SMART MONEY. SIMPLIFIED.

Brent Mekosh

Welcome to Smart. Money. Simplified with Brent Mekosh from The Wealth Stewards. In this podcast, Brent discusses some of the most important and interesting topics of the day as they relate to finance, the economy, and beyond. The information covered and posted represents the views and opinions of the guest and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of The Wealth Stewards or Concurrent Investment Advisors. The Content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified financial service provider with any questions you may have regarding your investment planning.

  1. 04/30/2025

    Navigating Volatile Markets: A Conversation with Vince Lorusso (Ep. 110)

    What’s the future of ETFs in a transforming global economy? Join Brent Mekosh as he welcomes Vince Lorusso, the president and CEO of Clough Capital Partners, to explore the shifting landscapes of ETFs and financial markets. Delve into Vince’s personal industry journey, the evolution of Clough Capital, and his insights on dynamic market changes. Unravel the complexities of ETF management and discover how advanced strategies like hedged equity can safeguard investments in uncertain times. Vince discusses: Navigating market cycles and their impact on investment strategies The advantages of using ETFs in active management Insights into the tax efficiency of ETFs and their implications for investors Strategies for managing diversified, long-short portfolios And more Connect with Brent Mekosh: 602-255-0555 LinkedIn: Brent Mekosh The Wealth Stewards Connect With Vince Lorusso: LinkedIn: Vince Lorusso Clough Capital About Our Guest: Vince Lorusso has been in the investment industry for over 25 years, including a prior tenure with Clough Capital from 2004 to 2020, when he served as a Research Analyst, Portfolio Manager & Partner. Prior to rejoining Clough Capital in 2023, Vince had been the President, CEO, and Portfolio Manager of Changebridge Capital, LLC. Changebridge was co-founded by Vince in 2020 to provide actively managed strategies to investors in the ETF structure. Those ETFs are now advised by Clough Capital, with Vince remaining as Portfolio Manager of the ETFs, a role he has served since the inception of the two strategies. Prior to joining Clough Capital, Vince held several roles from 1998 to 2004 at Natixis Asset Management, including Investor Representative, Project Manager, and Senior Investment Consultant.

  2. 04/23/2025

    Why the Smartest Families Invest Differently with Eric Knauss. (Ep.109)

    Are traditional investment strategies enough to secure a future? Join Brent Mekosh as he sits down with Eric Knauss, Chief Investment Officer at Proteus, a seasoned advisor with over 40 years of experience in major firms like Merrill Lynch and T. Rowe Price. They delve into the nuances of private equity, real estate, and hedge funds, emphasizing their potential to enhance and stabilize financial portfolios. Eric discusses: The benefits of private investment exposure [00:10:20] Understanding the family wealth preservation [00:11:52] Innovations in private market accessibility [00:21:34] Proteus’ role in democratizing investments [00:30:52] And more Connect with Brent Mekosh: 602-255-0555 LinkedIn: Brent Mekosh The Wealth Stewards Connect with Eric Knauss: LinkedIn: Eric  Knauss Proteus About Our Guest: Eric Knauss is the President and Chief Investment Officer at Proteus. He oversees Proteus’ overall direction, strategy, and operations, including all aspects of investment management from sourcing and selection to due diligence and monitoring. Mr. Knauss is also the lead on managing the Proteus Model Portfolios and Pools. With more than 40 years of experience in the investment management industry, Mr. Knauss began his career at Merrill Lynch and went on to hold leadership roles at T. Rowe Price, GenSpring Family Office, Lazard Wealth Management, and Sight Capital Advisors. Over the course of his career, Mr. Knauss has managed the asset allocation, portfolio construction and portfolio management of large family office and institutional investors on a discretionary basis and has successfully led the creation of two, de novo open architecture wealth advisory practices. He has significant experience in conducting investment manager due diligence and created one of the first after-tax performance reporting systems in the industry.

  3. 04/09/2025

    Making Private Jet Travel Work for You with Brent Wouters (Ep.107)

