Smart Money Circle

Give Value, Be As Useful As Possible, & Other Timeless Advice From Rich Nuzum - $600B Money Manager

Guest:

Rich Nuzum Executive Director of Investments and Global Chief Investment Strategist at Mercer

$600B AUM Assets Under Management

$17T AUA Assets Under Advisory

Bio

Rich Nuzum, CFA

Rich is Executive Director, Investments and Global Chief Investment Strategist for Mercer. He works with some of Mercer’s largest, most sophisticated clients, and is accountable for Mercer’s “innovation agenda”, including the creation and development of thought leadership and related products and services across the firm. Over the last 30+ years, Rich has provided investment advice to clients in more than 20 countries, including providing investment consulting advice to more than half of the world’s 20 largest institutional investors. Rich has also led social security and other long term savings reform projects in five countries and one US state.

Rich has led Mercer’s work in several projects with the World Economic Forum, including work related to Transformational Investment, and to the Longevity Economy. Rich was President of Mercer’s Investments & Retirement business and a member of Mercer’s Executive Leadership team from 2017 to 2022. Prior to that, he led Mercer’s investment management business globally and served in various other leadership capacities while based in Tokyo, Singapore and New York, including serving as Global Chief Investment Officer for Mercer’s investment management business, which has more than $393 billon in AUM.

Rich holds an MBA (with high honors) in analytic finance and accounting from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree (with honors) in mathematical sciences and mathematical economic analysis from Rice University in Houston, Texas. Rich also did graduate work in international economics at Tokyo University. He is a CFA® charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute. Rich has repeatedly been named to CIO Magazine’s annual list of the world’s most influential investment consultants and received CIO Magazine’s 2017 Industry Innovation Award as Consultant of the Year.

Disclaimer:

Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording. This content is for institutional investors and for information purposes only. It does not contain investment, financial, legal, tax or any other advice and should not be relied upon for this purpose.

The materials are not tailored to your particular personal and/or financial situation. If you require advice based on your specific circumstances, you should contact a professional adviser. Opinions expressed are those of the speakers as of the date of the recording, are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily reflect Mercer’s opinions.

Read Mercer’s Important Notices & Disclosures here

https://www.mercer.com/en-us/

This Academy & Emmy Award Winning CEO Wants You To Age Better. Robert Fried CEO ChromaDex - $CDXC

Guest:Robert Fried CEO ChromaDex - $CDXC

Website:

https://www.chromadex.com/

Ticker: $CDXC

Bio:

Robert Fried is the CEO of ChromaDex and Founder of Tru Niagen as well as an Academy Award® and Emmy® Award winning motion picture producer. Before his combined 7 years in the health industry, he held senior roles at entertainment companies Savoy Pictures (CEO), Columbia Pictures (Executive Vice President), and Fried Films (founder, CEO). He has also founded and served as CEO of internet companies Feeln (now Hallmark Movies Now), WHN (a leading e-commerce service provider), and Healthspan Research LLC.

In 2017, Robert led ChromaDex’s acquisition of Healthspan Research LLC, a consumer company offering Tru Niagen products, and raised funds with Horizons Ventures to offer Tru Niagen direct-to-consumer. Since 2017, Mr. Fried has maintained his position as CEO of ChromaDex, now the global authority on NAD+, and Founder of Tru Niagen, currently the number one healthy aging NAD+ supplement in the US helping people around the world transform the way they age. Mr. Fried holds a B.S. from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

No Risk, No Reward. How This Semiconductor CEO Uses $MRAM Memory To Improve The World. Everspin Tech CEO $MRAM

Guest:

Sanjeev Aggarwal, President & CEO Everspin Technology (Ticker: $MRAM)

Website:

https://www.everspin.com/

Ticker: MRAM

BIO:

Sanjeev Aggarwal, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer.

With over 25 years of expertise in the non-volatile memory and semiconductor industry, Sanjeev has been instrumental in shaping Everspin since its inception in 2008 through various leadership positions. Most recently, he served as the Chief Technology Officer driving product and technology roadmaps and business agreements with partners, vendors, and suppliers.

