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Tech Careers and Money Talk

Welcome to Tech Equity and Money Talk!

https://www.techequityandmoneytalk.com/ is where you could hang out with experienced tech industry executives, ask them about career growth, equity compensation, money, investing, financial strategies, and more; then take an insight or two to guide your own career and lifestyle?

That’s what we do each week on Tech Equity and Money Talk. Hosted by Christopher Nelson –– author, tech exec, and Principal and Co-Founder of Wealthward Capital –– every episode is an in-depth look at how to navigate tech careers in hyper-growth companies, select the right companies to work for, earn equity, and build a passive income portfolio.

The goal is to give you the information you need to grow your career, build wealth, and make an impact!

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Last Episode Date: 19 November 2024

Total Episodes: 82

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081: How to Leverage Equity Compensation to Build Wealth in the Tech Industry
19 November 2024
081: How to Leverage Equity Compensation to Build Wealth in the Tech Industry

Episode 81: How to Leverage Equity Compensation to Build Wealth in the Tech IndustryReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at https://www.techequityandmoneynews.com/!Ever wondered how to make your equity work for you?In this episode, Christopher Nelson explains how you can leverage equity for success and build wealth through strategic compensation in the tech industry.Christopher opens up about his journey from believing only founders or CEOs could accumulate wealth to realizing that tech professionals can thrive by securing equity as part of their compensation. He discusses how trading your time and talent for equity can set you up for long-term financial success by acquiring assets that grow in value, independent of the hours you work.He also breaks down the four phases of negotiation when securing equity: from understanding your market value to finalizing agreements with salary, bonus, and equity. Plus, he shares insights on compensation analysis, the power of leverage, and how liquidity events unlock personal wealth.By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to effectively leverage equity for success, build your wealth, and take control of your financial future.Connect with Christopherhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christophercnelson/Highlights:The importance of equity compensation in tech careers.How to leverage your time and talent for long-term financial growth.Key strategies for negotiating equity compensation packages.Understanding the four phases of equity negotiation.The power of performing a compensation analysis to assess your options.How liquidity events can unlock wealth.Shifting your mindset from employee to investor.Episode Timeline:00:00 Introduction to Leveraging Equity for Success02:15 Christopher's Journey to Understanding Tech Equity06:00 Why Trading Time for Equity Works10:30 The Four Phases of Negotiating Equity14:50 How to Analyze Compensation Packages Effectively18:40 Understanding Your Market Value in Tech22:00 The Role of Liquidity Events in Wealth Building25:15 Shifting Your Mindset to Think Like an Investor28:00 Why Equity Compensation Is Key to Financial Independence

34 min
080: Equity Compensation Strategy by Christopher Nelson
12 November 2024
080: Equity Compensation Strategy by Christopher Nelson

Episode 80: Equity Compensation Strategy by Christopher NelsonReady to unlock new financial strategies in tech? Click here for a deep dive into wealth-building insights at https://www.techequityandmoneynews.com/.Ever wonder if there’s more to your paycheck than just cash?In this episode, Christopher Nelson shares two powerful strategies every tech professional should consider for building wealth. Drawing from 20+ years in tech and a personal journey to financial independence, he explains why working for equity and seeing yourself as a valuable asset can be life-changing moves.Christopher takes us through the significance of negotiating for equity to multiply income and explores the crucial mindset shift of viewing yourself as a valuable investment. We’re talking compensation, equity, and mindset—everything you need to take charge of your career and your wealth.Connect with Christopherhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christophercnelson/Highlights:Negotiate for equity as part of your compensation to maximize earnings.Recognize your value as an asset to get the best roles and deals.Understand the differences between RSUs, ISOs, and other equity types.Evaluate tech companies based on their growth potential and alignment with your goals.Financial independence is achievable by managing equity like an investor.Episode Timeline:[00:01:15] Introduction to Equity and Wealth-Building Strategies[00:04:30] The Power of Working for Equity in Tech[00:10:45] How Equity Compounds Your Career Earnings[00:15:20] Mindset Shift: Seeing Yourself as the Asset[00:20:00] Evaluating Companies for the Best Equity Opportunities[00:25:10] Negotiating Equity for Maximum Financial Growth[00:30:00] Real-World Success Stories and Lessons Learned[00:35:00] Final Thoughts on Leveraging Equity for Financial Independence

