The Biltmore View

The failure of Silicon Valley Bank, left many wondering about the safety of their savings. As we record this, the government’s actions appear to have won a reprieve in the banking panic. Is the government fix a finger in the dam holding back a flood of public mistrust of banks or will events spread across the financial industry to include other regional banks and even traditional custodians such as Charles Schwab? What caused this crisis to begin with? Will we see other bank failures? Is my money safe? To answer these questions and more, we’re joined by Warren Fisher, Founder and Portfolio Manager at Manole Capital. Warren has over 20 years of portfolio management and analyst experience at Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Fortress Investments focused on public financial and technology companies. In 2015, he founded Manole Capital to focus exclusively on the FinTech industry. Given Warren’s deep understanding at the intersection of banks and technology, he has the perfect background for a profound conversation on bank runs, technology, interest rates, and regulation.

Silicon Valley Bank Failure - 4:30
Charles Schwab's Business - 15:15
Money Market Funds - 30:00
Ramifications of SVB - 35:00

This podcast was recorded on March 23,  2023.  The respective opinions expressed are those of Mr. Fisher and the Biltmore Family Office, LLC investment team.  The opinions referenced are as of the date of this podcast and are subject to change without notice.  This material is for informational use only and should not be considered investment advice. The information discussed herein is not a recommendation to buy or sell a particular security or to invest in any particular sector.  Forward-looking statements are not guaranteed.  BFO reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs and there is no guarantee that their assessment of investments will be accurate.  The discussions, outlook and viewpoints featured are not intended to be investment advice and do not take into account specific client investment objectives.  Before investing, an investor should consider his or her investment goals and risk comfort levels and consult with his or her investment adviser and tax professional.  

 Biltmore Family Office, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about BFO’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

The words “private equity” bring forward images of Wall Street Titans drunk on power and leverage, sucking out profits from middle market businesses and leaving behind empty shells in their wake. While that makes a great narrative, it’s not always true. Standing firmly on the other side of that narrative is Halle Capital. In today’s conversation, I speak with both Jay Abramson, Senior Partner, and Mark McKenna, Principal, of Halle Capital. This episode is a real treat. Jay & Mark really dive in to the nuts and bolts of how Halle can build value in areas of the economy most investors pass right by. If you thought that pest control and environmental services were boring – think again! Jay and Mark demonstrate how a properly executed private equity strategy can drive profits for investors, enrich founders and develop great American businesses.

This podcast was recorded on December 7,  2022.  The respective opinions expressed are those of Mr. Abramson, Mr. McKenna and the Biltmore Family Office, LLC investment team.  The opinions referenced are as of the date of this podcast and are subject to change without notice.  This material is for informational use only and should not be considered investment advice. The information discussed herein is not a recommendation to buy or sell a particular security or to invest in any particular sector.  Forward-looking statements are not guaranteed.  BFO reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs and there is no guarantee that their assessment of investments will be accurate.  The discussions, outlook and viewpoints featured are not intended to be investment advice and do not take into account specific client investment objectives.  Before investing, an investor should consider his or her investment goals and risk comfort levels and consult with his or her investment adviser and tax professional.  

 Biltmore Family Office, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about BFO’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

The slow rolling legalization of cannabis in the United States is providing an interesting investment opportunity. Since Covid, cannabis sales are up tremendously. The legal industry is growing as more states legalize medicinal and/or recreational use. As large, licensed multiple state cannabis operations grow, they are increasingly cashflow positive. All of this despite having no access to the US banking system and paying a particularly high effective tax rate – frequently north of 70%. 

 In the beginning of 2021, banks, wary of unclear Federal law, began to prevent their brokerage clients from investment in public cannabis companies. Since that time, we’ve seen these stocks fall over 80% in valuation. At the same time, fundamentally, the businesses continue to grow and thrive. 

 As we speak, the lame duck Congress is considering legislation that would open up the banking system to state-licensed cannabis companies. My guest today addressing the state of the industry is Boris Jordan. Boris is the Founding Partner of cannabis-dedicated asset manager Measure 8 Venture Partners, as well as Chairman of Curaleaf, which he founded and built into the world’s largest cannabis company. Prior to his current focus in cannabis, Boris had a legendary career as a banker and private equity manager in emerging markets starting in the 1990’s..

This podcast was recorded on December 6,  2022.  The respective opinions expressed are those of Mr. Jordan and the Biltmore Family Office, LLC investment team.  The opinions referenced are as of the date of this podcast and are subject to change without notice.  This material is for informational use only and should not be considered investment advice. The information discussed herein is not a recommendation to buy or sell a particular security or to invest in any particular sector.  Forward-looking statements are not guaranteed.  BFO reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs and there is no guarantee that their assessment of investments will be accurate.  The discussions, outlook and viewpoints featured are not intended to be investment advice and do not take into account specific client investment objectives.  Before investing, an investor should consider his or her investment goals and risk comfort levels and consult with his or her investment adviser and tax professional.  