As the Vice President of Technology R&D, he directed cross-functional teams to develop and qualify new technology and products. As Vice President of Operations, he managed manufacturing operations, supply chain, and managed joint development agreements for technology transfer and production.

Before Everspin, Sanjeev was at Freescale Semiconductor and part of the team that spun out to form Everspin Technologies.

Prior to his work on MRAM, Sanjeev worked on developing Ferroelectric memories at Texas Instruments. In 2005, he was awarded the Technical Excellence Award by the International Symposium on Integrated Ferroelectrics for his contributions to commercializing FRAM technology.

Sanjeev is Senior Member, IEEE and his technical contributions include over 100 issued patents, more than 100 publications and numerous invited presentations.

He graduated from Cornell University with a doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering and received his bachelors from Indian Institute of Technology, Varanasi in Ceramic Engineering. Sanjeev is also a member of the Everspin Board of Directors.

Guest:

Rich Nuzum Executive Director of Investments and Global Chief Investment Strategist at Mercer

$600B AUM Assets Under Management

$17T AUA Assets Under Advisory

Bio

Rich Nuzum, CFA

Rich is Executive Director, Investments and Global Chief Investment Strategist for Mercer. He works with some of Mercer’s largest, most sophisticated clients, and is accountable for Mercer’s “innovation agenda”, including the creation and development of thought leadership and related products and services across the firm. Over the last 30+ years, Rich has provided investment advice to clients in more than 20 countries, including providing investment consulting advice to more than half of the world’s 20 largest institutional investors. Rich has also led social security and other long term savings reform projects in five countries and one US state.

Rich has led Mercer’s work in several projects with the World Economic Forum, including work related to Transformational Investment, and to the Longevity Economy. Rich was President of Mercer’s Investments & Retirement business and a member of Mercer’s Executive Leadership team from 2017 to 2022. Prior to that, he led Mercer’s investment management business globally and served in various other leadership capacities while based in Tokyo, Singapore and New York, including serving as Global Chief Investment Officer for Mercer’s investment management business, which has more than $393 billon in AUM.

Rich holds an MBA (with high honors) in analytic finance and accounting from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree (with honors) in mathematical sciences and mathematical economic analysis from Rice University in Houston, Texas. Rich also did graduate work in international economics at Tokyo University. He is a CFA® charterholder and a member of the CFA Institute. Rich has repeatedly been named to CIO Magazine’s annual list of the world’s most influential investment consultants and received CIO Magazine’s 2017 Industry Innovation Award as Consultant of the Year.

Disclaimer:

 
Click here to read Mercer’s Important Notices & Disclosures

How This $2B Money Manager Looks At Holistic Investing…

Guest:

Dipen Mehta Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Invst with $1.8B A.U.M.

Company:

Invst

Website: https://invst.com

Bio:

Chief Operating and Financial Officer at Invst and a Founder at Super Amplify, with over 25 years of experience in the financial industry.

I have a Series 65 license, an AIF® & CIMA® designation, and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. I am also a keynote speaker, a mathematician, and a former member of CBOE and CME. I have master’s degree in financial mathematics from University of Chicago where I also took several MBA courses.

I have certificate in Investment Management from Yale University and two undergraduate degrees with three majors in Computers Science, Economics, and International Management, from Boston University.

At Invst, I oversee the day-to-day business operations of the firm, which includes human resources, compliance, technology, investment operations, insurance operations, financial management, and vendor management. I work closely with the leadership team, advisors, clients, and team members to create and execute the business plan, and to support the firm's mission of helping people live the life they want by making money work for them. I am passionate about cutting-edge technology and how it can help our team members and clients. I also hold the Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Technology Officer positions. We pride ourselves on the growth achieved by our clients and our abundance mindset all of which have led to success for firm in accolades and AUM growth.

Super Amplify is a company I started in 2023 to help people use AI better at work to help them do the things they love and automate the things they hate. At Super Amplify, I help bridge the gap between AI, data, and IP with customized technology for clients. I enable users to build collections of their files and ask questions to their data, using artificial intelligence and data science. I connect data sources, workflows, and people using to build automation via intelligent agents. I work with financial advisors, institutions, banks, and other financial organizations that want to improve performance for their clients and create efficiency.

