The Agent of Wealth

Marc Bautis

Welcome to The Agent of Wealth Podcast with Marc Bautis from Bautis Financial. In this podcast, Marc helps small business owners and retirees overcome the multiple wealth planning challenges involved in your financial life. We do this by creating comprehensive wealth management plans to guide you towards financial freedom, ensure you never run out of money and help create a balance in life that prioritizes what is most important to you. Join us for this journey as Marc draws from years of expertise and guest experts to solve the multiple wealth planning issues involved in your financial life.

  1. 12H AGO

    Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath

    What if the best way to solve problems… is to stop them from happening in the first place? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, the Bautis Financial team discusses another book in their Book Club series: Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen by Dan Heath. Through real-world examples and insights from the book, the team explores why organizations often get stuck reacting to problems instead of preventing them — and what it takes to shift toward upstream thinking. In this episode, we discuss: Why many problems persist due to the “diffusion of responsibility” — and how assigning clear ownership is critical to preventing recurring issues.How “tunneling” keeps individuals and organizations stuck in reactive mode, constantly solving urgent problems without addressing the root causes upstream.Why changing outcomes often requires redesigning systems — not just asking people within those systems to work harder or behave differently.How identifying leverage points, early warning signals and meaningful metrics can help organizations detect problems sooner and measure whether prevention efforts are truly working.And more!Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on how upstream thinking can lead to better decision-making, stronger systems and fewer crises — whether you’re running a business, managing a team or simply trying to improve processes in your everyday life. Resources:  Episode Transcript & Blog | Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

    30 min
  2. FEB 27

    When Success Becomes Fragile: The Hidden Risks Inside Growth With Eugene Theodore

    What happens when systems designed to succeed are actually built to fail? In today’s episode, we explore why growth-at-all-costs can undermine even the most well-intentioned organizations. In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, co-host John Williams is joined by Eugene Theodore, strategist, former photojournalist, and author of Built to Collapse, to uncover the hidden forces shaping modern business, innovation, and leadership. In this episode, you will learn: Why hard work alone isn’t enough — and how the systems around us often determine success or failure.How innovation and growth can backfire when metrics and incentives aren’t aligned with long-term sustainability.The risks of adopting technology trends, like AI, without considering systemic consequences.Three guiding principles — be of service, be sustainable, be of significance — that can help individuals and organizations thrive.And more!Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the unseen pressures in business, the consequences of short-term thinking, and practical insights for creating lasting impact in your work and life. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | eugenetheodore.com | Built to Collapse | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

    44 min
  3. FEB 13

    Inside Mobile Home Park Investing With Leo Young

    Affordable housing. Durable cash flow. And an asset class that historically outperformed during recessions. In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, co-host John Williams is joined by Leo Young, Founder and Managing Partner of Cornell Communities, a real estate investment firm focused on acquiring and operating manufactured housing communities across the United States. With experience spanning more than $75 million in transactions — and a career path that includes working at Tesla and on the acquisitions team of a $4.5 billion private equity fund — Leo shares why he chose a niche many investors overlook: mobile home parks. He explains how this asset class blends affordability, impact and strong risk-adjusted returns, and why it may deserve a closer look in today’s volatile market. In this episode, you will learn: Why manufactured housing communities often perform well during recessions.How the business model works.What makes this asset class attractive for passive investors.How Leo’s background as a first-generation immigrant shaped his money beliefs, risk tolerance and entrepreneurial drive.And more!Tune in for a deep dive into the economics of manufactured housing, insights on private equity-style real estate investing, and a powerful conversation about resilience, opportunity and building wealth with purpose. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | cornellcommunities.com | LinkedIn: Leo Young | Instagram: @leoyoungrealestate | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

