In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with previous guest, Geralda Kral – Managing Director and Group Partner at UMA Wealth (Switzerland) AG, a private client and family wealth consultancy group. Joining them is a new guest to our podcast, Michael Donev – Private Banking Advisor at BFI Infinity Inc., an independent Swiss investment advisory firm.

Together, they offer an inside look at UMA and BFI and the comprehensive wealth planning and internationally diversified investment portfolio services they offer to ultra-high-net-worth families. The conversation takes a deep dive into asset protection and privacy, addressing common misconceptions heightened by recent events like the Pandora Papers and regulatory developments such as Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). 

As the discussion unfolds, listeners gain insights into how Bridgeford, UMA, and BFI collaborate to provide a multi-jurisdictional solution tailored to each client’s unique needs as they look to diversify their wealth planning with a combination of international and U.S. trust structures, as well as attain the truest form of asset protection. Geralda and Michael conclude by offering practical suggestions for families seeking stability and safety through diversification, highlighting the role of Switzerland and the expertise of our combined firms in navigating this process effectively.

Episode 40 – Asset Protection & Multi-Jurisdictional Diversification w/ Geralda Kral & Michael Donev

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Michael Parker – Managing Director at Insight Consultants, an award-winning communications consultancy in Dublin, Ireland. Michael shares his journey through various senior positions in politics and business, detailing how these experiences shaped his entrepreneurial focus and led to the founding of Insight Consultants.

As David and Michael continue, they explore Ireland’s tax benefits and asset protection opportunities. They specifically discuss the advantages of Ireland’s pro-business environment, including its status as having the world's lowest corporate tax rate and being the fastest-growing economy in the EU driven by trade. These factors contribute to Ireland being known as the "Silicon Valley of Europe." 

The conversation also addresses concerns about stability and security amid uncertainties in the U.S. Many are seeking a "flight to safety," considering moving assets offshore to find a stable and secure atmosphere outside the U.S., and Ireland emerges as a top choice for those seeking a safe haven. As the conversation wraps up, listeners will see a hybrid solution emerge combining Ireland's benefits with the tax, privacy, and asset protection advantages of the U.S., particularly in a jurisdiction such as South Dakota, creating a powerful planning solution and offering a new strategy for advisors to discuss with their clients.

Episode 41 – Navigating Stability: Ireland’s Economic Edge for Offshore Assets with Michael Parker

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – interviews Enrique Hernandez-Pulido and Raúl Villarreal Garza – Partners at Procopio, an AmLaw 200 corporate and litigation law firm. Enrique and Raúl share insights into Procopio’s success and their diverse backgrounds, contributing to a remarkable team of attorneys with licenses in the U.S. and abroad.

The discussion focuses on the current political and economic environment in Mexico and the tension clients are experiencing. Enrique and Raúl discuss how Mexican clients are navigating recent developments, including the election in Mexico, which presents both opportunities and concerns. They emphasize the importance of jurisdiction selection and fiduciary duty amid the uncertainty many are feeling.

As they conclude, David asks for their views on the strong push for transparency through CRS, FATCA, and CTA, balancing client privacy with regulatory demands. They also discuss the impact of the Pandora Papers and Panama Papers, defending the trust industry’s stance on asset protection, privacy versus secrecy, and tax planning versus tax evasion.

Episode 42 – Mexican Clients and Wealth Protection: Insights from Procopio

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with David Hammarberg, Partner at McKonly & Asbury. David Hammarberg has been an integral part of Bridgeford’s family of companies from the start, serving as our outsourced IT Director. With his extensive expertise in information technology, cybersecurity, and overall company security, he has played a crucial role in shaping our approach to protecting sensitive data.

Listen in as they explore how data leaks, such as the Pandora Papers, and the rise of cyber threats have transformed the IT industry. Drawing on David Hammarberg’s insights, they discuss how Bridgeford has navigated these challenges, focusing on key issues like social engineering, employee training (or the lack thereof), and vendor management. 

Bridgeford's commitment to protecting client privacy is reinforced by our decision to establish our trust charter in South Dakota, a state known for its strong trust privacy laws. This episode concludes with a discussion on how Bridgeford leverages both South Dakota fiduciary law and cutting-edge cybersecurity measures. David Hammarberg shares industry best practices, the ongoing evolution of cybersecurity, and strategies for maintaining a balance between efficient business operations and robust security protocols.