I started my career on the floor as a clerk and then a trader at the CBOE and CME, and then founded Intelligent Market Trading Company, one of the most successful firms in the pit and one of the first to trade derivatives electronically.

Disclaimer:

Invst, LLC (“Invst”) is an SEC registered investment advisor with offices in Indianapolis, IN and Tampa, FL. Invst does not make any representations or warranties as to the investments and takes no responsibility therefor. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users should be guided accordingly. Prior to Invst rendering any of the advisory services described herein, clients are required to enter into one or more written agreements with Invst setting forth the relevant terms and conditions of the advisory relationship (the “Advisory Agreement”). For additional information, visit www.Invst.com.

How This Drone CEO Looks At His Business - Meet Allan Evans, CEO, Unusual Machines Ticker: $UMACGuest Allan Evans, CEO, Unusual Machines

Company

Unusual Machines, (NYSE: UMAC)

https://www.unusualmachines.com/about-us/

Bio:

Allan Evans is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Further, Mr. Evans was appointed as a director of the Company in November 2023. Previously, he was the Chief Operating Officer of Red Cat from January 2021 to November 2023 and was the Chief Executive Officer of Fat Shark. He is a serial entrepreneur with a history of founding and leading technological innovation. He has extensive experience in overseeing different emerging technologies. From August 2017 to October 2020, he served as a board member for Ballast Technologies, a company that specialized in technology for location-based entertainment.

In November 2012, he co-founded Avegant, a technology company focused on developing next generation display technology to enable previously impossible augmented reality experiences. He led design, development, and initial production of the Glyph head mounted display and oversaw technology research and patent strategy while serving as Chief Technology Officer of Avegant until 2016. He has 47 pending or issued patents that cover a range of technologies from implantable medical devices to mixed reality headsets.

Academically, his work has an h-index of 15, an i-index of 28, and has been cited in more than 1,000 publications. He has extensive experience with new technologies, engineering, business development, and corporate strategy, and his expertise in these areas strengthens the Company’s collective knowledge and capabilities.

Guest

Paul Carroll Avion Wealth $850 Million AUM

Website:

https://www.avionwealth.com/

Paul’s bio:

Paul is the founder and CEO of Avion Wealth, LLC. Avion Wealth was seen as a venue for Paul to serve his clients, not through the traditional broker-dealer avenue, but as a consultative, trusted advisor looking for holistic solutions to a complex wealth management plan. His vision was to create a client-centric firm that places service before sales.

Paul leads a team of wealth managers in building and executing financial plans for high-net-worth individuals and families. By establishing and maintaining open lines of communication, Paul stays up to date on clients’ lives so that he can proactively provide guidance and direction as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented to them.

While not with clients, Paul spends time working on the development of his team, the firm, and the community. Both internally and externally, he takes pride in seeing the success of others.

Paul graduated summa cum laude from the University of Maryland in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. He subsequently earned his Master of Science degree in Finance at Texas A&M University, graduating in 1987. To best serve his clients, Paul earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation and encourages his team to do the same.

While not in the office, Paul enjoys going to the theater, live music, and travel. Paul has been a pilot for over 30 years and still enjoys piloting his team to visit clients around the country. An accomplished sailor and scuba diver, Paul can often be found close to the nearest body of water.

Aterian Inc CEO Explains How To Take Smart Risks & A Lot More Timeless Advice…

Ticker $ATER

Website

https://www.aterian.io/

Bio

Chief Executive Officer

Arturo “Arty” Rodriguez has served as Aterian’s Chief Executive Officer since June 2024. Mr. Rodriguez served as the Company’s Co-Chief Executive Officer from July 2023 to June 2024. He also served as the Company’s CFO from March 2021 to June 2024. From September 2017 to March 2021, Mr. Rodriguez was Senior Vice President of Finance at Aterian.

Prior to Aterian, Mr. Rodriguez spent five years as Chief Accounting Officer and Global Controller for Piksel, Inc. and also held the role of Interim Chief Operating Officer in his last year. From 2000 to 2011, Mr. Rodriguez was with the Atari Group where he held several financial leadership roles, most notably Acting Chief Financial Officer of Atari, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATAR) from 2007 to 2008 and Deputy CFO of Atari SA (Euronext: ATA) from 2008 to 2010. Mr. Rodriguez is a New York State CPA who holds a BBA in Accounting from Hofstra University.

