Weaver: Beyond the Numbers

This episode of 'Beyond the Numbers' offers a glimpse into the world of venture capital through the eyes of Alexander Harstrick, founder and managing partner of J2 Ventures. Harstrick shares invaluable perspective on the interplay between government and venture capital, weighs in on current market conditions and offers his blueprint to success for emerging managers.

Key Points

• J2 Ventures co-founder Harstrick's journey was shaped by his diverse roles in health tech investment, his military service, and the venture capital industry.

• J2 Ventures invests in companies that intend to scale with the U.S. government, hoping to capitalize on government funding and technical expertise, while providing necessary business acumen.

• Harstrick emphasizes that public market conditions do not necessarily dictate private market valuations, due to different exit strategies and hold periods.

From his time as a military intelligence officer for the U.S. Army, with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, to his experiences at Columbia and Harvard, Harstrick's background laid the groundwork for his move into venture capital. The genesis of J2 Ventures began with the fateful meeting of Harstrick and his co-founder, John Bronson, during their stint as EMTs at Columbia. Their journey together is a testament to their symbiotic influence on each other.

Explaining the J2 Ventures investment thesis, Harstrick highlights four focus industries of greatest current interest: health care, next-gen computing, cybersecurity, and infrastructure technology. These areas, he believes, show the highest growth potential in both the defense and commercial sectors.

Subscribe and listen to future episodes of Beyond the Numbers on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

©2023

Digital transformation drives a shift in financial operations globally, which makes understanding the mechanisms of bank fraud becoming increasingly more critical. From grand schemes that can potentially topple large banks to smaller-scale cons, fraudulent activities continue to plague the financial sector. Vigilance, robust anti-fraud systems, and a comprehensive understanding of red flags are the keys to averting such damaging events.

For deeper insights on identifying and mitigating bank fraud on “Weaver,” Logan Woods, CPA, CFE, and Supervisor, Forensics and Litigation services at Weaver spoke with guests Victor Padilla, CFE and Managing Director, Forensics and Litigation services at Weaver, as well as James Mihills, Partner-in-Charge, Banking Services at Weaver, as they dissect two notorious cases of fraud in banking.

In the latest episode of Location Cubed, Howard Altshuler, Partner-in-Charge of Real Estate and Construction Services, and Aaron Grisz, Real Estate Tax Leader, offer a comprehensive discussion.

Key Points:

• Understanding rate caps

• The implications of expiring rate caps

• The lender's perspective

• Tax implications

Many investors are navigating uncharted waters as the real estate market grapples with the pressing issue of expiring interest rate caps. This complex situation and an unpredictable interest rate environment threaten to destabilize investment strategies and impact bottom lines.

Grisz introduces the concept of a rate cap, an insurance-like derivative instrument that constrains the interest rate on a loan. Particularly relevant to real estate owners and developers dealing with floating rate debt, rate caps provide a safety net against soaring interest rates, ensuring interest payments don't exceed a preset maximum.

However, Altshuler and Grisz highlight that rate caps aren't without risk. The premium for a rate cap is contingent on current market interest rates and future projections. The escalating cost of rate caps has been dramatic, with a 3% three-year, $100 million rate cap that cost $100,000 in April 2019 now priced at a whopping $3.5 million.

Subscribe to the Location Cubed podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for the next episode of this series.

Learn about upcoming real estate webinars and subscribe to Weaver’s event invite list.

©2023

As the country continues to grapple with things like unstable geopolitical issues, record-high inflation and rising interest rates, the real estate landscape is undergoing seismic shifts. Investors and professionals are vying for insights to predict market movements and drive sustainable investment strategies. Experts, like those at JP Morgan, note that a mild to moderate recession is underway, and it could take years, not months, to recover.

Amidst this evolving landscape, one question emerges: "How is the future of real estate being shaped, and who are the trailblazers spearheading this transformation?"

In this episode of Weaver: Beyond the Numbers, podcast hosts Howard Altshuler, Partner-in-charge of Real Estate Services at Weaver, and Aaron Grisz, Real Estate Tax Leader at Weaver, delve into this question with guest Elizabeth Trochez, Senior Manager at Weaver. They discuss Elizabeth's experiences, her insights into the real estate market, and her innovative strategies on real estate audits.

Key points from the episode:

• Elizabeth Trochez's journey in public accounting and real estate audits, and her recent graduation from the Urbanland Institute Center for Leadership Program.
• An in-depth look at the East Lancaster project, a case study in strategizing for real estate development while considering the city's plans for future growth.
• How Elizabeth's experiences in the CFL program have prepared her for leadership in the real estate industry.

Elizabeth Trochez, a native of East Texas, is a Senior Manager at Weaver. With her primary focus on real estate audits, she has made significant strides in her career. Elizabeth has recently graduated from the esteemed Urbanland Institute Center for Leadership Program, further equipping her with the skills to make impactful contributions to the real estate industry.

Hosts Howard Altshuler, Partner-in-Charge of Real Estate and Construction Services, and Aaron Grisz, Tax Services Partner Real Estate Tax Leader, welcomed guest Meredith McKeehan, an Assurance Partner in Weaver’s Midland location. Their discussion delves into the ebbs and flows of the Midland real estate and construction market and highlights interesting construction projects in Midland, Texas. McKeehan’s own personal and professional journey as a longtime resident of Midland offers additional perspective on these issues.

Key Points:

• The real estate and construction market in Midland is directly influenced by the oil and gas industry, making the area a unique case study for economic fluctuations

• Demand for residential buildings in West Texas ebbs and flows along with the oil economy

• Significant construction projects in the region are creating interest.

