Guardians of Finance Podcast

Guardians of Finance Episode 36

Brad Knapp, CFA, CAIA, President and CEO of Clearstead

Today we’re joined by Brad Knapp, CFA, CAIA, President and CEO of Clearstead. Brad began his career in banking, then moved into wealth management at Hawthorn right as the Global Financial Crisis was unfolding. From there, he’s played a key role in the evolution from Hartland to Clearstead, as the firm expanded from its institutional roots into a major presence in private wealth.

We’re going to talk about those early experiences, what ultimately drew him into private wealth management, how Clearstead has changed along the way, and his involvement with the CFA Society of Cleveland. We’ll also get into some of the boards and nonprofits he supports here in Northeast Ohio.

Connect with Brad here:

Brad Knapp LinkedIn 

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 35

Brendan Anderson, Founder & Managing Partner of ScaleCo Capital

Today we’re joined by Brendan Anderson, Founder & Managing Partner of ScaleCo Capital. We kick things off with his jump from banking to buying his first company as we dig into what gave him the courage to make the move and how he made that first deal happen. From there, Brendan breaks down what ScaleCo looks for and how they partner with “lifestyle businesses” to professionalize and grow them without losing the owner’s DNA. We also dig into why, for many entrepreneurs, buying a business can be a smarter on-ramp than starting from scratch. And yes, we wrap with the story behind the T-shirt he owns but can never wear. Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Brendan Anderson.

Connect with Brendan here:

Brendan Anderson LinkedIn 

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 33

David MacGregor, CFA on the History of the Investment Industry in Cleveland (Part 3)

In part three of our special series on the history of Cleveland’s investment industry, we're joined by David MacGregor, CFA, co-founder and President of Longbow Research. David first came to Cleveland in the 1990s as a sell-side analyst, and in the early 2000s, he co-founded Longbow Research. Over the past two decades, he's led the firm through multiple market cycles, keeping it independent and steadily growing its presence in the industry. In this episode, David shares what it's like running a sell-side research firm in Cleveland, the big changes he's seen in the financial world, and how Longbow has managed to attract and keep great talent, even during turbulent times. Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode with David MacGregor. Connect with David here:

David MacGregor LinkedIn 

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 34

Greg Halter, CFA, Director of Research at Carnegie Investment Counsel

Today, we’re sitting down with Greg Halter, CFA, Director of Research at Carnegie Investment Counsel. Greg’s path through the financial planning side of the business, his formative experience at the Federal Reserve, and his unique insights into Cleveland’s evolving investment landscape give us a lot to unpack.

We talk about why the planning side of finance caught his attention, what he saw behind the scenes at the Fed, and the impact of working at Great Lakes Review. We also cover how Carnegie is approaching the rising tide of AI in investment research—an especially timely topic. Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode with Greg Halter.  Connect with Greg here:

Greg Halter LinkedIn 

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 32

Scott Roulston on the History of the Investment Industry in Cleveland (Part 2)

In part two of our special series on the history of Cleveland’s investment industry, we sit down with Scott Roulston, former CEO of Roulston & Co. Scott’s family has played a central role in Cleveland’s investment industry for more than 50 years, and he shares personal insights from his own journey, including becoming CEO at a young age and making the bold decision in the late 1990s to shift the firm away from sell-side research toward personalized wealth management. Today, Scott serves on several influential boards and joins us to share stories, lessons learned, and valuable perspectives from his experience balancing family legacy, strategic change, and innovation. Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode with Scott Roulston. Connect with Scott here:

Scott Roulston LinkedIn 

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 30

Ryan McGovern – Managing Director at Star Mountain Capital

In this episode, we're joined by Ryan McGovern, Managing Director at Star Mountain Capital. Originally from the West Coast, Ryan's educational and career journey took him around the world before he eventually landed in Cleveland, where he has now lived for over a decade. Ryan has extensive expertise in private markets, having transitioned early in his career from public market investing to private equity and credit. We dive into his professional path, discuss how the private markets landscape has evolved, and explore the areas Star Mountain Capital focuses on for its investments. Thanks for listening—we hope you enjoy our conversation with Ryan McGovern. Connect with Ryan here: 