 Biltmore Family Office, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about BFO’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Like many of our favorite investment managers, Chris Tokarski was originally introduced to us by a client who built his fortune in the same industry – in this case real estate.  Chris was a founder of Acore Capital in 2015. Since that time it has grown to be one of the premier commercial real estate lenders with over 100 professionals and over $20b in assets under management. Chris built this business lending to the country’s top developers and sponsors. I’ve been excited to talk to him for a while now - given the massive increase in rates, I’ve been curious what this means for commercial real estate. And how that might impact the broader economy. On this episode, you’ll hear Chris’ take on the current state of commercial real estate, the future of office, opportunities going forward, big bank lending, and how this cycle could play out. I learned a ton. I think you will too.

This podcast was recorded on September 12,  2022.  The respective opinions expressed are those of Mr. Tokarski and the Biltmore Family Office, LLC investment team.  The opinions referenced are as of the date of this podcast and are subject to change without notice.  This material is for informational use only and should not be considered investment advice. The information discussed herein is not a recommendation to buy or sell a particular security or to invest in any particular sector.  Forward-looking statements are not guaranteed.  BFO reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs and there is no guarantee that their assessment of investments will be accurate.  The discussions, outlook and viewpoints featured are not intended to be investment advice and do not take into account specific client investment objectives.  Before investing, an investor should consider his or her investment goals and risk comfort levels and consult with his or her investment adviser and tax professional.  

 Biltmore Family Office, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about BFO’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Scott Wallace was the very first guest on the Biltmore View Podcast. And now he’s our first guest to be on the podcast three times. There’s good reason for that. Scott is not only a great stock picker, he’s also an insightful thinker. On this podcast, we talk about why history is not necessary an accurate measure for our current situation: while we had inflation in the 70’s, they may not be the right comparison our current inflation outbreak and the early 2000’s really weren’t the same as today’s tech collapse. While many of today’s financial pundits offer up simple narratives, Scott’s rational, nuanced views on the economy are a breath of fresh air.

This podcast was recorded on August 24,  2022.  The respective opinions expressed are those of Mr. Wallace and the Biltmore Family Office, LLC investment team.  The opinions referenced are as of the date of this podcast and are subject to change without notice.  This material is for informational use only and should not be considered investment advice. The information discussed herein is not a recommendation to buy or sell a particular security or to invest in any particular sector.  Forward-looking statements are not guaranteed.  BFO reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs and there is no guarantee that their assessment of investments will be accurate.  The discussions, outlook and viewpoints featured are not intended to be investment advice and do not take into account specific client investment objectives.  Before investing, an investor should consider his or her investment goals and risk comfort levels and consult with his or her investment adviser and tax professional.  

 Biltmore Family Office, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about BFO’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

As founder of Traveller Capital Advisors, a boutique investment firm focused on purchasing LP interests of private funds in the secondary market, Drew Crichton has a great perch from which to view changes in the world of private investing. On this episode of the Biltmore View, Drew and I will speculate on the future for valuations in private assets, including leveraged buyouts, venture capital and real asset funds. We’ll also touch on the changing landscape of the secondary private fund business – buying seasoned partnership interests from sellers in need of liquidity. While public markets have fallen in value, private markets, for the most part have held their value. With similar underlying assets, why is that? The answer may surprise you. 

This podcast was recorded on July 25, 2022.  The respective opinions expressed are those of Mr. Crichton and the Biltmore Family Office, LLC investment team.  The opinions referenced are as of the date of this podcast and are subject to change without notice.  This material is for informational use only and should not be considered investment advice. The information discussed herein is not a recommendation to buy or sell a particular security or to invest in any particular sector.  Forward-looking statements are not guaranteed.  BFO reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs and there is no guarantee that their assessment of investments will be accurate.  The discussions, outlook and viewpoints featured are not intended to be investment advice and do not take into account specific client investment objectives.  Before investing, an investor should consider his or her investment goals and risk comfort levels and consult with his or her investment adviser and tax professional.  

 Biltmore Family Office, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about BFO’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Given the massive run up in home prices over the past two years and the ensuing spike in interest rates, the future value of our homes is a complex question. The US housing market is one of the largest asset classes in the world. In 2008, it nearly led to the fall of the global financial order. Needless to say, we need to pay close attention to home values, mortgages, and interest rates.  Our guests today dig into these questions and explore the investment opportunities to be unlocked. Adam Rilander and Joe Allen are Portfolio Managers on the Galton Team at the Mariner Investment Group, a $6 billion alternative investment management company. Both Joe and Adam each have 20 year careers on Wall Street in mortgage trading and research – Adam with a focus on agency mortgages backed by government entities and Joe in mortgage credit – mortgages backed by individual borrowers. As you’ll hear in this conversation, each brings a different perspective as we explore how mortgage markets impact the future of how much we pay for and how we afford our homes. 