Craig Kessler CIO Kessler Investment Group $325M A.U.M. Tells You About How He Fights Inflation In Retirement Accounts and Shares Timeless Advice With The Audience.

Website:

https://www.kesslerig.com/

Bio:

Craig Kessler is the President and Chief Investment Officer of Kessler Investment Group, LLC, an independent, SEC-registered investment adviser headquartered in Columbus, Indiana.

He began his investment career in 1992 after graduating from Butler University with a B.A. in Economics. During his time at Butler, he was a four-year letterman in baseball. He also attended Glasgow University in Scotland, studying economics at the Adam Smith School of Economics.

Prior to college, Craig enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a field artillery cannoneer and later earning a commission as a second lieutenant, where he served as an infantry platoon leader.

In his professional journey, Craig spent the first eight years as a retail investment adviser. In 2001, he joined Kirr, Marbach & Company, LLC as Director of Marketing, overseeing the firm's business development initiatives. In 2007, he built and managed the investment services department for Lincoln Bank in Plainfield, Indiana. Following Lincoln Bank's acquisition by First Merchants Bank.

Guest:

Kartoon Studios' CEO & CFO Share Their 2025 Outlook $TOON

Website:

www.kartoonstudios.com

Ticker: $TOON

Press Release

Andy's Bio

Multi-Emmy Award-winning producer, and CEO of Kartoon Studios, Andy Heyward has made more episodes of children’s television than any other producer, including Walt Disney. After graduating from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1975, he joined Hanna-Barbera as a writer and story editor. During his five years with Hanna-Barbera, he was involved in the development and writing of numerous series including Scooby Doo, Flintstones, Jetsons, Smurfs, Yogi Bear, and Scooby’s All Star Laff-A-Lympics. In 1980, he moved to France where he joined DIC Audiovisual, a production company specializing in children’s animated programming. In 1982, he co-created Inspector Gadget and during the following years he produced over 5,000 episodes of award-winning children’s programs, most of which shows and brands are household names, including Inspector Gadget, The Real Ghostbusters, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Hello Kitty, Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario Bros, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears, Captain Planet, Teddy Ruxpin, Sailor Moon, Madeline, Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego, Liberty's Kids, Warren Buffett’s Secret Millionaires Club, Llama Llama, Rainbow Rangers, Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and dozens more. In 1994, he convened the National PTA, National Education Association, UCLA School of Education, and producers from throughout the industry to draft the first voluntary set of program guidelines for children’s television. In 1996, he hosted the first meeting between then FCC Chairman Reed Hundt and children’s television producers.

Today under Kartoon Studios, Heyward produces and licenses brands ranging from Stan Lee Universe, to Baby Genius, to Warren Buffett's Secret Millionaires Club, to Thomas Edison's Secret Lab, to Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, to the recently released Shaq’s Garage for the global market. He has also been the largest producer of FCC mandated educational informational programming for children, and has produced hundreds of PSAs promoting child safety, health, exercise, and nutrition. In collaboration with Warren Buffett, he produces the short film which opens the annual Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders meeting, and he co-authored a book with Warren Buffett promoting financial literacy for kids. Heyward is also the author of Go Go Gadget – The Creation of Inspector Gadget.

Andy's notable work in children's programming has earned him multiple industry awards, and his charitable efforts off-screen have resulted in numerous recognitions. Some of his awards include two Emmys, nine Emmy nominations, two Humanitas Awards, two Cable Ace Awards, five Golden Reel Awards, three Environmental Media Awards, a New York Television Festival Award and a National Education Association Award, among others. He was inducted into the KidScreen Hall of Fame and won the Studio of the Year at Italy’s Cartoons on the Bay International Festival of Television Animation in 2006 (co-awarded to Roy Disney).

Heyward is a member of the Producers Guild of America, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). He was the 2010 UCLA College of Humanities Commencement speaker and is currently a Mentor in the UCLA mentoring program. He is active in many community activities, including serving on the Board of Directors of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was recently made a Life Trustee.

https://ir.kartoonstudios.com/management-team