Ryan McGovern LinkedIn 

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 31

Nancy Benacci, CFA on the History of the Investment Industry in Cleveland (Part 1)

In this episode, we begin our series diving into Cleveland's investment history—where it's been, how it's evolved, and the influential figures who've shaped it. I'm thrilled to kick off this series by sitting down with a true industry pioneer, Nancy Benacci. Nancy has built a distinguished career here in Cleveland, witnessing firsthand the transformation of the investment landscape over the decades. We'll dive into her journey, discuss her pivotal role throughout the years, and gain valuable insights into the driving forces behind the evolution of our vibrant investment community. Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode with Nancy Benacci. Connect with Nancy here:

Nancy Benacci LinkedIn 

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 29

Craig Cimoroni, CFA – Head of Business Development and Investor Relations at Elizabeth Park Capital Management

In this episode, we talk with Craig Cimoroni, Head of Business Development and Investor Relations at Elizabeth Park Capital Management. Craig was born and raised on the east side of Cleveland and returned to the area immediately following college. He's worked for several well-known companies in Northeast Ohio and is very active in his local community and with the CFA Society Cleveland, where he is a past President. We dive into all of these experiences and more during the podcast. Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy the episode with Craig Cimoroni. Connect with Craig here: 

Craig Cimaroni LinkedIn 

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 28

Andrew Rising & Mike Nieset – Encore Venture Labs

In this episode, we talk with Andrew Rising & Mike Nieset of Encore Venture Labs.  Both Andrew and Mike were born and raised in NE Ohio before exploring other parts of the US and then brought their experiences back to Cleveland.  We talk about these experiences and what led them back to Cleveland as well as what they are doing at Encore Venture Labs in this wide-ranging but informative conversation about venture capital and startups.  Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Andrew Rising & Mike Nieset. Connect with Andrew and Mike here: 

Andrew Rising LinkedIn 

Mike Nieset LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 27

Nick Raich, CFA – Founder & CEO of The Earnings Scout

In this episode, we talk with Nick Raich, Founder & CEO at The Earnings Scout.  Nick was born and raised in Youngstown before his career journey took him to Chicago and then back to NE Ohio where he now lives on the west side of Cleveland.  After working for several large organizations, he founded The Earnings Scout in 2013, using his background in analyzing publicly traded companies to help his clients navigate company earnings and different economic environments.  Nick talks about his motivation for starting his own company, the potential impact of AI on analyzing companies, and much more.  Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode with Nick Raich. Connect with Nick here: 

Nick Raich LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 26

Michael Murphy – Co-Founder & CEO at Cleveland Professional Soccer

In this episode, we talk with Michael Murphy, Co-Founder and CEO of Cleveland Professional Soccer. Michael is a St. Ignatius graduate and has lived in several different parts of the country before returning to Cleveland. He has a wide range of experiences, from law to the military and even film production. We discuss his connection to Cleveland, his winding journey to his current role in sports business, and go in-depth as to why Cleveland is ready for professional women's soccer.  Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy the episode with Michael Murphy. Connect with Michael here: 

Michael Murphy LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 25

Andrew Newsome - Director at the Ohio Minority Business Development Agency, where he specializes in Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships

In this episode, we talk with Andrew Newsome, Director at the Ohio Minority Business Development Agency, where he specializes in Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships.  Andrew grew up in Seattle and lived in several different parts of the country before putting roots down here in Cleveland.  He has a wide range of experiences, from management consulting to operations, venture capital, and even lemonade stand management.  Andrew talks to us about some of the skills and knowledge he's acquired in those roles and how he uses those to help small businesses in his current role.  Thanks for listening, and we hope you enjoy the episode with Andrew Newsome.  Connect with Joe here: 

Andrew Newsome LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 24

Joe Koster – Editor of "Value Investing World" and Founder & Co-Owner of Sorfis Investments

In this episode, we talk with Joe Koster, Founder & Co-Owner of Sorfis Investments.  If you're a fan of Berkshire Hathaway or Buffet/Munger investment disciple, you may know Joe from his poplar Substack newsletter Value Investing World.  What you may not know is that Joe resides right here in NE Ohio.  After being born and raised here, Joe moved to the Carolinas where he lived through college and early in his career before returning.  We talk with Joe about the origins of his Substack newsletter, how he integrates security selection into portfolios as a registered investment advisor, and some of his favorite golf courses in the area.  Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Joe Koster. Connect with Joe here: 

