Partnering to Create Wealth

In this episode of Partnering to Create Wealth, David Marcus sits down with George Dickson, Jr., Senior EVP and CIO of New York Private Bank & Trust, and Emigrant Bank, to discuss the evolution of Emigrant Bank and the principles that have guided the institution across decades of market cycles.George shares how the bank transformed from a traditional savings institution into a modern private banking platform, while maintaining a conservative, client-first approach to risk and capital management. The conversation explores how that discipline has enabled the bank to navigate major financial crises — from 1987 to 2008, the pandemic, and recent banking volatility.They also discuss the firm’s investment philosophy, including its focus on transparency, tax efficiency, and portfolio construction through ETFs and separately managed accounts. George explains how helping clients truly understand what they own — and the risks they’re taking — is central to the bank’s approach.Finally, the conversation turns to the evolution of the broader Emigrant platform, including the development of specialized businesses and the growing role of the venture ecosystem under Michael Milstein, culminating in the transformation of 22 Vanderbilt into a hub for innovation and investment.

Whitney George, CEO of Sprott Inc. and one of the most respected names in value investing and the metals sector, joins David Marcus for a wide-ranging discussion on markets, cycles, and conviction.Whitney reflects on his path from Royce & Associates, where he helped build a $40B small-cap platform, to his leadership at Sprott, where he’s steering one of the world’s premier asset managers in precious metals and critical materials.Topics include: • The evolution of small-cap and value investing over four decades • Gold’s dual role as safe haven and alternative currency • How inflation, fiscal policy, and deglobalization are reshaping markets • The coming “supply-demand crunch” in uranium, copper, and silver • Why real assets may define the next decade of opportunityWhitney also shares lessons learned from past cycles, his optimism about the resilience of U.S. markets, and why patience and discipline still matter most in investing.

David Marcus sits down with legendary Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper — founder of Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Draper Associates, and Draper University. Tim has backed some of the world’s most transformative companies including Baidu, Tesla, Skype, SpaceX, Twitch, Hotmail, Robinhood, and Coinbase, and was an early, vocal advocate of Bitcoin.We cover:🧠 How Tim spots opportunities in industries ripe for disruption🚀 Why he’s “crazy optimistic” about Gen Z founders, AI, and space exploration🪙 Bitcoin’s network effect and its most underappreciated use case🦾 Robotics, AI, and biotech: the next industrial revolution🌍 Why decentralization — not government planning — drives real innovation🪙 Why gold is outdated and Bitcoin is better technology for value storage🤖 “Humans with AI” vs. “Humans without” — and why the future is brightTim also shares stories ranging from Don Henley to Elon Musk, and reflects on optimism as a competitive edge in venture capital.

In this episode of Partnering to Create Wealth, David Marcus speaks with Jacob Gonzalez, co-founder and Head of Debt Capital Markets at Cirrus Capital Partners.Jacob shares his journey from Cornell to investment banking, private equity, and now building Cirrus Capital alongside his partner, Ryan Ridgeway. Together, they’ve carved out a niche working hands-on with lower-middle-market businesses to find the right lenders, prepare for diligence, and secure tailored credit solutions.We discuss:The evolution of Cirrus Capital and what sets their model apart from traditional brokers and advisorsKey diligence steps every borrower should prepare for before raising debtHow lenders evaluate fit beyond price — and what borrowers should be looking for in returnTrends shaping the debt markets in 2025, including hybrid structures and a resurgence in consumer packaged goods (CPG) lendingWhy lender–borrower relationships thrive on partnership, trust, and long-term alignmentJacob also shares candid reflections on entrepreneurship, choosing the right business partner, and his vision for Cirrus Capital’s future as a merchant bank.

François de Visscher, co-founder and Executive Chairman of FODIS, joins me to discuss how family offices approach direct investing. We cover the opportunities and challenges families face, how to avoid common pitfalls, and the keys to sustaining wealth across generations.In this episode of Partnering to Create Wealth, François shares lessons from 45 years of advising families worldwide — from the importance of strategy over opportunism, to how direct investments can reinforce a family’s identity, and why stewardship goes beyond financial capital.Key Takeaways:How François’ family business roots shaped his career.The founding of FODIS and its role as an outsourcing arm for family offices.Why direct investments can reinforce a family’s identity and cohesion.The balance between family offices and private equity — partners and competitors.The importance of strategy over opportunism in direct investments.François’ SGA framework (Stability, Growth, Agility) for building trans-generational wealth.

Matt Regan, CEO of Wealthcare Capital Management, joins me to explore the forces reshaping the wealth management industry and what RIAs must do to thrive in the decade ahead.We discuss the accelerating shift of assets toward independent advisors, the realities behind fee compression, the role of technology in building scalable practices, and the shortage of next-generation advisors. Matt also shares candid insights on regulatory pressures, the impact of robo-advisors, and why outsourcing non-revenue-generating activities is critical to growth and enterprise value.Whether you’re an advisor, investor, or simply curious about where wealth management is headed, this conversation offers practical insights and a clear-eyed view of the future.

In this episode, I’m joined by Leigh Hoagland, co-founder and former CEO of New York Private Finance and now senior advisor to the firm. Leigh shares the backstory of a borrower we’ll call “Bob”—a food entrepreneur who used a loan from NYPF to buy out a minority partner and retain full control of his company.We explore:Why Bob borrowed personally instead of through the companyHow we structured the loan using a blend of illiquid private equity and a participating interestWhat made this deal a win for the borrower—and for NYPFHow our model differs from mezzanine debt and other private credit providersLeigh also shares reflections from his time at Bankers Trust and Deutsche Bank, and explains how regulatory shifts gave rise to the NYPF model.

Will Bowmer, Managing Director and Co-Head of Technology at Lincoln International, joins David to share his path from corporate law to investment banking, including his time navigating the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy. Will discusses building Lincoln’s tech banking practice in San Francisco, the firm’s strength in valuing private companies and private markets, and how AI is reshaping dealmaking and advisory work. Along the way, he reflects on lessons from past market cycles and what’s driving today’s technology M&A landscape.

Alex Penning, Managing Director and Head of Banking and Lending at Cresset Capital, joins the show to discuss how Cresset helps clients think strategically about credit. We talk about the firm’s rapid growth, its integrated approach to family office services, and how Alex’s team works with business owners and wealth creators to find the right lending partners and solutions.

David Marcus speaks with Christian Berger of McGuireWoods about his unique role as a business development leader in a top law firm, the rise of independent sponsors, the McGuireWoods Independent Sponsor Conference, and his utility infrastructure venture, GridHawk.

In this episode, I’m once again joined by my colleague and New York Private Finance co-founder, Brian Bristol. We discuss key features of NYPF's credit facilities, how they’re structured, and the unique advantages they may offer to clients seeking liquidity without selling their assets.

In this first episode of Partnering to Create Wealth, I’m joined by my colleague Brian Bristol as we introduce the podcast and explain how it can serve investors, entrepreneurs, and advisors. We discuss how New York Private Finance helps clients unlock capital without selling assets, and what you can expect from future conversations with professionals across the capital markets.