The Truth About Wealth

John Parise and Michael Parise

Being a successful CFO starts with asking yourself questions that will give your family a better life now and for generations to come. In this podcast, financial professionals John and Michael, from Copper Beech Financial Group, guide you through eye-opening questions to help you discover the truth about your wealth.

  • 30 minutes 52 seconds
    The New Rules of Investing: Eric Fuhrman’s Take on Markets, Rates & Sectors (Ep. 140)

    Markets are moving on more than just fundamentals. 

    Michael Parise sits down with Eric Fuhrman of City National Rochdale to talk about investing in a world driven by tariffs, tax law changes, and shifting Fed policy. Eric shares how CNR’s high-net-worth clients benefit from customized, multi-asset strategies that adjust for both long-term goals and short-term volatility.

    You’ll learn why they’re staying market-neutral for now, what sectors look resilient, and how demographic trends and global policy shape opportunities in the U.S. and abroad.

    What you’ll take away:

    • How policy changes are moving markets today
    • Why financials and technology stand out right now
    • The case for staying U.S.-focused, at least for now
    • How to position cash from a business sale in this environment
    • And more!

    Resources:

    Connect with John and Michael Parise:

    Connect with Eric Fuhrman:

    About Our Guest: 

    Mr. Fuhrman joined City National Rochdale in 2022 and has over 20 years of professional investment management experience. He works closely with each client’s advisor to develop a customized portfolio based on the client’s investment objective, time horizon, income needs, and tolerance for market volatility. In this role, he is responsible for the investment strategy implementation and monitoring of private client portfolios, as well as direct relationship management.

    Prior to City National Rochdale, Mr. Fuhrman worked at Rice Hall James & Associates as Chief Investment Officer and Co-Portfolio Manager of the Value/International team. Mr. Fuhrman began his career at HGK Asset Management, serving as an Analyst and Trader before launching the firm’s Small Cap equity strategy in 2007 as lead Portfolio Manager. As a Managing Partner, he was a member of HGK’s Investment Policy Committee, overseeing their Global Equities, Fixed Income, and Private Credit strategies.

    Mr. Fuhrman earned his BS in Business Administration from the University of Richmond and his MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University, where he concentrated in Finance, Economics, and Real Estate. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designations.

    Outside of the office, Mr. Fuhrman enjoys spending time with his family, coaching youth hockey, and serving on the board of Ramapo College’s Student-Managed Investment Fund.

     

    11 September 2025, 11:00 am
  • 27 minutes 44 seconds
    How Personalized Portfolios Build Wealth on Your Terms with Ben Ludwig (Ep. 139)

    What if your portfolio could evolve with you, like a financial blueprint that updates in real time?

    Michael Parise sits down with Ben Ludwig of City National Rochdale to unpack what truly personalized investing means for high-net-worth families, and why it matters more than ever. From shifting risk tolerance to multi-generational planning, Ben breaks down how CNR collaborates with financial advisors to design tax-sensitive, goal-aligned portfolios that flex with each client’s life and legacy.

    This isn’t about choosing a model or a fund, it’s about building a strategy from the ground up, around real people and real priorities.

    What to expect:

    • Why personalization goes far beyond risk tolerance questionnaires
    • The advantage of owning individual securities vs. pooled funds
    • How CNR helps clients transition portfolios without triggering large tax events
    • A behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing service model and portfolio review process
    • And more!

    Connect with John and Michael Parise:

    Connect with Ben Ludwig:

    About Our Guest: 

    Ben Ludwig joined City National Rochdale in 2014 and has over 20 years of investment experience. He is responsible for business development in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, where he communicates and fosters relationships with high-net-worth investors who may benefit from City National Rochdale’s investment management services.

    Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Ludwig spent 9 years at BNY Mellon in various leadership roles, most recently serving as Director of Investments and Head of Advisory Consulting for the Lockwood Advisors business. In this role, Mr. Ludwig was responsible for driving Lockwood’s portfolio management, manager research, and advisory consulting efforts. Prior to that, Mr. Ludwig held investment research and relationship roles at SEI Investments and The Vanguard Group.

    Mr. Ludwig earned his BS in Finance from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania and his MBA in Finance from St. Joseph’s University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation and the Chartered Alternative Investments Analyst designation. Mr. Ludwig is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Philadelphia. He resides in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife and four children. Mr. Ludwig spends much of his free time volunteering as a coach for numerous youth sports organizations in his community.