28 min
079: RSUs and Equity Compensation for Financial Success with Landon Loveall
5 November 2024
079: RSUs and Equity Compensation for Financial Success with Landon Loveall

Episode 79: RSUs and Equity Compensation for Financial Success with Landon LoveallReady to take charge of your financial future? Click here now for invaluable insights at https://www.techequityandmoneynews.com/!Host: Christopher NelsonGuest: Landon LovellIn this episode of Tech Equity and Money Talk, Landon Lovell, a certified financial planner at KB Financial Advisors, breaks down the complexities of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and how tech employees can navigate their equity compensation packages effectively.Landon specializes in helping tech professionals understand RSUs, especially as they become a prominent form of equity compensation in today's competitive job market.Connect with Landon Lovell:https://kbfinancialadvisors.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/landonloveall/In this episode, we talk about:Understanding RSUs: Landon explains what Restricted Stock Units are and why they are increasingly used in tech compensation packages. He emphasizes the importance of understanding their structure and tax implications to maximize their potential.Vesting Schedules and Tax Implications: We discuss the significance of vesting schedules and how the timing of tax obligations can impact your financial strategy. Landon highlights the need for planning around these milestones, especially during critical events like IPOs.Negotiating Your Equity Package: Landon shares insights on how to negotiate equity compensation effectively, ensuring that tech employees recognize the total value of their packages beyond just salary.Education as Empowerment: The episode underscores the necessity for tech employees to educate themselves about their equity compensation, equipping them to make informed financial decisions that can significantly affect their future.Trends in Equity Compensation: We explore emerging trends, including new approaches to vesting and the choice between cash and RSUs. Landon offers advice on how to adapt to these changes and leverage them for financial gain.Episode Timeline:[00:01:15] Introduction to RSUs and their importance.[00:04:30] The historical context of RSUs in tech compensation.[00:10:45] Understanding vesting schedules and tax implications.[00:15:20] Tips for negotiating equity packages.[00:20:00] The role of education in managing equity compensation.[00:25:10] Current trends in equity compensation practices.[00:30:00] Key takeaways for tech professionals.

35 min
078: Learn the 5 Executive Skills for Tech Professionals in 2025
29 October 2024
078: Learn the 5 Executive Skills for Tech Professionals in 2025