    What makes private aviation more accessible and appealing today than ever before?   Join host Brent Mekosh and special guest Brent Wouters, CEO of JetLinx, as they navigate the skies of private aviation in this episode of Smart Money Simplified. They dive deep into the world of private jets, exploring everything from the unmatched convenience of bypassing TSA lines to the strategic benefits of fractional jet ownership. Brent discusses: The rise of fractional jet ownership and its accessibility to a wider audience (00:10:12) The economic benefits and challenges of owning versus chartering aircraft (00:18:57) How JetLinks manages a diverse fleet offering custom solutions for every need (00:22:31) The evolving role of AI in optimizing flight operations and logistics (00:30:53) And more Connect With Brent Wouters: LinkedIn: Brent Wouters Jet Linx Connect with Brent Mekosh: 602-255-0555 LinkedIn: Brent Mekosh The Wealth Stewards About Our Guest: Mr. Wouters is a CEO who specializes in transforming underperforming private equity portfolio companies into high-growth, extremely profitable industry leaders. Mr. Wouters possesses deep experience in aviation, automotive, manufacturing, and distribution. With his diverse expertise in sales, marketing, engineering, finance, accounting, risk management, and regulation, Mr. Wouters overhauls and grows underperforming businesses that require brand, technology, channel, product, and financial transformation. Brent Wouters transforms and grows companies using a combination of high-touch human interaction and high-efficiency technological innovation to build a Culture of Belief. Mr. Wouters has completed very successful growth transformations in vertical industries including aircraft manufacturing, hybrid electric luxury automobile manufacturing, adventure outdoor equipment, industrial goods, data centers, and other complex global industries.

  4. 04/02/2025

    Navigating Life’s Twists: The Path to Elite Wealth Stewardship with Ryan Reming (Ep.106)

    What does it take to build a successful financial advisory career from the ground up while navigating life’s unpredictabilities and decisions? Join Brent Mekosh as he sits down with Ryan Reming, an elite advisor and associate partner at The Wealth Stewards. Ryan shares his journey from his early economics studies through the volatility post-financial crisis, to becoming a key player at The Wealth Stewards.  By tuning in, you’ll discover how Ryan transitioned through various roles and challenges, explaining why a personalized, client-first approach profoundly shapes one’s career and client relationships. Key Discussion Points: Ryan’s unexpected entry into finance and how a health scare shaped his career path [00:02:00]  Pivoting in his career after an unmet succession plan and the importance of aligning personal values with professional goals [00:06:00]  The transition from broker-dealer to RIA and how building a team culture enriched his professional life [00:11:00]  Insights about technology’s evolving role in finance and how AI is reshaping client services [00:17:00]  Ryan’s perspective on true financial planning versus traditional investment approaches [00:22:00]  And more! Connect with Brent Mekosh: 602-255-0555 LinkedIn: Brent Mekosh The Wealth Stewards Connect with Ryan Reming: LinkedIn: Ryan Reming ryan.reming@tws.finance About Our Guest: With over a decade of experience as a trusted personal CFO, Ryan helps successful families manage their wealth, define their goals, and craft customized wealth strategies to support their long-term security. His expertise covers various life transitions, including business sales, retirement, purchasing dream homes, navigating the loss of loved ones, preparing children for affluence, and fostering community impact. As lead advisor and associate partner, Ryan is integral to The Wealth Stewards’ operations, helping to enhance efficiency and improve the client experience. Actively involved in investment due diligence, he evaluates strategies to ensure they align with client objectives and the firm’s high standards. As part of the Investment and Marketing committees, he also collaborates with team members to strengthen investment strategies, messaging, and outreach. Ryan’s dedication to wealth stewardship is rooted in hard work, integrity, and compassion — values instilled by his parents and grandparents. He finds the greatest fulfillment in building deep, meaningful relationships with the families he serves. By working with a select group of clients, he can truly understand their unique aspirations and help align their wealth with a greater purpose, maximizing personal fulfillment. A Phoenix native, Ryan earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Arizona State University. Now settled in his hometown with his wife and daughter, he cherishes family time. Outside of work, he enjoys playing and watching sports, expanding his extensive record collection, and attending concerts.

  5. 03/26/2025

    Tariffs, Trade & Trump: Canada vs. the U.S. with Kim GC Moody (Ep.105)

    How is Canada’s approach to tariffs shaping its economic landscape? Join Brent Mekosh on Smart Money Simplified as he unpacks the complexities of tariffs and trade between the US and Canada with renowned Canadian tax expert Kim Moody, founder of Moody’s Private Client. Dive into a conversation brimming with insights, from the chaotic effects of tariff policies to political shifts in Canada and their implications for the future of North American trade.  Brent and Kim discuss: The impact of US-Canada tariffs on businesses [00:01:45] Canada’s political climate and its effects on international trade [00:05:14] The future of energy policies in Canada [00:16:40] Tax reform possibilities under different political leaderships [00:28:24] Media’s role in shaping public perception [00:41:40] And more Resources: Tariffs are a tax and the impact will be broader than just higher prices at the checkout counter by Kim Moody (Financial Post) Connect with Kim Moody: LinkedIn: Kim Moody Moody’s Private Client Connect with Brent Mekosh: 602-255-0555 LinkedIn: Brent Mekosh The Wealth Stewards About Our Guest:  The antithesis of the status quo, Kim is driven to innovate new and better ways to do things for the clients he serves, the advancement of the firm, and other professionals in tax. His relentless obsession with knowing everything in the Tax Act makes him a highly sought-after resource for peers and clients. In March 2020, Kim published his first book, Making Life Less Taxing: Pay Attention To Your Taxes So You Can Pay Less Tax and Build a Strong, Smarter Canada – an Amazon bestseller in a number of categories.

