Volatility has returned to the markets in full force. With abrupt tariff announcements, policy reversals and a 10% market rally following a sharp decline, investors have been left searching for clarity.

In a special episode of Trust Company Talks, hosts Bill Noble and Burke Koonce sit down with CEO Bill Smith and CIO Dan Tolomay to discuss what today’s turbulence means for long-term investors and how Trust Company is helping families stay grounded amid the noise.

Topics covered include:

• Why uncertainty is a major challenge for markets
• Historical context: 14% intra-year drawdowns are typical, not unusual
• Why investors earn a premium for staying invested during volatile times
• The role of diversification across asset classes, styles and regions
• How fixed income can offer ballast and opportunity during downturns
• Trust Company’s value-driven, evidence-based investment philosophy

From tariffs to headlines to emotional gut-checks, this conversation highlights the core principles that help long-term investors stay the course when the markets feel anything but steady.

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.

Venture capital plays a distinct role in investment strategies, offering access to high-growth opportunities outside of traditional public markets.

In the latest episode of Trust Company Talks, Bill Noble and Burke Koonce welcome Ted Clark and Jon Terbell of FourBridge Partners to discuss how private market investing works, the nuances of venture capital and how families and institutions can approach these opportunities strategically.

With decades of experience managing private investments, including building the Babson College endowment's venture capital allocation, Ted and Jon share how FourBridge Partners identifies strong investment managers and builds long-term portfolios. They also discuss how patience and a methodical approach can make a significant difference when investing in venture capital.

Topics covered include:

• How venture capital differs from private equity and hedge funds
• The importance of liquidity when considering private market investments
• Strategies for selecting and accessing the right venture capital opportunities
• Market trends, including AI, blockchain and deep tech

Ted and Jon emphasize that successful venture capital investing is not about timing the market, it's about steady, disciplined allocations over time.

Hear the full conversation on how FourBridge Partners approaches venture capital within private markets and what it means for long-term investing.

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.

On this episode of Trust Company Talks, Bill Noble and Burke Koonce are joined by Senior Wealth Advisor and Principal, Jay Eich, to discuss tax strategy, estate planning and how the Trust Company team in Charlotte works closely with clients on complex financial decisions.

Jay shares how tax planning plays a central role in helping families structure wealth efficiently, including strategies for estate tax exemptions, charitable giving and preparing for potential policy changes. He also highlights how careful planning before a business sale can create opportunities to protect assets and reduce tax burdens.

Beyond numbers and tax codes, the conversation touches on the importance of personal relationships in wealth management. Whether helping a client evaluate assisted living options or advising those interested in private aviation, Jay and the Trust Company team take a comprehensive approach that extends well beyond investing options.

Key discussion points include:

• The impact of estate tax changes and how to prepare for them
• Strategies for managing wealth before a business sale
• The role of tax planning in long-term financial success

Listen to the full episode to learn how a thoughtful approach to planning can help clients make informed decisions at every stage of life.

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.

In the latest episode of Trust Company Talks, hosts Bill Noble and Burke Koonce sat down with Chief Investment Officer Dan Tolomay, CFA to discuss the highlights of 2024 and the outlook for 2025.

Reflecting on a strong year for markets, Dan noted that global equities rose approximately 20%, with U.S. large-cap growth leading the way. He attributed much of this performance to excitement surrounding artificial intelligence and the continued strength of a few key technology companies. However, he also emphasized the importance of looking beyond recent trends and maintaining a diversified approach to investments.

“Plan for what could happen, rather than trying to predict what will,” Dan said, quoting University of Chicago's David Booth. This philosophy informs Trust Company's disciplined approach, focusing on valuations, diversification, and long-term goals.

Other topics included:

• The impact of rising interest rates on small-cap companies and businesses.
• The valuation gap between U.S. and international stocks and its potential implications for future returns.
• The role of diversification in building resilient portfolios and managing risks.

Tune in to hear the full conversation and gain perspective on how careful planning and thoughtful strategies can help investors stay prepared, no matter what the future holds.

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.

In this episode of Trust Company Talks, Bill Noble and Burke Koonce welcome Trina Fullard, CEO of Charlotte Rescue Mission, to share her inspiring journey and the impactful work of the organization.

Trina describes how the mission, founded in 1938 by nine Charlotte businessmen, has evolved into a vital resource for individuals facing homelessness and addiction. Offering a four-month residential recovery program, Charlotte Rescue Mission equips men and women with the tools they need for a fresh start. Programs like Rebound for men and Dove's Nest for women focus on healing, education and future readiness, with options for mothers to bring their children along on their recovery journey.

During the conversation, Trina highlights:

• How the mission expanded its reach during the pandemic to include long-term support through case management and recovery living.
• The role of partnerships with several community organizations like in providing financial literacy and wellness opportunities.
• The importance of programs that help graduates build essential skills for a successful transition after recovery.

Trina also shares her vision for the future, including creating outdoor spaces for reflection and growth and expanding programs for families.