Joe Koster LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 23

George Mateyo – Chief Investment Officer at KeyBank

In this episode, we talk with George Mateyo, Chief Investment Officer at the KeyBank.  George has worked for several prominent organizations in the NE Ohio investment community and he shares his career journey with us.  George also talks about his background and expertise in implementing alternative assets into portfolios as well as Key's current market outlook.  Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with George Mateyo.  Connect with George here: 

George Mateyo LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 21

Russell Moenich – Executive Chairman & Investment Analyst at North Beach Holdings, LLC

In this episode, we talk with Russell Moenich, Executive Chairman & Investment Analyst at North Beach Holdings, LLC.  Russell is a lifelong Clevelander, a Buffet/Munger disciple, and an extreme sports enthusiast.  We dive into all of those interests and more in this conversation that starts with a lawn care business and ends with mentions of the 1995 Cleveland Grand Prix.  Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Russell Moenich. Connect with Russell here: 

Russell Moenich LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 22

Tony Gattuso – Senior Director, Investments at the Cleveland Foundation

In this episode, we talk with Tony Gattuso, Senior Director, Investments at the Cleveland Foundation.  The Cleveland Foundation is one of Cleveland's most prominent foundations and has a long and storied history.  Tony takes us through his career path, what he sees as the benefits of having an in-house investment function, and the origins of his nickname (one of the best we've heard on the podcast).  Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Tony Gattuso. Connect with Tony here: 

Tony Gattuso LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 20

Matt Rodak – CEO and Founder of Upright, formerly Fund that Flip

In this episode, we talk with Matt Rodak, CEO and Founder of Upright.  Upright, formerly Fund that Flip, is a technology platform used to invest in and obtain loans for renovating residential real estate.  Matt was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and it's where he discovered his passion for real estate investing.  Despite living somewhere else now, we talk about his still strong connection to Cleveland, leaving his career path to start a business, and why sleep is classified as a hobby.  Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Matt Rodak. Connect with Matt here: 

Matt Rodak LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 19

Lauren Rich Fine, CFA – Senior Managing Director at Gries Financial

In this episode, we talk with Lauren Rich Fine, CFA and Senior Managing Director at Greis Financial.  Lauren has a long a disguised career in financial services that took her to Wall Street for a time before she returned to her roots here in Cleveland.  Lauren is also a woman of many passions outside of the workplace.  We talk about challenges early in her career and why she moved back to Cleveland as well as her passion for the arts, service on numerous non-profit boards, and much more in this wide-ranging conversation.  Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Lauren Rich Fine. Connect with Lauren here: 

Lauren Rich Fine LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 18

Meet the Board Series with Cara Wood, CFA, CAIA & Suzana Vujasin, CFA, CAIA

We continue our Meet the Board Series with Cara Wood, CFA, CAIA and Suzana Vujasin, CFA, CAIA.  Cara currently serves as Committee Chair for the Women's Committee while Suzana serves a Treasurer for the Board.  We talk with both of them about their backgrounds and roles on the Board.  Have you ever wondered which CFA Cleveland Board member was once on Oprah and which one is the likely winner of a spelling bee?  Listen in and find out on this episode with Cara Wood and Suzana Vujasin. 

Connect with Cara & Suzana here: 

Cara Wood LinkedIn

Suzana Vujasin LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 17

Michael McKeown, CFA, CPA - Chief Investment Officer at Marcum Wealth

In this episode, we talk with Michael McKeown, CFA, CPA and Chief Investment Officer at Marcum Wealth.  If you've been involved in the CFA Society Cleveland over the past few years, you probably know Mike as he was formerly Society President and has always been very active in the community.  What you may not know is Mike's story.  How he got started in the businesses and how he became Chief Investment Officer of one of Cleveland's most prominent registered investment advisers.  We talk with Mike about his professional background, other organizations he's involved with, and a couple of his personal passions.  Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Mike McKeown. Connect with Mike here: 