    26 min
  4. JAN 30

    The Human Touch in a Tech-Driven Banking World With Walt Postlewait

    Do you really need a banker in an era of digital banking, AI, and one-click financial tools? And if so, what kind of banker actually makes a difference for your business? In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, host Marc Bautis is joined by Walt Postlewait, a longtime banking and credit risk leader with more than 20 years of experience in commercial lending, financial innovation, and access to capital. Walt is the Co-Founder of Portfolio Watch and Chief Credit Officer at MStreetX, and over his career he has helped deploy more than $600 million to support small businesses, real estate, and economic development. Together, Marc and Walt unpack the evolving role of bankers, why relationships still matter in lending, and how community banks continue to play a critical role for business owners — even in an increasingly digital world. In this episode, you will learn: Why small business owners still need a banker — and why that relationship should be built long before you need a loan.The key differences between community banks, national banks, and digital platforms, and where each one has an edge.How community banks evaluate loans differently, including why local decision-making and business context can change outcomes.How technology and AI are improving the lending process, from fraud detection to smarter loan monitoring after funding.What business owners should focus on to work on their business, not just in it, and why strategic thinking impacts long-term value.And more!Tune in for a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how lending decisions are really made, why relationships still matter in finance, and how business owners can position themselves for smarter, more flexible access to capital — even as banking continues to evolve. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | Walt Postlewait on LinkedIn | Portfolio Watch on LinkedIn | portfoliowatch.co | Email: walt@portfoliowatch.co | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

    32 min
  5. JAN 23

    The AI Scam Wave: Deepfakes, Voice Clones, and Your Bank Account With Robert Siciliano

    As wealth transfers across generations, cybercriminals are positioning themselves to intercept it. In this episode of The Agent of Wealth, host Marc Bautis is joined by Robert Siciliano, one of the nation’s most trusted authorities on cybersecurity, identity theft, and fraud prevention. Robert is a private investigator, Certified Speaking Professional, bestselling author, and the creator of The Strategic Human Firewall™. You’ve likely seen him on CNN, MSNBC, Fox, or The Today Show, helping millions understand how cybercriminals think — and how to stay one step ahead of them. Together, Marc and Robert explore why affluent families are increasingly targeted by fraudsters, how denial and misplaced trust make people vulnerable, and why AI-driven scams like deepfake voices and impersonation are changing the threat landscape entirely. In this episode, you will learn: Why “It won’t happen to me” is one of the most dangerous mindsets in cybersecurity — and how denial quietly increases risk.Why affluent families and older generations are prime targets right now.How modern scams actually work, including wrong-number texts, romance scams, and long-game trust-building tactics.What practical steps can be taken to reduce risk immediately.The role adult children and trusted advisors play in protecting aging parents without taking away independence.And more!Tune in for a candid, eye-opening conversation about why situational awareness — not paranoia — is the new baseline for protecting wealth, identity, and family legacy in a digital world. Resources: Episode Transcript & Blog | protectnowllc.com | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 | Schedule an Introductory Call Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

    37 min
  6. JAN 16

    How Investment Fees Work With John Williams, CFP®

    Paying investment fees is normal. Not knowing what you’re paying isn’t. Research shows that many investors underestimate — or completely overlook — the true cost of investing, with more than 20% believing they pay no fees at all. In this episode of The Agent of Wealth Podcast, co-host John Williams, CFP®, breaks down the often-misunderstood world of investment fees. He explains the different ways fees show up, where to find them, and how to evaluate whether the value you’re receiving truly justifies the cost. In this episode, you will learn: The three primary types of investment fees — expense ratios, advisory fees, and trading costs — and how each one works.Why expense ratios apply regardless of where your investments are held and how they can vary widely by fund type.How advisory fees differ based on the level of service, from investment management to comprehensive financial planning.Practical steps to identify what you’re actually paying, including how to review statements and ask the right questions.How to assess whether your fees align with the value you’re receiving, including expertise, time savings, peace of mind, and performance.Why understanding fees is essential to making confident, informed financial decisions.And more!Tune in for a clear, honest conversation about investment fees. Resources:  Episode Transcript & Blog | Schedule an Introductory Call | Bautis Financial: 8 Hillside Ave, Suite LL1 Montclair, New Jersey 07042 (862) 205-5000 Want to be a guest on The Agent of Wealth? Send Marc Bautis a message on PodMatch, here: https://tinyurl.com/mt4z6ywc

    18 min
5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Agent of Wealth Podcast with Marc Bautis from Bautis Financial. In this podcast, Marc helps small business owners and retirees overcome the multiple wealth planning challenges involved in your financial life. We do this by creating comprehensive wealth management plans to guide you towards financial freedom, ensure you never run out of money and help create a balance in life that prioritizes what is most important to you. Join us for this journey as Marc draws from years of expertise and guest experts to solve the multiple wealth planning issues involved in your financial life.

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