Episode 78: Learn the 5 Executive Skills for Tech Professionals in 2025Ready to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at https://www.techequityandmoneynews.com/!Ever feel like something’s missing from your tech career toolbox?In this episode, Christopher Nelson discusses the five game-changing executive skills that will elevate your tech career—skills you probably weren’t taught in school. We’re talking about setting clear boundaries, mastering the art of managing up, and using calendar blocking to take control of your time like a boss.These skills are the secret sauce for standing out in a fast-paced, demanding tech world. Whether you’re aiming for your next promotion or just want to reduce your stress, this episode is packed with strategies you can start using today.Plus, we’ll explore why establishing start-up and shutdown routines can give you that extra edge—and how regularly unplugging from work might just be the key to staying creative and productive in the long run.Connect with Christopherhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christophercnelson/Highlights:Set Healthy Boundaries: In the fast-paced tech world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Setting healthy boundaries helps you stay focused and prevents burnout. By defining when you’re available for work and when you’re not, you protect your mental and emotional well-being. It’s about saying no to unnecessary distractions so you can say yes to the work that truly matters.Manage Up: Managing up is all about developing a proactive relationship with your boss and leadership. It’s not just about getting your work done—it’s about understanding their goals, aligning with their priorities, and keeping communication clear. When you manage up effectively, you create a more efficient workflow, ensure alignment on key projects, and position yourself as a reliable team player.Calendar Blocking: This simple technique is a game changer. Calendar blocking involves assigning specific tasks or types of work to set blocks of time on your schedule. By doing this, you create intentional focus periods throughout your day. This prevents distractions, reduces the likelihood of multitasking, and helps you make the most out of your available time. Whether it's deep work, meetings, or personal tasks, having it all mapped out increases productivity and reduces stress.Start-up/Shutdown Routines: Creating a routine for how you start and end your day can make all the difference in your productivity and mindset. A start-up routine helps you hit the ground running by reviewing your priorities and setting a clear focus for the day. On the flip side, a shutdown routine allows you to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and prepare for the next day, giving your brain a signal to switch off and relax. These routines create consistency, reduce anxiety, and improve work-life balance.Unplug Regularly: The tech industry often runs 24/7, but that doesn’t mean you should. Regularly unplugging from work—whether it’s a digital detox on the weekends or simply setting boundaries around after-hours communication—helps restore your mental clarity and creativity. It’s a crucial habit for maintaining long-term productivity and avoiding burnout. Plus, stepping away from your screen allows for personal growth, creative breakthroughs, and time to recharge.Episode Timeline:00:00 Introduction to 5 Must-Have Executive Skills02:15 Setting Boundaries to Avoid Burnout06:32 Mastering the Art of Managing Up10:48 Using Calendar Blocking for Peak Productivity14:50 Start-up and Shutdown Routines: Why They Matter18:12 The Power of Unplugging from Work

53 min
077: Best Dividend Investing Strategies for Beginners with Kanwal Sarai
22 October 2024
077: Best Dividend Investing Strategies for Beginners with Kanwal Sarai

Episode 77: Best Dividend Investing Strategies for Beginners with Kanwal SaraiReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at https://www.techequityandmoneynews.com/!Host: Christopher NelsonGuest: Kanwal SaraiIn this episode of Tech Equity and Money Talk, host Christopher Nelson sits down with Kanwal Sarai, a seasoned investor and founder of simplyinvesting.com. The conversation dives into the fundamentals of dividend value investing, a strategy that has remained consistent over the decades, as noted by investment legends like Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham. Kanwal Sarai is an experienced dividend investor for more than 25 years, and founder of Simply Investing. Since 2007, Simply Investing has educated thousands of people, in over 30 countries, to invest safely, responsibly, and successfully in dividend stocks.Passionate, down to earth, and pragmatic, Kanwal's approach makes divided investing accessible to everyone. Kanwal has taught people young and old on how to create their own stream of resilient growing passive income by investing in quality dividend stocks.Connect with Kanwal SaraiWebsite: https://www.simplyinvesting.com/Podcast Link: https://dividend.simplyinvesting.com/blogTwitter: https://twitter.com/kanwal_saraiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/simply.investing/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyInvestingYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kanwalsarai In this episode, we talk about:Quality Dividend Stocks: The foundation of this investment strategy lies in selecting stocks from companies with a strong track record of paying and increasing dividends. For instance, companies like Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble, and Johnson & Johnson have consistently paid dividends for decades, with Coca-Cola paying dividends since 1893 and increasing them for 62 consecutive years. This long history indicates a stable and resilient business model.Buying Low: A critical aspect of dividend value investing is purchasing these quality stocks when they are priced low. This involves understanding market dynamics and identifying when a stock is undervalued compared to its historical performance and intrinsic value. Metrics such as the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio and comparing the current dividend yield to the company's 20-year average yield are essential for determining if a stock is undervalued.Reliable Income Stream: Dividend stocks provide a consistent income stream, which can be particularly appealing for investors seeking passive income. Investors can generate significant annual income from dividends, with examples of clients earning between $40,000 to $80,000 a year. This income can be reinvested to purchase more shares, further compounding returns over time.Capital Appreciation: In addition to the income generated from dividends, dividend value investing also offers the potential for capital appreciation. As companies grow and increase their earnings, the value of their stocks typically rises. By holding onto quality dividend stocks, investors can benefit from both income and appreciation of their investments.Long-Term Focus: Dividend value investing is not a get-rich-quick scheme; it requires patience and a long-term perspective. Maintaining a disciplined approach, especially during market downturns, is crucial. Investors are encouraged to keep their emotions in check and adhere to their strategy, as market fluctuations are inevitable.Resilience in Market Downturns: One of the advantages of dividend value investing is the resilience of a well-constructed portfolio during market downturns. Companies with strong dividend histories, like Coca-Cola and Johnson & Johnson, have continued to increase their dividends even during challenging economic times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This resilience helps protect investors' capital and provides a sense of security.Episode Timeline:[00:01:45] Dividend stocks for financial independence.[00:04:27] Mutual fund fee impact.[00:09:37] Dividend value investing strategies.[00:12:01] Quality dividend stocks strategy.[00:16:11] Investment in recession-proof companies.[00:19:36] Dividend growth criteria.[00:26:07] Emotion-free investing strategies.[00:27:45] Diversification in dividend investing.[00:30:34] Dividend investment strategies.[00:34:46] Optimizing portfolio management strategies.[00:39:09] Money management mindset shift.[00:42:23] Dividend income from investments.[00:45:05] Dividend value investing resources.[00:49:21] Dividend stocks and interest rates.