Michael McKeown LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 16

Ezra Stark, CEO of Stark Enterprises

In this episode, we talk with Ezra Stark, CEO of Stark Enterprises.  Stark and Ezra have been and continue to be involved in many well-known real estate properties in NE Ohio and have also been expanding outside of Ohio.  After growing up on the east side, Ezra went to college and lived in Boston and New York before coming back to Cleveland.  We talk with Ezra about his background, Stark's involvement in properties around Cleveland, and his passion for Cleveland sports.  Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Ezra Stark.  Connect with Ezra here: 

Ezra Stark LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 15

Dave Fulton, CFA, Co-Chair and CEO of Clearstead

In this episode, we talk with Dave Fulton, CFA, Co-Chair and CEO of Clearstead.  Dave has a long and distinguished career in Northeast Ohio.  We talk about his career progression and work at both big and small firms around Cleveland, we go into detail about Clearstead's past, present and future, and also dive into Dave's personal life passions where he stays active on multiple fronts.  Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Dave Fulton.  Connect with Dave here: 

Dave Fulton LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 14

Brad Wheeler, President of Shaker Investments

In this episode, we talk with Brad Wheeler, President of Shaker Investments.  Brad has had a long and distinguished career on both the sell-side and buy-side with some notable firms in Northeast Ohio.  We talk with Brad about his experiences in both segments of the investment management business, how he transitioned from analytical roles early in his career to more client-facing positions and we even talk about explaining American football to his former clients in the UK.  Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Brad Wheeler. Connect with Brad here: 

Brad Wheeler LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 12

Meet the Board Series with Cindy Nace & Jon Dominy

This is the first episode in a series where we talk with the leadership of CFA Cleveland.  We start by talking to CFA Cleveland's full-time Executive Director Cindy Nace as well as CFA Cleveland's current President, Jon Dominy.  In his professional life outside of CFA Cleveland Jon is a Vice President with Alliance Bernstein.  We talk with Cindy & Jon about their backgrounds and current responsibilities for CFA Cleveland.  Also, we get their thoughts on what is going on at the CFA Institute and what challenges our society faces over the next 12-18 months.  Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Cindy Nace and Jon Dominy. Connect with Cindy & Jon here: 

Cindy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-nace-5843b4a3/ 

Jon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-dominy-cfa/ 

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 13

Meet the Board Series with Sam Wass & Colby Krahe

This is the second episode in a series where we talk with the leadership of CFA Cleveland.  We talk today with Sam Wass, Career Services Chair, and Colby Krahe, Membership Chair.  In their professional life outside of CFA Cleveland Sam is an Investment Analyst at RIK Enterprises and Colby is and Institutional Investment Advisor with PNC Institutional Asset Management.  We talk with Sam & Colby about their backgrounds and current responsibilities for CFA Cleveland and also stumble upon an interesting parallel in their backgrounds that the listeners should reach out and thank them for.  Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Sam Wass and Colby Krahe. Connect with Sam & Colby here: 

Sam Wass LinkedIn

Colby Krahe LinkedIn

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 11

Matt Schlarb, CFA, Senior Director of Investor Relations at RPM International

In this episode, we talk with Matt Schlarb, CFA, Senior Director of Investor Relations at RPM International.  Matt has lived and worked all over the world before coming back to Ohio where he grew up and settling in Cleveland.  We talk with Matt about his experiences living abroad as well as his career path to Investor Relations, and about his involvement in a local organization that promotes French culture in Northeast Ohio. Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Matt Schlarb. Connect with Matt here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewschlarb/ 

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Episode 10

Yoel Mayerfeld, Co-CEO of Chase Properties Ltd.

