Mark Gatto is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of CION Investment Group, a leading manager of alternative investment solutions designed to redefine how individual investors build their portfolios and meet their long-term investment goals. CION manages CION Investment Corporation, a leading BDC listed on the NYSE (NYSE: CION), and sponsors, through CION Ares Management, CION Ares Diversified Credit Fund, a globally diversified interval fund. Mark's diverse experience ranges from executive roles at international companies to founding a specialty business consulting firm and practicing law. His leadership is characterized by a people-first mentality and a commitment to providing access to institutional-quality alternative investments for individual investors.

Have you ever wondered how the elites' investment strategies can unlock new potentials for the everyday investor? What if there was a way to democratize access to these sophisticated opportunities? Are our traditional views on stock and bond investment holding us back from financial greatness?

Mark Gatto, an experienced professional in the investment industry, breaks down the barriers to institutional-quality investments for individual investors. He shares the philosophy that led CION to pioneer access to alternative investment solutions, overcoming challenges of affordability, transparency, and accessibility. His commitment to educating financial advisors and individual investors about the dynamic landscape of alternative investments is evident as he outlines the impact of these strategies on risk management and portfolio performance. Armed with deep industry knowledge, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a football coach's leadership lessons, Mark exemplifies how embracing adversity can foster growth and solidify customer trust.

In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Mark Gatto, Co-founder and Co-CEO of CION Investment Group, about democratizing alternative investments. Mark talks about alternative investments and why they are crucial for a diversified portfolio, the various asset classes within alternative investments, how they manage risk, and the business philosophies and strategies that have made CION Investments stand out in a competitive market.

Lauren Schreyer-Merdinger is the CEO and Founder of Contract2Close, a company specializing in transaction management software for the real estate industry. With over 40 years of experience, she has become an industry leader, leveraging her extensive insights to develop cutting-edge solutions for agents and brokers. Lauren's platform, Contract2Close, focuses on streamlining operations and enhancing productivity while ensuring none of the crucial transaction details fall through the cracks. Continually evolving her offerings, she is passionate about empowering users with an easy-to-use, compliance-focused system for handling real estate transactions.

Are you tired of cumbersome, convoluted processes in real estate transactions? Do terms like mortgage contingencies and inspection reports make you cringe? And how can a software platform remedy these stress-inducing hurdles?

Lauren Schreyer-Merdinger, a seasoned real estate professional turned tech CEO, identified these pain points and created a solution with Contract2Close. She discusses her journey from buying and selling properties to crafting an indispensable tool that empowers real estate agents. Centralizing communication, automating deadlines, and making transactions Amazon-easy are just a few ways her company streamlines the complex dance of real estate deals. Reflecting on the critical role of AI and staying nimble in the face of industry changes, Lauren gives an intriguing glimpse into the software's impact on real estate transactions.

In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Lauren Schreyer-Merdinger, CEO and Founder of Contract2Close, about transforming the real estate industry through technology. Lauren talks about Contract2Close, the challenges in software development, the central hub that streamlines communication among all parties in a real estate transaction, and the potential impact of AI on compliance and the customer experience in real estate.

Cormac Murphy is the CEO of CacheTech Advisor Solutions, a pioneering company providing a single technology solution for RIAs. With a career that began at Charles Schwab in 2008, he earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and managed a $4 billion portfolio. Following his tenure as the Chief Investment Officer at Adams Wealth Advisor, Cormac now guides CacheTech in delivering scalable, quality investment and CRM technology solutions for independent financial advisors. He champions using AI to simplify data access and enhance client relationships for small to midsize RIAs.

In the ever-competitive business landscape, achieving the perfect harmony between providing sophisticated services and maintaining a personalized touch is crucial, but is it attainable? What if artificial intelligence could be the linchpin in combining high-tech capabilities with that personal flair?