    20 August 2025, 11:00 am
  • 35 minutes 18 seconds
    How Peachtree Group Finds Value in Volatility with Greg Friedman (Ep. 138)

    What if launching your company at the brink of the 2008 financial crisis turned out to be the smartest move you ever made?

    That’s exactly what happened to Greg Friedman, CEO of Peachtree Group, who joins Michael Parise on The Truth About Wealth to share how timing, adaptability, and a deep understanding of risk helped shape his firm’s rise to a national powerhouse.

    Greg explains how Peachtree Group invests across private credit, commercial real estate, and even film financing—always with an eye for “mispriced risk.” In this episode, he shares how they’ve made over 600 credit investments with a sub-3% foreclosure rate and how they’re navigating today’s volatile interest rate environment.

    What you’ll learn by listening:

    • Why private credit is creating rare opportunities in a tight lending market
    • How Peachtree underwrites risk like an owner, not just a lender
    • What rising interest rates really mean for real estate valuations
    • How tax credits and film finance are reshaping alternative investment strategies
    • And more!

    Connect with John and Michael Parise:

    Connect with Greg Friedman:

    About Our Guest: 

    Greg has more than 23 years’ hospitality experience with an emphasis on deal structure and financing. He has successfully led Peachtree in more than $8 billion in hotel acquisitions, investments, and development since co-founding the company.

    He formerly was senior vice president of business development for Specialty Finance Group, LLC, a direct lender providing hotel first mortgage and FF&E financing, where he originated more than $2 billion of hotel debt. Previously, Greg was vice president of business development for GMAC Commercial Mortgage – Asset-Backed Lending Division. During his six-year tenure, he originated, closed, and funded more than 300 hospitality FF&E financing transactions with an aggregate capital structure exceeding $10 billion.

    Greg holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin.

    9 July 2025, 11:00 am
  • 34 minutes 36 seconds
    Here’s Why You Should Create A “Family Investment Club” (Ep. 137)

    Copper Beech has coined something they like to call a “family investment club”. It’s a new way to manage generational wealth.

    How can you implement it in your family?

    John and Michael Parise are exploring how these can be a unique way to unite family members across generations, enhancing financial education and responsibilities while managing family wealth creatively and inclusively.

    John and Michael discuss:

    • The basics of a Family Investment Club [00:02:44]
    • The importance of generational involvement in family enterprises [00:07:15]
    • Real-life examples of how their family manages multiple business ventures [00:04:42]
    • The role of family meetings in educating and including family members in decision-making [00:18:58]
    • Lessons from a Chicago family’s philanthropic strategies to keep unity [00:13:47]
    • And more!

    Connect with John and Michael Parise:

    18 June 2025, 11:00 am
  • 32 minutes 47 seconds
    How Structured Notes Can Transform Your Investment Portfolio with Vince Tassone (Ep. 136)

    Vincent Tassone of Causeway Securities, one of the world’s largest independent structured note distributors, joins John and Michael Parise to demystify structured notes and their expanding role in today’s investment portfolios. 

    Listen as he breaks down what structured notes are; hybrid financial instruments combining a bond with a derivatives package, and explains how they offer customizable risk-return profiles tailored to an investor’s specific goals.

    Often considered complex or “exotic,” structured notes can actually be powerful tools when used appropriately. Vincent walks through the four primary types; principal protected, income, growth, and dual directional, and shares how each can be aligned with an investor’s need for safety, income, or growth.

    Key discussion points include:

    • Introduction to Structured Notes and Basics [00:03:11]
    • Customization of Structured Notes for Different Risk Profiles [00:05:58]
    • How Structured Notes Fit into a Portfolio [00:09:25]
    • Liquidity Considerations and Suitability [00:18:30]
    • Dual Directional Strategies as a Hedge [00:21:57]
    • And more

    Connect with Vince Tassone:

    Connect with John and Michael Parise:

    13 June 2025, 7:29 pm
  • 47 minutes 15 seconds
    How to Implement Innovative Risk Mitigation with Madison Insurance Group (Ep. 135)

    What happens when a business suddenly loses a key player or faces a supply chain disruption? 