With the booming oil and gas industry in West Texas playing a significant role in the local economy, the real estate and construction market in Midland, Texas, is worth paying attention to. Amid an ever-changing economic climate, navigating Midland’s real estate and construction market challenges requires insight and experience. The city has undergone a drastic shift in housing demand and commercial growth, directly reflecting fluctuating oil prices. This past September, Realtor.com ranked Midland, Texas number one as the best place in America to buy a house.

So, how does the relationship between oil, real estate and construction, and the local economy impact Midland? That’s the core question explored in the latest episode of Location Cubed.

Subscribe to the Location Cubed podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for the next episode of this series.

Learn about upcoming real estate webinars and subscribe to Weaver’s event invite list.©2023

As the real estate sector continues to rapidly evolve, industry insiders are seeking valuable insights and guidance. One person providing such insights is Elizabeth Trochez, a seasoned professional in public accounting with a special focus on real estate audits. Recently, Elizabeth's participation in the Urban Land Institute Center for Leadership Program offers her fresh perspective on the industry's trends and future.

But what are the key takeaways from this program? And how do they influence the real estate industry's current dynamics?

On this episode of Location³ by Weaver, hosts Howard Altshuler and Aaron Grisz engage in an insightful discussion with Elizabeth Trochez, a senior manager at Weaver. They delve into the intricacies of real estate and Elizabeth's recent experience with the Leadership Program at the Urban Land Institute.

Key points from their discussion include:

1. The role of the Leadership Program in providing participants with a holistic understanding of the real estate industry.

2. How the program helps participants network with local developers and professionals in the Dallas area.

3. Elizabeth's intriguing insights about recent real estate projects in the Dallas area.

Elizabeth Trochez has devoted her career to public accounting, focusing on real estate audits. She recently graduated from the Urban Land Institute Center for Leadership Program. Originally from East Texas, Trochez now resides in Dallas, where she continues to contribute significantly to Weaver's audit practice.

With the increased focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, industries across the board are discussing these topics. This heightened interest comes as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) considers rules that could mean new types of reporting for businesses that have not traditionally been subject to this kind of requirement. Meanwhile, many still grapple with understanding exactly what ESG entails and its long-term implications for their business.

In the latest episode of "On the Shop Floor", hosts Colby Horn and Jody Allred, are joined by Greg Englert, a Partner in Weaver's Risk Advisory Services. They delve into the complexities and nuances of ESG, exploring its evolution, its impact on various industries, and proposed SEC rules that could potentially redefine ESG reporting.

In this conversation, they focus on the following points:

• Understanding the basics of ESG, its origins, and evolution

• The role of private equity (PE) firms in shaping the ESG narrative and driving its adoption

• The potential impact of new SEC rules on ESG reporting, especially around emissions

• The specific effects of ESG on manufacturing, distribution, and retail sectors

• How businesses, particularly those in the private sector, are preparing for the expected ripple effects

Guest Greg Englert brings a valuable perspective on the current and future of ESG and its effect on businesses. In addition to his professional focus on this issue, he has worked extensively with clients across many sectors and industries providing risk advisory services during his 17-year career.

With the increased focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters, industries across the board are discussing these topics. This heightened interest comes as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) considers rules that could mean new types of reporting for businesses that have not traditionally been subject to this kind of requirement. Meanwhile, many still grapple with understanding exactly what ESG entails and its long-term implications for their business.

In the latest episode of "On the Shop Floor", hosts Colby Horn and Jody Allred, are joined by Greg Englert, a Partner in Weaver's Risk Advisory Services. They delve into the complexities and nuances of ESG, exploring its evolution, its impact on various industries, and proposed SEC rules that could potentially redefine ESG reporting.

In this conversation, they focus on the following points:

• Understanding the basics of ESG, its origins, and evolution

• The role of private equity (PE) firms in shaping the ESG narrative and driving its adoption

• The potential impact of new SEC rules on ESG reporting, especially around emissions

• The specific effects of ESG on manufacturing, distribution, and retail sectors

• How businesses, particularly those in the private sector, are preparing for the expected ripple effects

Guest Greg Englert brings a valuable perspective on the current and future of ESG and its effect on businesses. In addition to his professional focus on this issue, he has worked extensively with clients across many sectors and industries providing risk advisory services during his 17-year career.

The R&D credit allows businesses to claim a tax credit for qualifying research and development expenses, including wages, supplies, and contract research costs. It was created to incentivize businesses to invest in innovation and technological advancement in the United States, and it can provide a significant cash infusion for future development.

The R&D tax credit was introduced in 1981 as a temporary measure to encourage innovation and investment. Since then, it has been extended and modified several times and was made a permanent tax credit in 2018.

How has the R&D tax credit changed since its inception and what does the future hold for this incentive?

On today's episode of Weaver’s On the Shop Floor podcast, hosts Colby Horn and Jody Allred, speak with Nancy Imholte, Director of R&D Tax Credit Services and Kurtis Dixon, Partner-Tax Services, to talk about the rules and regulations surrounding the R&D tax credit.

The topics include:

1. Compliance tips for businesses regarding the R&D tax credit

2. Recent changes to the R&D tax credit from the IRS

3. IRS audits of R&D tax credit claims

"Research and Development(R&D) credits are a federal incentive to encourage companies to develop R&D in their companies and increase their spending year over year. It can be a nice cash flow incentive for companies,” said Imholte.

Nancy Imholte has more than 20 years of experience in public accounts and leads research and development (R&D) tax credit services for Weaver. The R&D team services multiple industries including companies focused on manufacturing and distribution, oil & gas support services, software development, biotech, and many more. Nancy also provides tax compliance, planning and consulting services to small business and individuals.

Kurtis Dixon has more than 15 years of experience in public accounting and focuses on providing tax compliance, planning and consulting services to Corporations, S Corporations, Partnerships and individuals. Kurtis also has experience with preparation and review of income tax provisions.