52 min
076: Managing Personal Investments with David Banks - A Tech Professional's Journey
15 October 2024
076: Managing Personal Investments with David Banks - A Tech Professional's Journey

Episode 76: Managing Personal Investments with David Banks - A Tech Professional's JourneyReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at https://www.techequityandmoneynews.com/!Host: Christopher NelsonGuest: Davids BanksIn this episode of Tech Equity and Money Talk, David Banks shares insights from his career transitions, particularly focusing on moving from a successful tech sales career to becoming a money manager.David had a 40 year career in software sales that saw him through three IPOs, Interwoven, VMware, and Splunk.   David built valuable skills in Tech Sales that allowed him to work in sales and sales management roles in companies like VMware and Splunk.  After Splunk, David continued building his financial company, Addison Financial LLC which is the vehicle for managing their real estate investments and hard money lending portfolio.Connect with David Bankshttps://www.addisonfin.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlbanks/In this episode, we talk about:Establishing a Business Mindset - David Banks emphasizes the importance of treating investments as a business. By forming an LLC, he and his wife were able to separate their personal finances from their investment activities. This separation not only provides legal protection but also creates a clear framework for managing their investments. It allows them to pay themselves from the business, track expenses, and maintain a professional approach to their financial activities.Regular Performance Reviews - David mentions that he and his wife conduct monthly reviews of their investment performance. This regular assessment helps them stay informed about how their investments are performing and allows them to make necessary adjustments. By tracking metrics such as cash flow and the health of their investments, they can identify trends, successes, and areas needing improvement. This discipline ensures that they remain proactive rather than reactive in their investment strategy.Financial Audits and Goal Setting - Before David left his job at Splunk, he undertook a financial audit of their expenses. This process involved analyzing their spending habits and identifying areas where they could cut back. By understanding their financial landscape, they could better prepare for the transition to a lifestyle without a regular paycheck. This kind of financial audit is crucial for anyone looking to manage their investments effectively, as it helps in setting realistic goals and understanding the cash flow needed to sustain their lifestyle.Intentionality in Financial Decisions - By treating their portfolio like a business, David and his wife have cultivated a more intentional approach to their finances. They set clear goals and develop plans to achieve them, which is akin to a business strategy. This intentionality helps them avoid emotional decision-making that can often lead to poor financial choices. Instead, they focus on data-driven insights and strategic planning, which ultimately leads to better financial outcomes.Networking and Continuous Learning - David highlights the importance of networking and continual learning in managing investments. By engaging with other investors and industry professionals, they gain valuable insights that inform their investment decisions. This collaborative approach mirrors business practices where networking and knowledge sharing are vital for success. It also reinforces the idea that managing a portfolio is not a solitary endeavor but rather a community-driven process.Episode Timeline:[00:01:20] Transitioning to money management.[00:05:00] Cash flow investment strategies.[00:10:10] Cash flow investment strategies.[00:12:07] Running your portfolio as a business.[00:17:12] Transitioning to full-time investing.[00:20:18] Private equity education and networking.[00:25:44] Financial audit for lifestyle changes.[00:28:15] Tech business cycles and resilience.

