just retirement accounts.Integrate private investments for better tax efficiency.Treat personal finances like an operating system.Ask how capital should be deployed for maximum returns.Consider alternative investments for predictable income.Avoid unnecessary ordinary income tax.Coordinate investments, taxes, and liquidity.Build a system, not just a portfolio.Title OptionsRethinking Wealth: Beyond Billionaire Family OfficesTransforming Personal Finance into an Operating SystemThe Hidden Costs of Traditional Financial AdviceUnlocking the Power of Alternative InvestmentsFamily Office Strategies for Everyday InvestorsMaximizing Returns with Tax EfficiencyBeyond ETFs: A New Approach to WealthThe Family Office Mindset: Not Just for the Ultra-RichBuilding Wealth with Private InvestmentsFrom Retail Advice to Family Office ThinkingSound bitesFamily offices aren't just for billionaires. Traditional advice stops working as wealth grows. Focus on after-tax cash flow. Integrate private investments for efficiency. Treat finances like an operating system. Maximize returns with strategic capital deployment. Predictable income through alternative investments. Avoid unnecessary ordinary income tax. Coordinate investments, taxes, and liquidity. Build a system, not just a portfolio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    6 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    The Real Reason Wealthy Investors Love Real Estate (It’s Not Cash Flow)

    Apply for a Strategy Call with Evergreen: https://bit.ly/4pqK1Kk The discussion delves into how the ultra-wealthy leverage real estate investments to generate significant paper losses, which in turn compound their wealth and reduce taxes. The conversation highlights the impact of the new tax bill, allowing accelerated depreciation, and emphasizes the strategic importance of choosing the right property types to maximize tax advantages. The long-term strategy of using real estate as a major asset class for tax benefits is explored, showcasing how the tax code rewards ownership of productive assets. Keywordsreal estate, tax strategy, ultra-wealthy, depreciation, tax bill, property investment, paper losses, wealth compounding, tax advantages, productive assets TakeawaysThe ultra wealthy buy real estate for the tax losses.Large paper losses compound wealth and reduce taxes.The new tax bill allows accelerated depreciation.Federal and state taxes can be significantly reduced.Depreciation is a key concern for the wealthy.Think of depreciation as a consistent tax strategy.Real estate is a long-term strategy for the wealthy.Choosing the right property types is crucial.Real estate is the only major asset class for tax benefits.The tax code rewards owning productive assets.Sound bitesThe ultra wealthy buy real estate for tax losses. Large paper losses compound wealth. Accelerate everything 15 years or less. A $500,000 paper loss can translate. Depreciation is a consistent tax strategy. The wealthy use real estate for tax benefits. Maximize tax advantages with the right property. Real estate shows a loss, reduces taxes. The tax code rewards owning productive assets. Real estate is the only major asset class. Chapters00:00:08 Introduction to Real Estate and Taxes00:01:09 Impact of the New Tax Bill00:03:22 Federal and State Tax Reduction00:04:23 Depreciation as a Strategy00:05:40 Long-Term Real Estate Strategy00:07:06 Choosing the Right Property Types00:08:31 Real Estate as a Major Asset Class00:08:48 Tax Code and Productive Assets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 min

  6. 12/13/2025

    Why Most First-Time Funds Fail And How GP Seeding Changes the Odds | Bridger Pennington

    In this episode, Brad Johnson sits down with Bridger Pennington, founder of FundLaunch and FundLaunch Partners, to break down why most first-time funds struggle and how GP seeding is reshaping the private markets. Bridger shares how his firm reviews more than 1,200 emerging manager applications a year, why micro-funds can outperform larger peers, and how GP stakes combined with operational support create asymmetric upside. The conversation also dives into FundLaunch AI, a new platform designed to cut fund formation timelines from months to days. What You’ll Learn Why most first-time funds fail before they ever scaleHow GP seeding works and why institutions are increasingly focused on itThe difference between institutional GP stakes and micro-fund seedingHow FundLaunch filters 1,200 managers down to roughly 10 investmentsWhy niche strategies outperform at smaller fund sizesHow tranche-based capital and option-like structures reduce downside riskWhy no-fee, no-carry GP economics matter for long-term compoundingWhat institutional investors actually look for in Fund II and Fund IIIHow FundLaunch AI aims to replace expensive early-stage legal and structuring workWhy ownership and private markets matter in today’s economic cycle Key Topics Discussed GP seeding and GP stakesEmerging and first-time fund managersMicro funds vs institutional fundsPrivate equity, private credit, real estate, and niche strategiesFund formation, compliance, and back-office infrastructureAI and software in private fund creationLong-term compounding through GP economics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min

  7. 11/23/2025

    Richard Wilson: How Billionaires Structure Deals

    In this episode, we sit down with Richard Wilson, founder of the Family Office Club, to pull back the curtain on how the ultra-wealthy manage, protect, and grow their fortunes. With a community representing over $14 trillion in assets, Richard shares insider strategies that go far beyond standard wealth management. We dive deep into the "Billionaire" playbook for deal structuring—explaining why the wealthiest investors care less about fees and more about custom terms like warrants and gross revenue royalties. Richard also reveals how family offices are leveraging Artificial Intelligence to automate due diligence, acting as a "second brain" to process deals faster and more deeply. Whether you are an investor looking to start your own family office, or a sponsor seeking to raise capital from them, this episode provides a rare look into the operational and investment tactics of the super-rich. Evergreen Capital: www.evergreencap.com info@evergreencap.com Family Office Club: FamilyOffices.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min

  8. 11/16/2025

    How the Ultra-Wealthy Are Investing Right Now

    www.evergreencap.com info@evergreencap.com In this episode of "The CIO Brief," Brad Johnson, Managing Director and CIO of Evergreen Capital, delves into the complexities of the current economic landscape. From the lessons learned from legendary figures like Jamie Dimon to the evolving attitudes towards cryptocurrency, Brad offers insights into market trends and investment strategies. Join us as we explore the intricacies of family office investments, the impact of geopolitical concerns, and the future of digital currencies. Whether you're an investor or simply curious about the financial world, this episode provides valuable perspectives on navigating today's economic challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    13 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
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About

The Alternative Investor is a show about investing money outside of the stock market (private equity, real estate, venture capital, etc.) where the returns are typically higher but the investment decisions are less straightforward. Join Brad Johnson from Evergreen Capital as he discusses investing in alternative assets to help you make better decisions with your investment portfolio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Brad Johnson
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Evergreen Capital
  • Show Website
    The Alternative Investor

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