Tune in to discover how the Charlotte Rescue Mission is creating lasting change in the community.

Learn more about their work and how to support their mission by visiting their website.

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.

In this bonus episode of Trust Company Talks, Bill Noble and Burke Koonce sit down with the Executive Director of the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence, Christine (Chris) Mumma, for an inspiring conversation about advocating for the wrongfully convicted.

Chris shares the mission of the Center, which focuses on investigating claims of innocence, pursuing policy reform and providing reentry services for exonerees. The conversation brings attention to:

• The challenges exonerees face, from lack of support to hurdles in receiving compensation.
• Success stories, like Greg Taylor and Willie Grimes, and the lessons learned from their journeys.
• The Joseph Sledge House of Healing, supported by businesses like Trust Company and Lowe's, is a groundbreaking initiative redefining reentry support and providing a community for exonerees.

Chris also discusses the importance of pardons for exonerees, ongoing systemic reform efforts and the need for community involvement to sustain these programs.

Listen to learn how dedicated efforts and community involvement are making a positive impact in the lives of exonerees.

If you'd like to support the NC Center on Actual Innocence, visit their website.

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.

In the latest episode of Trust Company Talks, Bill Noble and Burke Koonce sit down with Ben Teague, vice president of strategic development at Biltmore Farms, to discuss disaster recovery, community resilience and the path forward for Western North Carolina after devastating storms.

Ben brings a wealth of experience in disaster recovery, having led economic development efforts during Hurricane Katrina, and shares how those lessons are shaping the approach to rebuilding in the face of recent challenges.

In this episode, the conversation explores:

• How collaborative efforts across public and private sectors drive recovery
• The economic toll of the storm, particularly on small businesses in areas like Biltmore Village and the River Arts District, and the importance of supporting businesses impacted by disasters
• The innovative strategies driving the efforts to rebuild infrastructure and restore the heartbeat of the community

Ben shares his personal experiences during the disaster, from widespread power outages to the community's immediate response, highlighting the strength and resilience of Western North Carolina's communities and emphasizing the critical role of neighbor-to-neighbor support and strategic planning.

Tune in to hear how local organizations, private companies and individuals are coming together to rebuild and prepare for the future.

Join us in supporting relief and recovery efforts in Western North Carolina by contributing to:

• Manna Food Bank
• Hearts with Hands: Disaster Relief

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.

In the latest episode of Trust Company Talks, Bill Noble and Burke Koonce welcome Jake DeKinder, head of client communications at Dimensional Fund Advisors—an investment firm managing over $800B in assets and one of our key partners at Trust Company.

Jake brings his extensive background in education and finance to share valuable insights about:

• Why financial education is critical for making informed decisions
• The benefits of an evidence-based approach to investing
• The impact of social media on market behavior
• Why political beliefs shouldn't dictate financial strategies

Jake stresses the importance of financial literacy and the need for a disciplined, long-term approach to investing. He explains why sticking to a clear strategy can yield better outcomes, even during market shifts. The conversation also touches on the recent volatility seen with companies like GameStop and AMC and how a patient, steady approach helps investors amid market uncertainty and political change.

Listen to this episode to learn more about staying disciplined and making informed financial decisions, regardless of market noise.

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.

In the latest episode of Trust Company Talks, hosts Bill Noble and Burke Koonce explore the world of small business mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Charles Shook, founder of Trestle Capital Partners, and Leah Jane Barnwell, CRPC®, Trust Company's strategic initiatives manager, join them. They offer practical advice and personal stories for family business owners thinking about selling.

Leah Jane reflects on her family's journey with their manufacturing business, emphasizing the need to find a buyer who values the company's legacy and cares for the employees. She emphasizes that selling a family business is never just about the financials; the emotional side plays a key role in making the right decision.

Charles Shook shares his expertise on search funds, an option for business owners seeking a smooth transition. He also outlines the importance of preparing a business for sale, focusing on long-term planning and how to make a business attractive to buyers, even in unpredictable markets.

Listeners will hear about:

• Balancing emotional and business concerns when selling a family-owned company
• Search funds as an appealing option for those seeking the right buyer
• Key steps to ensure a successful business sale
• How to select a buyer who will continue the company’s vision and values

Listen to this episode for practical advice on navigating the M&A process and ensuring a smooth transition for your family business.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact us.

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.

The latest installment of Trust Company Talks features an insightful conversation with Dan Tolomay, Trust Company's Chief Investment Officer. Hosts Bill Noble and Burke Koonce explore current market conditions and investment strategies, providing valuable guidance for investors in today's complex financial landscape.

Throughout this discussion, listeners will discover:

• The shifting tides in the tech sector and what it could mean for your portfolio
• Why "cheap" might be the new "chic" in the stock market
• The case for pint-sized powerhouses in your investments
• Unearthing hidden gems in international markets
• Separating political noise from investment signal

Tune in for practical insights and stay informed about the latest market trends to make more confident investment decisions.

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.