31 min
075: Unlocking Skills for Tech Equity: How David Banks Leveraged 3 IPOs
8 October 2024
075: Unlocking Skills for Tech Equity: How David Banks Leveraged 3 IPOs

Episode 75: A Unlocking Skills for Tech Equity: How David Banks Leveraged 3 IPOsReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at https://www.techequityandmoneynews.com/!Host: Christopher NelsonGuest: Davids BanksIn this episode of Tech Equity and Money Talk, host Christopher welcomes David Banks, a seasoned sales executive with over 40 years of experience in technology companies like Interwoven, VMware, and Splunk.David had a 40 year career in software sales that saw him through three IPOs, Interwoven, VMware, and Splunk.   David built valuable skills in Tech Sales that allowed him to work in sales and sales management roles in companies like VMware and Splunk.  After Splunk David continued building his financial company, Addison Financial LLC which is the vehicle for managing their real estate investments and hard money lending portfolio.Connect with David Bankshttps://www.addisonfin.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlbanks/In this episode, we talk about:The Importance of Networking: David emphasizes that networking is not just beneficial but crucial for anyone looking to advance their career. He states, "Network, network, network," underscoring the idea that building relationships within and outside one's profession can open doors to new opportunities. This is particularly true in the tech industry, where many positions and companies may not be widely known or accessible through traditional job search methods.Gaining Insight into Private Companies: One of the challenges of working with private companies is the lack of publicly available financial information. Unlike public firms, private companies do not have stock prices or detailed financial reports that potential employees can analyze. This is where networking becomes invaluable. David shares his experience of leveraging his network to gain insights into companies he was interested in, stating, "What I did was find somebody that I knew within the company, through LinkedIn, through my network."Validating Company Potential: Networking also allows candidates to validate the potential of a company before committing to a position. David recounts how he spoke with a sales director at Splunk, who had previously worked at VMware. This conversation provided him with valuable insights into Splunk's technology and market position, confirming that it was a company worth joining. He notes, "He was able to confirm a lot of those things and then put me in touch with other people inside of the company."Building Relationships for Future Opportunities: Networking is not just about immediate job opportunities; it also lays the groundwork for future career advancements. By establishing relationships with industry professionals, individuals can create a support system that may lead to mentorship, referrals, and insider knowledge about upcoming job openings. David's success in his career can be attributed, in part, to the relationships he built throughout his journey, which helped him transition from one successful company to another.Episode Timeline:[00:01:33] Equity compensation and personal wealth.[00:05:06] Rapid IPO and equity experience.[00:08:36] Financial market volatility and decisions.[00:15:39] History rhymes in investing.[00:18:31] Trading skills for equity opportunities.[00:21:09] Virtualization technology opportunities.[00:27:01] Stock options and company success.[00:30:16] Risk of concentrated stock investment.[00:34:11] Startup decision-making mistakes.[00:37:16] Evaluating Pre-IPO Companies.[00:41:16] Sales leadership evaluation criteria.[00:48:01] Retirement and investment transitions.[00:49:36] Managing yourself as an asset.[00:53:19] Differentiating skills in AI.