Episode 43 – Data Leaks to Cybersecurity: Protecting Privacy with David Hammarberg

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Jonathan Williams – Partner at Summit Trail Advisors. Jon’s team specializes in working with business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and private foundations to create tailored financial strategies, acting as an outsourced family office. Their personalized approach, combined with a sophisticated investment process, brings portfolios to life through a unique interaction that is the foundation of their boutique investment process.

Their discussion explores the shift toward independent, conflict-free solutions in wealth management nationally, comparing models like Summit Trail and Bridgeford. As privately held firms, both are free from the constraints of institutionalized domestic and international conglomerates, fulfilling their fiduciary duty and creating the opportunity to offer clients a broader range of options, including alternative situses for trust planning, investment opportunities beyond public markets, and access to asset managers outside of captive structures.

As they conclude, Jon shares insights into the current economic climate, discussing the political and geopolitical pressures facing families and the heightened anxiety around wealth protection. He also offers his refreshingly positive perspective on volatility as an asset class, the spread between implied and actual market fears, and why – despite the uncertainty – existing systems provide reasons for optimism.

Episode 44 – Conflict-Free Wealth Management and Economic Insights with Jonathan Williams

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – reconnects with Callan Family Office, speaking with Lisa Clifford and Jeff Getty, Co-Managing Directors of the company’s Business & Transaction Advisory Practice. Following Callan Family Office’s first podcast appearance, which introduced the company’s unique approach to investment management and philanthropy, this episode explores the intricacies of Lisa and Jeff’s specialized practice and the strategies they use to guide business owners through pivotal transitions. 

Listen in as Lisa and Jeff share their journey to Callan Family Office, explaining why they transitioned their practice and how it has flourished since. They discuss their focus on guiding business owners through various stages of the company lifecycle with tailored planning to achieve optimal tax outcomes during pre-sale, sale, and post-sale phases. Their "Tax Trilogy" framework addresses income, state, and transfer tax considerations while leveraging strategies like NIMCRUTs, CLATs, and INGs.  

Beyond technical strategies, Lisa and Jeff highlight the "soft side" of their practice, emphasizing the value of building strong client relationships and meeting them where they are in their journey. As the episode concludes, they offer practical advice on when business owners should engage advisors like themselves to ensure a successful exit strategy.

Episode 45 – Business Lifecycle Strategies and Tax Insights with Lisa Clifford and Jeff Getty

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – talks with Ralph Adamo – President & CEO of Integrity Wealth Management – about his role and impressive work as the founder of Orange County’s Chapter of Advisors in Philanthropy and board member of The International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy, where he helped create a platform to help financial professionals engage in meaningful conversations with clients about philanthropy, addressing the often-underserved needs of those looking to leverage philanthropic tax codes in Southern California and across the nation. 

Continuing to explore Ralph’s passion for developing meaningful and impactful dialogue around overall financial planning for families, the conversation then turns to Ralph’s proprietary WealthTrac™ FORMula, designed to provide clients with a collective experience and creative strategies to achieve lifelong financial goals. He emphasizes the importance of expanding knowledge beyond traditional strengths to become a trusted, first-call advisor. Building on this philosophy, Ralph authored Integrity @ Work, a roadmap for selecting the right financial advisor and the right advisory firm—using the integrity process to pinpoint true north.

Ralph also highlights how the principles of integrity shape leadership, client trust, and long-term success—a theme reflected in his podcast, The Power of Integrity. His philosophy compliments and aligns closely with Bridgeford's commitment to providing independent, conflict-free solutions that that resonate deeply with families seeking clarity and confidence in their financial planning.

Episode 46 – Integrity in Wealth Management: A Conversation with Ralph Adamo

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Tom Rogerson – President & CEO of GenLegCo. Inc. – a recognized leader in family governance. Tom shares how his approach to wealth planning emphasizes preparing families for wealth, rather than just preparing wealth for families, offering guidance on navigating financial responsibilities and ultimately protecting families of wealth from themselves.

