Month: July 2025

Generational Investments featuring CIO Steve Kolano (Ep. 2)

Generational Investments featuring CIO Steve Kolano (Ep. 2)

There’s a quiet revolution reshaping how investors build wealth—and it’s not about chasing headlines or hype.

Why are fewer companies going public, and what does that mean for you? What’s really happening under the surface in private credit and equity markets?

In this episode, Rex Berger, Private Wealth Advisor of Generation Capital Advisors, sits down with Steve Kolano, Chief Investment Officer at Integrated Partners, to break down the realities of public versus private investing, why simplification beats complexity, and how private markets are evolving. Together, they unpack what it takes to construct portfolios designed to last for generations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why most alpha should come from tax and estate planning rather than trying to beat the market [00:10:14]
  • How their “core and explore” philosophy balances efficient index investing with selectively vetted alternatives [00:13:20]
  • The dramatic drop in publicly listed companies since 2000 and the resulting rise of private market opportunities [00:14:40]
  • How market conditions and rising interest rates are forcing private equity firms to focus on long-term operational value over quick exits [00:19:38]
  • The importance of manager selection and due diligence in navigating the private credit and equity space [00:22:00]
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with Rex Berger: 

Connect with Steve Kolano: 

About Our Guest: 

Steve Kolano brings a deep passion for both financial markets and people to his role, ensuring that every investment strategy he oversees is custom-built to align with each client’s personal vision of success.

He understands that financial markets are complex, dynamic systems, constantly adapting and evolving. People are no different. Each investor carries unique beliefs, perspectives, and goals that shift over time.

Steve’s mission is rooted in understanding the individual first. What drives them? What informs their decision-making? What is their “why”? By uncovering these insights, Steve crafts investment portfolios that are not only tailored to the person but also integrated with their broader financial plans and strategies.

Throughout his career, Steve has come to embrace a critical truth: there is no magic bullet in investing. No secret formula. No one-size-fits-all portfolio.

What sets Steve apart is his process, beginning with a deep understanding of the client and then applying the art and science of investing in pursuit of their specific goals.

In the end, Steve believes the closest thing to a magic bullet in investing is a well-designed, disciplined plan—and the commitment to stick with it.

Democratizing the Family Office Approach: GCA’s Vision for Modern Advice (Ep. 1)

Democratizing the Family Office Approach: GCA’s Vision for Modern Advice (Ep. 1)

What’s the real secret to building and managing significant wealth?

Dive into the inaugural episode of the G360 Wealth Podcast with Sam Diarbakerly, Founder of Generation Capital Advisors, as we uncover what sets Generation Capital Advisors apart. Joined by Matt Ackerman, Chief Brand Officer at Integrate Partners, Sam shares his vision and the passion driving his team from being a modern, holistic wealth management firm to acting as an outsourced CFO for ultra-high-net-worth clients. 

Sam and Matt discuss: 

  • The five distinct pillars of wealth management that guide Generation Capital’s approach [00:01:02]
  • Innovative strategies for cross-generational wealth education and empowerment [00:06:56]
  • Using technology and personalized service to deliver a world-class client experience [00:13:57]
  • A proactive approach to financial education, breaking the “money silence” for future generations [00:21:02]
  • And more

Connect with Sam Diarbakerly: 

Connect With Matt Ackermann:

About Our Guest: 

Matt Ackerman supports Integrated Partners’ growth by creating content that enlightens, informs, and entertains. He’s passionate about shining a spotlight on the incredible advisors and thought leaders at Integrated, using blogs, podcasts, and multimedia to showcase their talent in meaningful ways.

Known for bringing creativity and energy to every role, Matt has always considered himself lucky to have “the fun job.” Throughout his career, he’s used storytelling to highlight the outstanding work of financial advisors across the country—sometimes coloring inside the lines, and other times boldly stepping outside them.

With more than 20 years of experience in wealth management media, Matt joined Integrated in 2020 after serving as director of multimedia at InvestmentNews, where he earned 15 ASPBE awards for digital content creation. His work included Practice Makeover, a reality series aimed at helping advisors revamp their businesses, and a documentary on impact investing that premiered at the United Nations in 2019. Prior to that, he held roles at Financial Planning, American Banker, and the New Jersey Law Journal, where he was named “Rookie of the Year” by the New Jersey Press Association in 1997.