56 min
074: My Framework on How to Build Wealth with Tech Equity From Equity to Exit
1 October 2024
074: My Framework on How to Build Wealth with Tech Equity From Equity to Exit

Episode 74: My Framework on How to Build Wealth with Tech Equity From Equity to ExitReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at https://www.techequityandmoneynews.com/!Ever had a startup fail on you? Yeah, Christopher Nelson's been there. In this episode of Tech Equity and Money Talk, Christopher opens up about the wild ride after his own 2010 startup flop and how it pushed him to crack the code on tech equity. He’s dropping serious gems on how to escape the corporate grind and build a life that’s actually fulfilling. Get ready to dive into his 'From Equity to Exit' framework, designed to help you turn your tech equity into real wealth. If you’re feeling stuck in the hustle, Christopher has the strategies to help you take control of your financial future. Don’t miss this one!Connect with Christopherhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christophercnelson/Highlights:Expertise: This is where it all begins. Developing your skills to a level where you can trade them for high-value equity is crucial. Whether you're in marketing, engineering, or any other field, your expertise is your most valuable asset.Equity: Understanding and maximizing equity compensation is key to building wealth. I discuss strategies for identifying valuable equity, emphasizing that liquid, appreciating, and tradable equity is often found in public companies.Evergreen Portfolio: This involves building a diversified portfolio that generates ongoing income without depleting the principal. I stress the importance of shifting from making money to managing money and diversifying into private equity.Exit Plan: This ties everything together, helping you plan your financial future with clear goals and timelines. Your exit plan should be a living document, adaptable to life's changes, and focused on achieving financial independence.Episode Timeline:[00:01:03] Building wealth through tech equity.[00:04:23] Equity to exit framework.[00:07:41] Expertise and equity for wealth.[00:10:34] Valuable equity in public companies.[00:15:50] Evergreen portfolio management strategies.[00:19:00] The importance of financial independence.[00:21:37] Lifestyle changes through geographic moves.[00:25:08] Unlocking financial freedom principles.

26 min
073: Why I Chose to Build My Portfolio as a Business With Christopher Nelson
24 September 2024
073: Why I Chose to Build My Portfolio as a Business With Christopher Nelson

Episode 73: Why I Chose to Build My Portfolio as a Business With Christopher NelsonReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at https://www.techequityandmoneynews.com/!Ever feel like you're just winging it with your finances? In this episode, Christopher Nelson discusses the concept of managing a portfolio as a business rather than just personal finance. Christopher Nelson gets real about how he leveled up by treating his portfolio like a business – and why you should too. We’re talking about shifting from the chaos of personal finance to a plan that actually makes sense, with a mission, vision, and the kind of discipline that helps you sleep at night. Christopher breaks down the psychological perks, how to avoid lifestyle creep, and even some tax hacks. Plus, he's all about setting up your future generations for success. It’s finance, but in a way that feels... doable.Connect with Christopherhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christophercnelson/Highlights:TakeawaysTreat your money as a business for better results.Having a mission and vision clarifies investment strategies.The ultra wealthy manage their finances with intention.Prevent lifestyle creep by evaluating financial decisions.Tax efficiency is greater in a portfolio business structure.Implementing systems leads to more efficient management.Wealth transfer is easier with a structured portfolio.Balancing personal commitments with portfolio management is crucial.Education and community support are essential for financial growth.Be patient and deliberate in your investment journey.Episode Timeline:00:00 Introduction to Portfolio Management as a Business01:28 The Inspiration Behind Treating Money as a Business05:18 Transitioning from Personal Finance to Business Structure10:24 The Impact of Mission and Vision on Investment Strategy15:21 Psychological Advantages of Managing Money as a Business19:26 Preventing Lifestyle Creep Through Financial Discipline23:43 Tax Efficiency in Portfolio Business vs. Personal Investments26:32 Implementing Systems for Efficient Portfolio Management29:07 Wealth Transfer to Future Generations31:59 Challenges in Structuring a Portfolio as a Business34:54 Balancing Portfolio Management with Personal Commitments