FinTech expert Cormac Murphy delves into the transformative power of AI in enabling independent financial advisors to thrive. He reveals how his company is making this possible, from the firm’s inception story to its revolutionary approach in delivering scalable, institutional-quality tools to independent RIAs — without losing the personal, local feel that's essential in the financial advisory landscape. Cormac emphasizes the importance of a fully integrated ecosystem, including CRM and operations, to prevent costly miscommunications.

In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Cormac Murphy, CEO of CacheTech Advisor Solutions, about leveraging AI for financial advisory solutions. Cormac talks about CacheTech, the vision behind CAIT, the importance of understanding AI’s impact on compliance in regulated industries, and the challenges and cost-saving benefits of AI in report generation and analysis.

Jerome Myers is the Founder of Exodus, a company helping entrepreneurs navigate the eight exits of a founder. A former engineer turned award-winning business strategist, Jerome has led multimillion-dollar operations and now focuses on advising across diverse sectors, guiding leaders from the corporate world to successful entrepreneurship. He is known for his deep understanding of human behavior and strategic approaches to business growth, work-life harmony, and charitable efforts.

Jerome is also a general partner in the multifamily real estate portfolio and lends his strategic acumen to the North Carolina Agricultural Technical State University entrepreneurship advisory board, driving entrepreneurial progress.

What if you could plan a graceful exit from your business that ensures your legacy and opens up new horizons for personal fulfillment? How can you pivot from the identity of a successful business owner to a life of impact and meaning? And is it necessary for every entrepreneur to have an exit strategy?

Jerome Myers, a thought leader on the “founder’s exit paradox”, dives into crafting a thoughtful and successful exit strategy for entrepreneurs. He highlights the psychological and emotional layers of the exit process, emphasizing the importance of nourishing oneself post-exit, evaluating new avenues, exploring fresh opportunities, and ultimately transcending to the next milestone. His framework prepares entrepreneurs for potential liquidity events and fosters growth in personal identity outside the business.

In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Jerome Myers, Founder of Exodus, about exploring the right path to exit and transition. Jerome shares his unique approach to helping entrepreneurs transition from the corporate world, the eight-step journey for guiding founders toward fulfilling exits, the importance of self-image and relationships in achieving business success, and the four-step NEXT process for figuring out what comes after business success.

Dan Trommater is a captivating magician and keynote speaker renowned for his ability to challenge assumptions and inspire fresh perspectives. With over two decades of experience, he has graced over 1000 events, including a TEDx talk. Drawing on his 25 years as a magician, Dan seamlessly blends illusion with motivational messaging to empower clients to unlock their potential. He attributes his passion for magic to its power to invoke wonder, which he harnesses to facilitate change and creativity. His approaches have positively influenced executives and teams, propelling them toward unimagined possibilities.

Imagine witnessing a feat you know is impossible, yet it unfolds right before your eyes. What if this moment of wonder could unlock the potential for innovation and growth? Could the sheer power of belief transform impossibility into a springboard for creativity?

Magician Dan Trommater shares his journey, illustrating how his passion for magic became an influential tool in business leadership and growth. Through the art of illusion, he challenges his audience's assumptions and sparks new ways of thinking. His ability to inspire wonder entertains and fosters an environment where out-of-the-box ideas thrive. Through his storytelling and a remarkable understanding of human cognition, Dan provokes thought and equips business leaders to find unprecedented solutions to their challenges.

In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Dan Trommater, a renowned magician and keynote speaker, about incorporating magic into professional development. Dan explains how he uses magic beyond entertainment to create a powerful communication tool, techniques for opening people's minds to new ideas and challenging preconceived notions, and innovative thinking approaches to discover multiple solutions to presumed insolvable problems.

Denis Konoplev is the CEO of Munin AI, a company at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to empower financial advisors. With over a decade of experience in entrepreneurial ventures, he has a track record of successful startups in various sectors. A non-technologist with a keen eye for applying innovative solutions to real-world business problems, Denis is on a mission to provide financial advisors with AI-powered tools that enhance client relationships and improve service quality. As a leader who values customer-centric approaches, he is known for his ability to adapt and evolve alongside emerging technologies.