This podcast was recorded on June 22nd, 2022.  The respective opinions expressed are those of Mr. Rilander, Mr. Allen and the Biltmore Family Office, LLC investment team.  The opinions referenced are as of the date of this podcast and are subject to change without notice.  This material is for informational use only and should not be considered investment advice. The information discussed herein is not a recommendation to buy or sell a particular security or to invest in any particular sector.  Forward-looking statements are not guaranteed.  BFO reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs and there is no guarantee that their assessment of investments will be accurate.  The discussions, outlook and viewpoints featured are not intended to be investment advice and do not take into account specific client investment objectives.  Before investing, an investor should consider his or her investment goals and risk comfort levels and consult with his or her investment adviser and tax professional.  

 Biltmore Family Office, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about BFO’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Jon Dorfman, Chief Investment Officer of Napier Park Global Capital. Jon co-founded Napier Park when the firm separated from Citigroup’s alternative investment arm in 2013. Today, Napier Park has approximately $19b assets under management with a highly institutional client base. 

In this interview, Jon explains how contingent capital structures can provide an investment edge in times of distress. Jon Dorfman is one of the smartest people in the business. We hear  his thoughts on the current market volatility and his insight into potential future scenarios. 

This podcast was recorded on May 31st, 2022.  The respective opinions expressed are those of Mr. Dorfman and the Biltmore Family Office, LLC investment team.  The opinions referenced are as of the date of this podcast and are subject to change without notice.  This material is for informational use only and should not be considered investment advice. The information discussed herein is not a recommendation to buy or sell a particular security or to invest in any particular sector.  Forward-looking statements are not guaranteed.  BFO reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs and there is no guarantee that their assessment of investments will be accurate.  The discussions, outlook and viewpoints featured are not intended to be investment advice and do not take into account specific client investment objectives.  Before investing, an investor should consider his or her investment goals and risk comfort levels and consult with his or her investment adviser and tax professional.  

 Biltmore Family Office, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about BFO’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

Despite all the stigma, cannabis was once a very trendy investment. With Canadian legalization, some public cannabis stocks traded up to nonsensical valuations. Then, inevitably, the bubble popped. Fast forward several years later, the legal cannabis market in the United States has expanded as an increasing number of states have legalized recreational and/or medical usage. While Federal legal status remains murky, revenues and earnings have rapidly increased. While at the same time cannabis stock prices have tanked. That caught our attention. Joining us to discuss the risks and opportunities of investing in cannabis equities is Justin Ort. Justin is CIO at Measure 8 Venture Partners, a leading investor in both public and private cannabis companies. Prior to joining Measure 8, Justin spent over 20 years trading at First New York Securities as a trader and partner.

This podcast was recorded on May 19th, 2022.  The respective opinions expressed are those of Mr. Ort and the Biltmore Family Office, LLC investment team.  The opinions referenced are as of the date of this podcast and are subject to change without notice.  This material is for informational use only and should not be considered investment advice. The information discussed herein is not a recommendation to buy or sell a particular security or to invest in any particular sector.  Forward-looking statements are not guaranteed.  BFO reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs and there is no guarantee that their assessment of investments will be accurate.  The discussions, outlook and viewpoints featured are not intended to be investment advice and do not take into account specific client investment objectives.  Before investing, an investor should consider his or her investment goals and risk comfort levels and consult with his or her investment adviser and tax professional.  

 Biltmore Family Office, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about BFO’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.

My guest today is Chris Teryazos. Chris is the President of Aetos Capital, a family office owned investment firm focused on generating outsized returns through niche ideas. Their latest great idea is California Carbon Allowances (CCA's). The Biltmore team spent the past several years researching and understanding California’s Cap-and-Trade program. Investors in CCA's are speculating that the price of carbon will increase as regulators reduce emissions. As you’ll hear in this conversation, Chris does a terrific job bringing clarity and distilling the investment opportunity in this little-known corner of the investment world.

This podcast was recorded on April 11th, 2022.  The respective opinions expressed are those of Mr. Teryazos and the Biltmore Family Office, LLC investment team.  The opinions referenced are as of the date of this podcast and are subject to change without notice.  This material is for informational use only and should not be considered investment advice. The information discussed herein is not a recommendation to buy or sell a particular security or to invest in any particular sector.  Forward-looking statements are not guaranteed.  BFO reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs and there is no guarantee that their assessment of investments will be accurate.  The discussions, outlook and viewpoints featured are not intended to be investment advice and do not take into account specific client investment objectives.  Before investing, an investor should consider his or her investment goals and risk comfort levels and consult with his or her investment adviser and tax professional.  

 Biltmore Family Office, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about BFO’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.