  6. 03/19/2025

    Beyond the Basics: Cutting-Edge Strategies for Portfolio Growth & Risk Control with Joe Cortese. (Ep.104)

    What makes some financial advisors stand out from the pack? It’s time to discover a unique approach to investment management and portfolio construction. Join Brent Mekosh as he teams up with Joe Cortese from Fiducient Advisors to discuss mastering risk management and improving investment strategies. They share lessons learned, how to incorporate AI in financial advising, forward-thinking insights, and actionable advice. Key discussion points include: Risk management strategies and unexpected market downturns [00:01:01] Fiducient’s unique approach to portfolio construction and diversification [00:06:10] The role of active and passive management in today’s financial markets [00:22:16] The rising importance of alternative investments and AI integration [00:28:41] Key differences that separate top financial teams from the rest [00:36:42] And so much more! Connect with Brent Mekosh: 602-255-0555 LinkedIn: Brent Mekosh The Wealth Stewards Connect with Joe Cortese:  LinkedIn: Joe Cortese Fiducient Advisors About Our Guest: Joe Cortese joined Fiducient Advisors in 2008. He provides investment consulting services to other financial advisory firms as one of the leaders of Fiducient Advisors’ Financial Institutions practice. Joe also provides consulting services to family offices, high net worth individuals and nonprofit organizations. He gives advice and expertise on all facets of effective investment program design including establishing investment objectives, asset allocation and portfolio design, investment research and due diligence and overall practice management. Prior to joining the firm, Joe worked for Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth Management Office and as a Managing Director for an investment management firm implementing a value-focused, long/short equity strategy based on University of Chicago Booth research. Joe earned his MBA with concentrations in Analytic Finance and Accounting from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BBA with a Certification in Entrepreneurial Management from the University of Iowa. Joe is a former member of UNICEF’s NextGen Junior Board and the University of Iowa’s J.P.E.C. Alumni Board, as well as Co-Founder of the Hawkeye Business Development Group of Chicago. Joe is currently serving as President of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business Alumni Club of Chicago and as an elected member of River Forest School District 90 Board of Education.

  7. 03/12/2025

    Why High Achievers Feel Empty & What They Can Do About It with Andy Maurer (Ep.103)

    What does it truly mean to pursue wholeness as a leader?  This week, Brent Mekosh chats with Andy Maurer, a leadership dynamics and emotional well-being professional. Discover how reconciling high performance with emotional connection can transform leadership and personal fulfillment. Brent and Andy also unravel the complexities of leadership isolation and the importance of emotional maturity. They explore how past trauma can impact present success and why many successful leaders still feel empty.  Andy Maurer shares insights from his innovative work merging therapy and executive coaching to help leaders achieve true wholeness. Gain insight as this episode covers: The hidden toll of leadership isolation [00:01:00] Merging therapy with leadership coaching [00:04:30] The paradox of depression and leadership [00:08:00] Identifying and embracing emotional neglect [00:11:00] Breaking free from performance-based identity [00:25:30] Understanding and overcoming self-sabotage [00:29:30] And more! Previous Episodes of Interest: Leadership Lessons with Coach Matthew Mitchell (Ep. 89) Rethinking What Leadership Means with Geoff Hudson-Searle & Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch (Ep. 71) Mastery In The Air, Leadership On The Ground: Ron Higgs Takes Flight (Ep. 42) The Leadership Advantage: Proven Techniques for Creating a Culture of Success with Mark Herbert (Ep. 41) Connect with Brent Mekosh: 602-255-0555 LinkedIn: Brent Mekosh The Wealth Stewards Connect With Andy Maurer: LinkedIn: Andy Maurer Pursue Whole About Our Guest: As a former therapist, Andy has combined cutting-edge neuroscience and performance research with executive coaching to develop the Pursue Whole® Coaching Model. His unique framework offers clarity, relief, and growth to high-pressure leaders facing emotional, relational, and mental challenges. Andy is deeply passionate about helping leaders discover their unique identity and purpose, transforming the way they approach life, leadership, and relationships.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Smart. Money. Simplified with Brent Mekosh from The Wealth Stewards. In this podcast, Brent discusses some of the most important and interesting topics of the day as they relate to finance, the economy, and beyond. The information covered and posted represents the views and opinions of the guest and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of The Wealth Stewards or Concurrent Investment Advisors. The Content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional investing advice. Always seek the advice of your financial advisor or other qualified financial service provider with any questions you may have regarding your investment planning.