35 min
072: An Intro to Due Diligence Process in Real Estate for New Investors with Hans Box
17 September 2024
072: An Intro to Due Diligence Process in Real Estate for New Investors with Hans Box

Episode 72: An Intro to Due Diligence Process in Real Estate for New Investors with Hans BoxReady to explore the latest in tech careers and financial insights? Click here now for an eye-opening journey at https://www.techequityandmoneynews.com/!Connect with Hans Boxhttps://boxwilson.com/In this episode of Tech Equity and Money Talk, host Christopher Nelson welcomes Hans Box, founder and owner of Box Wilson Equity Group, which manages $90 million in assets. Hans discusses the critical importance of due diligence in investment decisions. The conversation touches on the potential pitfalls of neglecting due diligence, highlighting real-life examples of bad investments stemming from inadequate research.Hans Box is Co-Founder of Box Wilson Equity, a firm that focuses on cash flow and value-add investments. Box Wilson has invested $90MM+ in equity across various asset classes, including multifamily, self-storage, mobile home parks, distressed debt, office, and preferred equity. He attended Texas A&M University, graduating cum laude with a B.S. degree in Accounting and magna cum laude with an M.S. degree in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the state of Texas.Hans has personally been directly involved in the acquisition, investment, and management of over $350MM in multifamily and self-storage assets, has asset managed ~3,700 multifamily units and has been the GP in ~4,300 multifamily units and ~2,000 units of self-storage.  Prior to Box Wilson Equity, he spent 5 years with a DFW-based multifamily owner-operator, where he oversaw the acquisition and asset management functions. Hans began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP where he worked in tax and strategy consulting with Fortune 500 companies. Tech Equity and Money Talk - Episode 72Host: Christopher NelsonGuest: Hans BoxHighlights:The Importance of Due Diligence - Hans emphasizes the need for thorough due diligence when investing in real estate. He contrasts the extensive time people spend researching consumer goods like TVs and cars with the often minimal time spent on significant investment decisions. Proper due diligence is crucial for becoming a successful passive investor and achieving financial freedom.Vetting the Sponsor - Hans highlights that the most critical aspect of due diligence is vetting the sponsor. He uses the analogy of the jockey and the horse to stress that a good sponsor can turn a mediocre deal into a success, while a bad sponsor can ruin a great deal. Key red flags include lack of transparency and overly sales presentations.Understanding the Business Plan - Hans advises that a clear value-add strategy should be evident in any business plan. Investors should be able to understand how the sponsor plans to add value to the property, whether through rent increases, property improvements, or other means. He also stresses the importance of a sensitivity analysis to understand how different variables can impact the deal's returns.Fees and Compensation - The discussion also covers the importance of understanding the fee structure. Hans points out that while fees are standard, they should be reasonable and aligned with the investor's interests. He warns against deals with excessive fees that can dilute returns.Practical Advice for Investors - Hans provides practical advice for investors, including the importance of learning to read a P&L statement and understanding key assumptions in the business plan. He also recommends being patient and not succumbing to FOMO (fear of missing out), as there will always be more deals.Episode Timeline:[00:00:45] Due diligence in investing.[00:05:14] Vetting the operator's transparency.[00:08:32] Salesy business presentations.[00:12:24] Evaluating sponsor experience in investing.[00:15:32] Value-add strategy in investments.[00:21:20] Cash flow in commercial real estate.[00:22:04] Cash flow vs. value add.[00:25:11] Understanding assumptions in investments.[00:29:09] Rent increase justification process.[00:33:07] Sensitivity analysis in investing.[00:35:Due diligence in real estate.[00:40:51] Preferred return in investments.[00:44:01] Patience in real estate investing.[00:48:45] Due diligence in investing.[00:50:25] Risk adjusted return in investments.

51 min
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