    That’s where Madison Insurance Group’s unique strategies come into play, offering peace of mind and financial protection for unforeseen business challenges.

    Join John and Michael Parise as they chat with Mark Sims and Aaron Quinn from Madison Insurance Group to discuss how their partnership, spanning over 15 years, has provided invaluable enterprise risk coverage solutions. 

    You’ll learn how Madison’s innovative approach allows business owners to participate in underwriting profits and navigate recent IRS regulations with confidence.

    Other key conversations in this release include:

    • The fundamentals of Madison Insurance’s enterprise risk coverage and how it differs from typical insurance offerings [00:01:48] 
    • Insights into why businesses often overlook these coverages and the financial advantages of Madison’s reinsurance model [00:09:48] 
    • The practical steps for businesses to secure their operations against potential disruptions through Madison’s feasibility study [00:13:14] 
    • How true insurance is defined within Madison’s framework, emphasizing regulation and economic mass [00:15:22] 
    • The latest IRS regulations concerning micro captives and what sets Madison apart in terms of compliance and economic structure [00:27:11] 
    • And more!

    Connect with Madison Insurance Group:

    Connect with John and Michael Parise:

    About Our Guests: 

    Mark Sims is Vice President of Business Development for Captive Alternatives, LLC. He has more than 25 years of experience in risk management and insurance consulting, and focuses on the use of Private Insurance Companies for insuring the catastrophic business risks and employee benefits programs of medical groups, business owners in many sectors, and other high net worth groups throughout the United States. Mark is a charismatic and popular professional speaker on the use of Private Insurance Companies for risk management, asset protection, wealthy preservation and exit strategies. He is a member of the Captive Insurance Companies Association and the Self Insurance Institute of America. Mark has extensive working experience with tax attorneys, estate planning firms and other trusted advisors to high net worth business owners and families, and frequently provides customized webinars to advisor groups who want to learn about Private Insurance Companies and the Puerto Rico solution.

    14 May 2025, 11:00 am
  • 28 minutes 49 seconds
    Your Guide to Family Business Succession (Ep.134)

    What does it mean to treat all family members fairly in terms of wealth distribution? 

    John and Michael Parise dive into the complexities of estate equalization within family businesses. In this episode, they unravel a recent case study highlighting the challenges faced when generational wealth intersects with family dynamics.

    Listeners are in for a detailed exploration of best practices for ensuring fair treatment, asset protection strategies, and the nuances of managing family businesses across different generations. Discover pragmatic insights on structuring estate plans that both honor family values and preempt potential conflicts.

    Other key discussions include:

    • The difficulties of equalizing estate distribution among children in business contexts (00:02:03)
    • Real-world examples of handling business ownership transitions (00:03:28)
    • The role of life insurance in balancing estate values (00:24:43)
    • The importance of pre-emptive planning in preserving family legacies (00:14:03)
    • And more!

    Connect with John and Michael Parise:

    23 April 2025, 11:00 am
  • 35 minutes 54 seconds
    How to Use Leverage to Create Generation Wealth (Ep. 133)

    How can you create a legacy that spans generations?

    Join financial experts John and Michael Parise of Copper Beech Financial Group as they delve into the concept of leveraging assets to build and sustain generational wealth. This episode explores the strategic use of financial instruments like IRA accounts and life insurance to enhance family wealth and legacy planning. Discover how asset leverage can support tax-efficient growth and provide long-term benefits for your family’s financial future.

    Key discussion points include:

    • The role of leverage in real estate and other assets to boost family wealth [00:02:40]
    • Leveraging IRA assets for generational wealth goals amid changing tax laws [00:04:33]
    • Strategic gifting and using life insurance for tax-efficient wealth transfer [00:08:00]
    • Creating an estate bank for future generational use and asset protection [00:17:43]
    • Employing business strategies for succession and leveraging corporate assets [00:29:26]
    • And more!

    Connect with John and Michael Parise:

    9 April 2025, 11:00 am
  • 37 minutes 6 seconds
    Discovering Your Family’s Philanthropic Purpose with Momentem Consulting Group (Ep. 132)

    What’s the secret to leaving a lasting legacy through philanthropy? 

    Join John and Michael Parise as they sit down with Marlene Olshan and Ann Figueredo from Momentem Consulting Group. Together, they explore how families can define and achieve meaningful philanthropic goals.

