Podcast

On this episode of Counting Capital, we are joined by Alex Chaloff, Chief Investment Officer at Bernstein Private Wealth Management, who explains how his firm helps clients build diversified portfolios that balance liquidity, income, stability, and long-term growth. The conversation focuses on alternatives, especially private credit, illustrating how the asset class has grown; what risks come with illiquidity and reduced transparency; and why today’s environment may create opportunity for disciplined investors. Also explored are wealth transfer, client education, market volatility, and career advice, with Alex emphasizing long-term thinking and how embracing AI can differentiate candidates.

On this episode of Counting Capital, we talk with estate-planning attorney and Albrecht & Barney partner Anson Cain about how proactive planning can help families manage wealth transfer, taxes, philanthropy, and legacy goals. He explains core estate documents, advanced trust strategies, and California-specific issues like property tax changes and out-of-state trust planning. The conversation also covers family communication, trustee selection, flexibility tools like trust protectors, and why getting organized early can reduce conflict and preserve more wealth for the next generation.

On this episode of Counting Capital, JLL Capital Markets Director Makenna Peter shares her background, role, and journey as an emerging young leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She and host Robert Brunswick dive into the dynamics of the Southern California industrial market, covering asset tiers, tariffs, cap rates, supply demand shifts, and how institutional capital is currently underwriting risk and targeting returns. Robert and Makenna also share perspectives on work ethic, generational stereotypes, mentorship, and practical advice for young professionals on showing up, adding value, and continuously learning to build a durable career in real estate and alternative investments.

On this episode of Counting Capital, we speak with Paul Westhead, CEO of Rimrock Capital Management, about his firm's approach to multi-sector fixed income investing. We explore how Rimrock utilizes a customized ratings-agnostic philosophy emphasizing capital preservation through a disciplined risk-reward analysis. We also examine Paul's background as the son of legendary basketball coach Paul Westhead, his career journey through PIMCO and Oaktree and his commitment to building a collaborative "one rope team" culture at his employee-owned firm.

On this episode of Counting Capital, we are joined by special guest Dr. Komal Sri-Kumar of Sri-Kumar Global Strategies. We explore why Dr. Sri-Kumar is critical of the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate and its politically influenced rate decisions and discuss his investment outlook relating to cautious asset allocation, favoring alternatives and real estate while warning of risks in AI and inequitable fiscal policy.

On this episode of Counting Capital, we are joined by Trevor Schuesler, Executive Vice President at Buchanan Street Partners. We explore the democratization of alternative investments and how alternative assets like real estate, private credit, and private equity have become accessible to a broader range of investors beyond just large institutions. We discuss how modern portfolio construction has evolved from the traditional 60/40 stock-bond allocation to include alternatives, in the search for better risk-adjusted returns. We examine key considerations for alternative investment selection, including manager evaluation, understanding what drives performance, the risks of mark-to-market pricing in private assets, and why real estate often serves as a foundational alternative investment due to its combination of equity-like returns, bond-like cash flows, and tax advantages.

On this episode of Counting Capital, Buchanan Street Partners Chairman Robert Brunswick is joined by Spencer Levy, Chief Strategist and Economic Advisor at CBRE, for a wide-ranging discussion on the shifting real estate landscape. Levy explains that the market has moved back to the future from a financialized, cap rate–driven era to an operator’s market where value creation hinges on active, experience-focused asset management across both traditional and alternative property types. He shares his investment outlook, favoring supplyconstrained disfavored markets, liveworkplay submarkets, and niche sectors like buildtorent, industrial outdoor storage, and manufactured housing, while emphasizing communication skills, preparation, and client understanding as keys to long-term success in real estate.

On this episode of Counting Capital, Buchanan Street Partners Chairman Robert Brunswick is joined by Newport Beach Mayor Joe Stapleton, who shares how his passion for leadership and community service was shaped by his upbringing, mentors, and a life-changing experience at the Boston Marathon. Together, they explore Stapleton’s journey from financial advisor to civic leader, the economic drivers and budget of Newport Beach, and his vision for building a lasting legacy through responsible governance and community engagement.

On this episode of Counting Capital, Buchanan Street Partners Chairman Robert Brunswick is joined by Jeff Berman, General Partner at Camber Creek, to discuss the intersection of real estate, venture capital and technology. Our guest Jeffrey Berman shares insights on how Camber Creek leverages technology to drive efficiency and value in real estate assets. The conversation also delves into Camber Creek's investment strategy, emphasizing a disciplined approach to selecting companies that not only benefit their real estate partners but also have the potential to deliver strong venture returns.

On this episode of Counting Capital, Buchanan Street Partners Chairman Robert Brunswick is joined by Charles Byerly, President and CEO of Westport Properties, and Feerooz Yacoobi, Senior Vice President of Buchanan’s self-storage business. Together, they explore the evolution of self-storage as an institutional-grade asset class, its user base, and the industry's outlook for 2025. The conversation examines elements such as the correlation between self-storage demand and housing market dynamics, investment appeal, and the current competitive leasing environment.

On this episode of Counting Capital, Buchanan Street Partners Chairman Robert Brunswick is joined by Co-Founder, President and CEO Timothy Ballard. Together, they review the evolution of the real estate investment industry over the past 35 years and explore how the real estate market has transformed from a "wild, wild West" with limited institutional capital to a sophisticated, data-driven sector. The conversation highlights Buchanan Street Partners' entrepreneurial approach, their shift towards high net worth and family office investors, and their perspective on real estate investment opportunities in 2025.

On this episode of Counting Capital, Buchanan Street Partners Chairman Robert Brunswick is joined by Bob Cluck, Chairman of Canterbury Consulting. They discuss his extensive experience in the investment consulting industry, including the journey from Kidder Peabody to founding Canterbury Consulting in 1988, where he now oversees approximately $40 billion in assets under management. The conversation also highlights the differences between managing investments for endowments and foundations versus high-net-worth individuals, emphasizing the unique objectives and challenges each client type presents.