In this episode, we talk with Yoel Mayerfeld, Co-CEO of Chase Properties Ltd.  Yoel has a fascinating career path that started with him working through a temp agency to get his first job on Wall Street in New York City.  He then worked his way up a derivatives trading desk before he and his family relocated to Cleveland work in a private real estate investment firm.    We talk with Yoel about his journey, some of his mentors, and about what has been happening in real estate over the past couple of years. Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Yoel Mayerfeld. Connect with Yoel here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoelmay/ 

Listen Here 

Guardians of Finance Podcast Episode 9

Rich Veres, CFA, Co-founder; President of Highland Consulting Associates

In this episode, we talk with Rich Veres, CFA, Co-founder & President of Highland Consulting Associates. Rich has a long and distinguished career in institutional investment consulting and has been a well-known figure in the NE Ohio investment community for quite some time. We talk to Rich about his journey from Akron to founding Highland, we dive into some of the changes he's seen in investment consulting, and how balancing business and family life is important to Rich. Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Rich Veres. Connect with Rich here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-veres-32a09713/

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Podcast Episode 8

Brent Zimmerman, CEO & Co-founder of Saucy Brew Works

In this episode, we talk with Brent Zimmerman, CEO & Co-founder Saucy Brew Works. While on the surface CEO of Saucy Brew Works might not seem like a title of someone with a background in financial services, Brent tells us his story of how he began his business endeavors a provider of liquidity starting at age 8 and then he takes us through his career in buy-side investing, running a hedge fund, and eventually starting Saucy Brew Works while also using his financial analysis skills to do actively participate in NE Ohio’s real estate market. Connect with Brent here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentzimmerman11/

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Podcast Episode 7

Danielle Williams, CFA, Managing Director and Equity Portfolio Manager at Wellington Management

In this episode, we talk with Danielle Williams, CFA, Managing Director and Equity Portfolio Manager at Wellington Management.  Danielle grew up in Cleveland before college and her career took her to the east coast where she now lives.  In this conversation, Danielle talks about how her work in credit underwriting and passion for deep research prepared her well for a career in buy-side investing as well as her passion for travel and how her kids became interested financial markets. Connect with Danielle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-williams-cfa-0a9835/ 

Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Podcast Episode 6
Fred Cummings, President & Founder of Elizabeth Park Capital Management
In this episode, we talk with Fred Cummings, President & Founder of Elizabeth Park Capital Management. Fred is a passionate supporter of everything NE Ohio. He grew up in Akron, went to Oberlin College where he played football, started his career at some well-known Cleveland firms and even named his current firm after a place close his childhood home. In this conversation, we touch on many topics in Fred's background and, given his expertise as a bank analyst, we get his thoughts on the recent turmoil in regional banks. Connect with Fred here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredcummings-epcm/
Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Podcast Episode 5
Ryan Ruggaard talks investing in investing from childhood, navigating the Chicago investment scene, and taking over the family business
In this episode, we talk with Ryan Ruggaard, Director of Research at Ruggaard & Associates. Ryan has a fascinating background that has taken him from Hudson, to SW Ohio, and to Chicago with many trips and stops along the way. While Ryan is lives in Chicago, he maintains strong personal and professional connections to Cleveland. He has a wide range of hobbies and experiences and he shares some of the best ones in today's conversation. Connect with Ryan here:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanruggaard/
Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Podcast Episode 4
Dan Bandi, CFA and Chief Investment Officer at Integrity Asset Management
In this episode, we talk to Dan Bandi, CFA and Chief Investment Officer at Integrity Asset Management.  Dan’s story begins in Pittsburgh and takes him across the country before he settled here in Cleveland and helped build a successful buy-side investment firm.  We discuss Dan’s journey as well as many other topics such as the investment decision Dan’s son still holds against him.  Connect with Dan here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-bandi-1b162311/
Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Podcast Episode 3
Richard Barone talks Washington DC in the 1960s, his views on inflation, and stories from decades of investing
In this episode, we talk to Richard Barone, Chairman of Arch Eagle Family Office. We discuss Richard growing up in South Euclid, his experiences in Washington D.C. in the 1960s, his views on inflation, and the many investment firms he's been involved with in Cleveland. Richard has had personal interactions with many well-known investors and he shares stories of those interactions. We also talk about his personal passions including his famous red sauce and his collection of porcelain art.
Listen Here

Guardians of Finance Podcast Episode 2

Corrie Menary talks leaving banking for private equity, starting a family while advancing her career, and her passion for public education

Guardians of Finance Podcast Episode 1

Ben Mackovak talks starting multiple investment firms, investors who shaped his philosophy, and joking with Jim Cramer