    Marlene and Ann share their journeys and discuss Momentem’s mission to help both non-profits and high-net-worth individuals make purposeful impacts. From establishing a ‘Purpose Framework’ to unifying family values through philanthropic endeavors, the conversation is rich with insights for anyone tasked with managing family wealth.

    Here’s what you’ll gain insight into:

    • The unique challenges and joys of intergenerational philanthropy [06:31]
    • Crafting a Purpose Framework to streamline philanthropic decisions [18:47]
    • Characteristics of successful philanthropists and how to aspire to that level [13:01]
    • The role of family dynamics in long-term philanthropic planning [29:18]
    • And more!

    Connect with John and Michael Parise:

    Connect with Momentem Consulting Group:

    About Our Guests:

    Ann Figueredo has over 35 years of experience as a strategy, marketing, new product development, and fundraising expert in the higher education, financial services, and pharmaceutical industries. She has held senior leadership positions to plan and execute successful comprehensive capital campaigns, launch new products and services domestically and internationally, and spearhead market research studies to open new market opportunities. 

    Ann is a graduate of Haverford College (BA) and Columbia University (MBA). She has held senior leadership roles at Haverford College, Germantown Friends School, SEI Investments, Spectrem Group, Visa International, Bankers Trust, and Pfizer.

     

    Marlene Olshan has over 35 years of experience in executive leadership with functional expertise in strategy, operations, and fund development. Marlene has led organizations in the human services, retail, and financial services sectors, with particular expertise in positioning organizations to scale.  

    Marlene is a graduate of Temple University ( BA) and has received a Certificate in Public Policy Leadership from Harvard’s Kennedy School. She has held senior leadership positions at Vetri Community Partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA, The Department of Human Services for the City of Philadelphia,  Spectrem Group, GIII Apparel Group, and Macy Specialty Stores.

    26 March 2025, 11:00 am
  • 29 minutes 45 seconds
    Essential Tax Strategies for Real Estate Investors with Vanessa Wallace Clunies (Ep. 131)

    Are you aware of the tax savings opportunities you’re missing by not employing cost segregation in your real estate investments? 

    Get ready to uncover the untapped potential of tax method changes that could revolutionize your approach to wealth management!

    This week, Michael Parise and guest Vanessa Wallace Clunies from Tax Method Experts guide you through the complexities of cost segregation and tangible property regulations. 

    Tune in and discover how these can not only save you taxes but also ensure regulatory compliance!

    Key talking points include: 

    • The importance of cost segregation for accelerated depreciation benefits
    • Why tangible property regulations are mandatory and crucial for compliance; finding out if you’re at risk
    • How tax method changes can provide substantial deductions and reduce your tax liabilities
    • The importance of partnering with specialists to navigate complex tax codes effectively
    • And more!

    Connect with Vanessa Wallace Clunies:

    Connect with John and Michael Parise:

    About Our Guest: 

    Vanessa Wallace Clunies is the CFO and COO of Tangible Property Tax Methods, LLC, a tax method change firm specializing in Tangible Property Regulation (TPR) compliance, method changes for large service providers, and cost segregation. She is an associate of the ASCSP and has over 9 years of experience in Tangible Property Regulations compliance and the preparation of thousands of IRS Form 3115 Change in Method of Accounting. 

    Vanessa supervises all of the engineers of TPTM who perform the detailed work to support the entity’s cost segregation reports, in addition to providing the tax insights that are key in this real estate profession. 

    Working closely with her father and the country’s expert on the TPRs, Eric P. Wallace, CPA, this dynamic duo has found to date over $300M in deductions for clients. She has analyzed over 1,000 depreciation schedules and has created corresponding tax deduction schedules with various permitted IRS automatic and non-automatic method change designated changes. 

    8 January 2025, 11:00 am
  • 37 minutes 26 seconds
    The Intersection of Energy and Wealth: Key Trends to Watch with Mitch Kerr (Ep. 130)
    Are you ready for the next energy revolution? John and Michael Parise from Copper Beech Financial Group explore this critical topic with Mitch Kerr, Senior Portfolio Manager at Ategenos Capital. John, Michael, and Mitch examine the forces shaping global energy markets, from record-breaking oil production to the innovative potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Mitch …

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    18 December 2024, 11:00 am
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