Have you ever wondered how the role of a financial advisor could evolve with the integration of cutting-edge technology? What if the typical advisor-client interaction was augmented by a layer of intelligent, real-time assistance that could recall every detail and opportunity from past conversations? Could this be the missing link that transforms financial advice from a service to an experience?

Serial entrepreneur Denis Konoplev delves into how his innovative AI-powered platform is helping financial advisors provide a supercharged experience to their clients. He shares insights on how these technologies can serve as augmented reality for client servicing, offering advisors a heads-up display filled with contextual and relevant information. He counteracts the fears of AI replacing human roles by reiterating the value of emotional and nuanced human guidance in client relationships. Denis also explores the future where AI personalizes client interactions beyond the current technologies.

In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Denis Konoplev, CEO of Munin AI, about transforming the everyday responsibilities of financial advisors through AI. Denis talks about the inspiration behind starting Munin AI and the problem it aims to solve, the superpowers of AI in the financial advising industry, how Munin AI captures client interactions in real-time without disrupting conversation flow, and the core concepts of applying AI to improve customer experience.

David Crow is the President of Axos Clearing, a full-service clearing firm focused on the success of broker-dealers and registered investment advisors. At Axos Clearing, he prioritizes understanding unique client challenges to tailor effective solutions, enabling business leaders to anticipate future challenges and opportunities. With a 25-year career spanning various financial service roles and his forward-looking guidance, David specializes in optimizing scale and transforming organizations. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and participates actively in SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association), the Financial Services Institute, and the Chicago Bond Club.

Have you ever wondered what makes a successful business tick? What if the key lies in truly understanding your customers and anticipating their needs before even they are aware of them?

David Crow, an expert in the financial services industry, explores the intricacies of the financial services industry and the crucial role of customizing solutions for client success. He offers a glimpse into his leadership journey and the core strategies that have enabled Axos Clearing to stand out in the competitive landscape. With a heavy focus on listening to clients and crafting tailored solutions, David highlights the organization's efforts in integrating banking and securities for seamless financial experiences. His narrative also touches upon the importance of people and relationships in business — the very fabric that binds a company's internal culture to its external success.

In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews David Crow, President of Axos Clearing, about transforming the financial service experience. David delves into the significance of listening, cultural values, and technological adoption in driving growth and improving customer-centricity in the financial services industry.

Justin Bolmgren is the Chief Process Maestro at William Joseph Capital Management, an SEC-registered investment advisor. In his role, Justin specializes in streamlining operations for independent financial advisors. He is a seasoned financial planning professional with over two decades of experience in the financial services industry. His expertise lies in advice tech, automation, and the application of artificial intelligence, serving as a strategic adviser to fintech startups. With his deep understanding of the advisory business, Justin actively works towards enhancing efficiency and client engagement through innovative processes and technologies.

Are you curious about the intersection of financial planning, customer success, and AI? How does an SEC-registered firm help its advisors and clients navigate the complexities of retirement planning with cutting-edge technology?

Financial planning expert Justin Bolmgren dives into advisory efficiency, customer-centric strategies, and leveraging technological advancements. Reflecting on how AI is transforming the advisory landscape, Justin explores the significant risks of AI systems and technology's evolving role in enhancing customer relationship management efficiency. He shares his advocacy for technology-assisted processes and the human touch in financial planning, highlighting the current and future impact of AI and machine learning on wealth management.

In this episode of The Customer Wins, Richard Walker interviews Justin Bolmgren, Chief Process Maestro at William Joseph Capital Management, about enhancing advisory services with AI-driven tools. Justin talks about the impact of AI tools on efficiency in financial advisory services, the concerns and fears about adopting AI in finance, and how to mitigate liability with AI-driven technologies in the advisory industry.