Private credit doesn’t have to be mysterious—or risky. In this episode of Alt Investing Made Easy, hosts Sarah Florer and Roland Wiederaenders sit down with Mike Barker and Rick Parmiter of Ballard Global to uncover how private credit delivers consistent returns without the volatility of public markets. Learn how Ballard’s values-driven model, diversified sectors—from real estate and agribusiness to AI technology and consumer lending—and personal approach to investor relations have built a 24-year record of zero capital losses.

About Our Guest: Rick Parmiter, Managing Director at Ballard Global

Rick Parmiter is a seasoned technology executive and business strategist with deep expertise in enterprise software, cloud solutions, and digital transformation. Over the course of his career, he has held leadership roles driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence across global organizations, blending technical acumen with a sharp focus on customer success. Parmiter is recognized for building high-performing teams, scaling complex initiatives, and aligning technology investments with measurable business outcomes. His work reflects a passion for leveraging emerging technologies to create sustainable value and competitive advantage.

Connect with Rick Parmiter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickparmiter/ 

About Our Guest: Mike Barker, Vice President of Investor Relations at Ballard Global

Mike Barker is Vice President of Investor Relations at Ballard Global, where he helps accredited investors build tax-efficient wealth, generate passive income, and protect capital through private market diversification. With over two decades of experience spanning investor relations, enterprise sales, and leadership roles, he has developed a reputation for guiding clients toward strategies that maximize growth while mitigating risk. Previously, Barker held senior account executive positions in technology and communications, as well as serving in pastoral leadership, giving him a unique blend of financial acumen and people-centered insight. Based in Miami, he combines strategic rigor with a passion for educating investors through thought leadership and practical frameworks

Connect with Mike Barker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikejamesbarker/ 

Top Takeaways

1. Private Credit = Predictable Yield: Learn how Ballard Global delivers fixed-rate returns between 9.5–13% through secured private lending.
2. 24 Years, Zero Capital Losses: A record that proves the power of disciplined, values-based investing.
3. Diversified by Design: Exposure across real estate, agribusiness, lending, and AI to balance risk and reward.
4. The Flex Fund Advantage: Investors choose term lengths (1–7 years) and payout frequency for personalized yield strategies.
5. Trust as a Financial Asset: Why transparency and communication are the real differentiators in private markets.
6. Values-Based Operations: “Do what you say you’re going to do” isn’t a slogan—it’s Ballard’s core operating principle.
7. The Rise of Private Credit: How regulatory changes could open 401(k) and institutional capital to this growing sector.

Notable Quotes

• “Do what you say you’re going to do — that’s our prime directive.” – Rick Parmiter
• “Private credit lets investors earn fixed returns while helping real companies grow.” – Mike Barker
• “Twenty-four years, zero capital losses — that consistency builds trust.” – Sarah Florer
• “We’re not chasing the next deal; we’re deepening relationships in four proven sectors.” – Rick Parmiter
• “Integrity is the best investment strategy.” – Roland Wiederaenders

Chapters

00:00 – Intro: Welcome and guest introductions
01:00 – Origins of Ballard Global: Jeff Ballard’s path from real estate to diversified private markets
04:00 – Building the Four Sectors: Real estate, ranching, lending, and AI innovation
06:00 – Private Credit Philosophy: Moving from equity to debt for capital preservation
08:00 – Flex Fund Deep Dive: 27 investment sleeves, 1–7-year terms, and 9.5–13 % returns
11:00 – Defining Private Credit: Why senior-secured lending matters
15:00 – Transparency & Trust: How Ballard maintains long-term investor confidence
20:00 – Values-Based Operations: Doing what you say you’ll do
22:00 – Personal Stories: From ministry and tech to mission-driven finance
30:00 – Community Approach: Investor meetings and personal relationships
33:00 – Closing Thoughts: Purpose, integrity, and access to private markets

Credits

Sponsored by Real Advisers Capital, Austin, Texas

If you are interested in being a guest, please email us.

Podcast production by Red Sun Creative, Austin, Texas: https://redsuncreative.studio

Disclaimers

“This production is for educational purposes only and is not intended as investment or legal advice.”

“The hosts of this podcast practice law with the law firm, Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC; however, the views expressed on this podcast are solely those of the hosts and their guests, and not those of Ferguson Braswell Fraser Kubasta PC.”

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