As you listen, you’ll hear Tom discuss his “7 Steps to Healthy Family Governance”, a process designed to educate families, foster communication and leadership, and create a long-term vision for their legacy. He also emphasizes the importance of independent trust companies with strong jurisdictional advantages, like South Dakota, to ensure legacy plans remain intact for generations. This long-term approach is why Bridgeford remains fiercely independent, helping families turn estate plans into lasting legacy plans that reflect their shared values and vision.

The conversation explores Tom’s personal journey into this work, and he explains why parents may have the right message but aren’t always the right messenger—and how bringing in a third-party expert who provides objectivity, experience, and knowledge can make all the difference. 


Episode 47 – Turning Estate Plans into Legacy Plans with Tom Rogerson

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – is joined by Ed Barone, Business Wealth Advisor at Evergreen Exits (EGexits.com), a specialized division of Evergreen Wealth Solutions. With deep expertise in business transitions and a strong fiduciary focus, Ed’s team is dedicated to helping business owners plan successful exits aligned with their financial and legacy goals.

Together, David and Ed dive into the fundamentals of exit planning – what it is, why it matters, and how it can proactively solve challenges before going to market. From unexpected exits to failed transactions, Ed outlines why early planning is critical, especially since, for many business owners, their business is their wealth. They also explore Ed’s perspective on current market volatility and proposed tariff policies, how those factors are influencing the M&A landscape, and the guidance he’s offering clients as they navigate exit strategies. In uncertain times, Ed stresses the importance of distinguishing between noise and true impact, staying diversified, and staying the course with long-term investment and trust planning goals. 

As they conclude, Ed walks listeners through five core exit strategies and the process of choosing the right path forward. It begins with understanding the business owner’s personal, legacy, and employee goals, and then evaluating financial readiness and tax implications to guide decision-making. He also emphasizes the importance of assembling a collaborative team of both planning and transaction advisors to ensure a holistic approach and a smooth, successful transition.

Episode 48 – Building a Better Exit: Strategic Planning for Business Owners with Ed Barone

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – sits down with Justyn Volesko – Partner and Co-Head of Family Office at Cerity Partners – for an insightful discussion on redefining the modern family office.

Justyn shares his career journey, from his time at Goldman Sachs to the big ideas that drove him to launch AJ Wealth, and ultimately his decision to join Cerity Partners to build a premier family office offering. He explains what truly differentiates a family office from firms merely offering “family office services,” emphasizing the critical need to understand and integrate tax, estate, asset protection, and financial planning disciplines to develop an optimal plan and deliver a holistic perspective.

Throughout the conversation, Justyn shares why leading with “yes” is essential in complex planning, describes the infrastructure behind scaling a high-touch family office model, and explains how proactive tax planning and technical expertise protect and enhance wealth while staying firmly within legal boundaries. David and Justyn also discuss planning amid geopolitical uncertainty, noting that truly knowing their clients allows them to anticipate risks and adjust planning strategies proactively. They highlight how flexible trust jurisdictions like South Dakota, and tools like decanting, make it possible to revise structures swiftly as circumstances evolve, ensuring clients’ plans remain aligned with their goals in a shifting landscape.


Episode 49 - Leading with Yes: Inside the Modern Family Office with Justyn Volesko

In this episode, David Warren – Co-Founder and Chairman of Bridgeford Trust Company – is joined by Matthew Hoffman, Founder of Trusted Advisor, an exclusive network for advisors to high-net-worth clients in entertainment, music, and pro sports worlds, of which Bridgeford is a proud member. 

Listen in as Matthew shares his entrepreneurial journey from architecture and technology startups to creating Trusted Advisor, an organization that has quickly become a global platform connecting top-tier professionals. What began as a solution to an unstructured and underserved space has grown into a 600+ international member network.

Together, David and Matthew explore the origins and entrepreneurial spirit behind Trusted Advisor and how it fills a critical gap for private client advisors by bringing real value through education and thought leadership. They discuss the importance of building networks rooted in credibility, reputation, and trust—particularly for athletes, entertainers, and influencers navigating complex financial and personal challenges—as well as the organization’s rapid international growth and what lies ahead for the platform.


Episode 40 – Asset Protection & Multi-Jurisdictional Diversification w/ Geralda Kral & Michael Donev

Bridgeford Trust Company

Related tracks