Creating a successful career in the financial advisory industry takes the right mix of ambition, knowledge, and talent. This week, Dr. Craig Lemoine is joined by Mackenzie Granby, CFP® Senior Advisory Associate at Vivaldi Capital Management and University of Illinois alumni, as she shares her career journey, showcasing the critical role of continuous education and finding a firm that aligns with your personal investment philosophies.Dr. Craig and Mackenzie discuss the nuances of client relationships and the meticulous investment vetting process at Vivaldi, where asking the right questions and simplifying investment jargon can make investing an easier experience for clients. This week's conversation provides a guide for fledgling advisors making their mark in the alternative investment space. Want to learn more? Check out the links below! Mackenzie Granby on LinkedIn Vivaldi Capital Management Dr. Craig Lemoine on LinkedIn Are you a financial planning professional looking to better serve the needs and goals of clients associated with agriculture or living in rural communities? Then be sure to check out our Agriculture Focused Financial Planning designation by clicking on the link below!Agriculture Focused Financial PlanningLand & Everything Else YouTube Channel

Alternative investments are the cornerstone of a diverse portfolio, opening investors up to many opportunities. While they offer the potential for lucrative returns, they are notoriously complex. This week, Dr. Craig Lemoine is joined by Ilya Zlotnik, Wealth Advisor and Partner from Vivaldi Capital Management, to uncover the power of non-stock and bond investments and how wealth management firms are helping investors succeed. Tune in as Dr. Craig and Ilya discuss Vivaldi's growth, turning $150 million into an astonishing $4 billion in assets. Episode 12 of “Land & Everything Else” highlights the challenges of accessing private equity, imparting wisdom on the expanding role of financial advisors, and leaving listeners with a guide for the future.  Want to learn more? Check out the links below! Ilya Zlotnik on LinkedIn Vivaldi Captial Management Dr. Craig Lemoine on LinkedIn Are you a financial planning professional looking to better serve the needs and goals of clients associated with agriculture or living in rural communities? Then be sure to check out our Agriculture Focused Financial Planning designation by clicking on the link below!Agriculture Focused Financial PlanningLand & Everything Else YouTube Channel

Beginning with the 2008 financial crisis, the interest in farmland as an asset class has grown exponentially. From its positive correlation to inflation to the future possibilities with renewables, institutions are looking to buy farmland. Ailie Elmore is joined by returning guest Steve Bruere, CEO of Peoples Company, to dissect why farmland is a staple of any diverse portfolio. Tracing the roots of institutional farmland ownership, the conversation sheds light on its evolution from a niche asset to a sought-after investment.  Drawing from his vast experience, Steve gives listeners insights into how Peoples Company is creating value for both investors and farmers. This episode provides a roadmap through the seasonal cycles of commodity prices and their sway over land values, imparting strategies for a future-proof investment. Ready to learn more? Check out the links below! Steve Bruere on LinkedIn Peoples Company Ailie Elmore on LinkedIn Dr. Craig Lemoine on LinkedIn Are you a financial planning professional looking to better serve the needs and goals of clients associated with agriculture or living in rural communities? Then be sure to check out our Agriculture Focused Financial Planning designation by clicking on the link below!Agriculture Focused Financial PlanningLand & Everything Else YouTube Channel

For investors and advisors, alternative investments represent a vast market of challenges and potential. If you’re looking to understand the dynamic realm of alternative investments (alts), navigating the intricate landscape of risk, return, liquidity, and cryptocurrency's role in portfolio optimization, episode 10 of “Land & Everything Else” serves as a resource for those looking to embark on this journey. Dr. Craig Lemoine is joined by Derek Sasveld, Director of Strategy and Research at Busey, whose expertise and insight give listeners a deeper understanding of strategic wealth management practices, empowering them to expand their investment portfolios beyond traditional stocks and bonds.Ready to learn now? Check out the links below:Derek Sasveld on LinkedInBusey Dr. Craig Lemoine on LinkedIn Are you a financial planning professional looking to better serve the needs and goals of clients associated with agriculture or living in rural communities? Then be sure to check out our Agriculture Focused Financial Planning designation by clicking on the link below!Agriculture Focused Financial PlanningLand & Everything Else YouTube Channel

Join us for a special double-episode of “Land & Everything Else” featuring Steve Bruere and Eric Geiger from the People’s Company, and Dr. Bruce Sherrick. This week, we don’t just look at the present state of farmland, but offer a visionary look into its future. The insight offered by Steve, Eric, and Dr. Bruce unravels the complicated threads of crop insurance, market fluctuations, and the demands of managing farmland. This week’s episode of “Land & Everything Else” equips listeners with the tools they need to make informed decisions in the complex world of farmland investment.Want to learn more? Check out the links below: Dr. Sherrick on LinkedInTIAA Center for Farmland ResearchSteve Bruere on LinkedInEric Geiger on LinkedIn People’s Company Are you a financial planning professional looking to better serve the needs and goals of clients associated with agriculture or living in rural communities? Then be sure to check out our Agriculture Focused Financial Planning designation by clicking on the link below!Agriculture Focused Financial PlanningLand & Everything Else YouTube Channel

Commodities are the building blocks of the global economy. From corn to soybeans, these products make up the food, fuel, and fiber that makes the world spin. In this week’s episode of “Land & Everything Else,” agricultural economist Joe Janzen joins Dr. Craig Lemoine as they dive into the intricacies of the commodity market. Investors are drawn to its tangible impact on everyday life, bringing physical value to the asset. However, the commodity market can be difficult to navigate. From its delicate ties to the supply chain to its reliance on global climates and markets, commodities can seem intimidating to new and seasoned investors. This episode is a resource for investors looking to thrive in the agricultural commodity markets. Interested in learning more from Joe Janzen? Joe Janzen on LinkedIn Are you a financial planning professional looking to better serve the needs and goals of clients associated with agriculture or living in rural communities? Then be sure to check out our Agriculture Focused Financial Planning designation by clicking on the link below!Agriculture Focused Financial PlanningLand & Everything Else YouTube Channel

It is no secret that farmland is a complex investment. With over thirty years of experience, Steve Myers, Director of Agricultural Services and Brokerage at Busey, shares invaluable insights into farmland investments. From understanding the importance of a "doctor conversation" with potential investors to discussing the impact of fluctuating interest rates on farmland values, this episode provides expert guidance for seasoned investors, financial advisors, and newcomers alike.Myers sheds light on different acquisition strategies, from private treaty sales to auctions, helping investors make informed decisions based on their unique circumstances. With intricate processes like legacy planning, the episode emphasizes the importance of partnering with agribusiness professionals to navigate the complexities of farmland management and ensure optimal returns.With professional guidance, investors can navigate this terrain more confidently and reap the long-term benefits of farmland investment.Are you a financial planning professional looking to better serve the needs and goals of clients associated with agriculture or living in rural communities? Then be sure to check out our Agriculture Focused Financial Planning designation by clicking on the link below!Agriculture Focused Financial PlanningLand & Everything Else YouTube Channel

Cryptocurrency is a hotly debated topic within both the financial industry and the mainstream population. With the transformative powers of cryptocurrency and blockchain, it seems as if the future of investing is within financial advisors’ grasp. In this episode of Land & Everything Else, join Dr. Craig Lemoine and Tyrone Ross Jr., CEO/Co-Founder of Turnqey Labs, Inc. and CEO of 401 Financial, Inc., as they dive into the evolving world of cryptocurrency. Today, we're talking NFTs and smart contracts, where Tyrone Ross Jr. explains their far-reaching applications beyond the world of digital art. He describes a world where tangible assets like homes and cars are tokenized, enhancing the quality and durability of construction. With a myriad of features, it is no wonder that strides are being taken towards seamless crypto inclusion in client portfolios.Our conversation goes beyond the typical “numbers” talk. Tyrone Ross Jr’s journey from financial illiteracy to CEO brings a more human-side to FinTech, serving as a reminder that cryptocurrency can change the world. Interested in more of Tyrone Ross Jr.’s work? Check out the link below! Tyrone Ross Jr. on LinkedIn401 FinancialTurnqey Labs, Inc. 

Uncover the hidden levers that shape our nation's food system with Dr. Craig Lemoine and Jonathan Coppess, Director of the Gardner Agriculture Policy Program from the University of Illinois. Prepare to navigate the intricate web of the Farm Bill, a piece of legislation that extends its roots far beyond the soil of American farms, influencing everything from the subsidies in a farmer's pocket to the meals on the table of those in need.Step into the world of farmland as an investment with us, as we dissect the nuances of land ownership, and the allure it holds compared to traditional investment vehicles. Jonathan Coppess guides us through this tangible asset class, examining the impact of cash rent, subsidy programs, and policy expirations on land value and ownership. We'll tackle the implications of rising interest rates and draw parallels with historic economic shifts within the agricultural sector.Interested in more of Jonathan Coppess’s work? Check out the link below! Follow Jonathan on LinkedIn Are you a financial planning professional looking to better serve the needs and goals of clients associated with agriculture or living in rural communities? Then be sure to check out our Agriculture Focused Financial Planning designation by clicking on the link below!Agriculture Focused Financial PlanningLand & Everything Else YouTube Channel

Live from the Land Investment Expo, join Ailie Elmore and Dr. Bruce Sherrick as they discuss a market that's as rich and complex as the soil beneath our feet—farmland investment. Dr. Bruce Sherrick dives into the forces driving farmland values, from policy and commodity price swings to the deep psychological bonds landowners share with their acreage. This episode takes you beyond simple economics, uncovering the layers of personal worth and market dynamics defining America's farmland's actual value. Join us as we navigate the frontier of farmland investment! To learn more about Dr. Bruce Sherrick and his work, then be sure to click on the links below! FarmDocTIAA Center for Farmland ResearchDr. Sherrick’s LinkedInAre you a financial planning professional looking to better serve the needs and goals of clients associated with agriculture or living in rural communities? Then be sure to check out our Agriculture Focused Financial Planning designation by clicking on the link below!Agriculture Focused Financial PlanningLand & Everything Else YouTube Channel