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- 4 days ago48 min
Wealthyist E64 | Luxury Isn't a Price Tag: Redefining the 'Biggest Day' with Wedding Pros Ashley Kuehnel & Koryn Bennett
In this episode, host Austin Grandinetti sits down with Ashley Kuehnel of Midwestern Bride and Koryn Bennett of Ivy Lane Photo Company . The conversation dives into the evolving world of luxury and premium weddings, particularly in the Midwest.Key highlights include:What "luxury" really means: It varies wildly by couple—some prioritize an intimate experience with 10 guests and heavy investment in florals or photography, while others focus on hosting a large crowd. True luxury often boils down to how the day feels: seamless, stress-free, personal, and emotionally supportive. It's less about a fixed dollar amount and more about priorities, vendor treatment, attention to detail (like fetching Birkenstocks for a bride's sore feet), and peace of mind.The role of key vendors: Ashley explains her consultative, relationship-driven approach at Midwestern Bride. With nearly 15 years in the industry (drawing from hospitality, floral, dress shops, and catering), she acts as a "quarterback," curating vendors, aligning budgets and timelines, and handling the behind-the-scenes logistics so couples can actually enjoy their day. Koryn shares how her photography emphasizes collaboration, extended shoots, backup security for images (including long-term hard drive storage), and treating couples as individuals rather than assembly-line clients. Both stress the value of experienced vendors who understand the full ecosystem—preventing disasters like no-shows or lost photos that cheaper or less reliable options can cause.Budgets and realities: Full-planning clients with Ashley often land at six figures or more (one standout reached over $500K for a multi-day, highly intentional event on private property with custom tents, flooring, multiple floral teams, and army-truck loads of flowers). "Average" weddings (without full planning) trend toward $60K–$70K in their markets, far above outdated Google averages due to rising venue costs, inflation, and demand for experiential elements. Backyard or DIY options can ironically cost more than venues because of hidden logistics (electricity, staffing, etc.).Generational shifts and trends: Gen Z couples lean toward smaller, more intentional weddings, questioning traditions (e.g., skipping long ceremony-to-reception gaps), and valuing vendor friendliness and honesty about family dynamics. They're prioritizing presence over pomp. Parents' involvement varies—some provide gifts with full autonomy, others buffer budgets thoughtfully. Experiential details shine: sentimental surprises (like restoring a late father's car for photos), personalized guestbooks (e.g., a surfboard with embedded flowers), interactive elements (Polaroid walls with real-time seating integration), and guest-focused flow (quick bar service, props to energize the dance floor).Why hire pros? Peace of mind is the ultimate luxury. Planners and photographers prevent chaos, anticipate needs, foster smooth vendor teamwork, and create space for couples (and families) to be fully present. The guests' experience—hospitality from the first moment, no downtime, entertainment that keeps energy high—often separates memorable events from standard ones.The discussion ties back to wealth strategies: Spending on a wedding reflects values around experiences, relationships, and intentionality, much like financial planning. It's not about mindless extravagance but curating what matters most while trusting experts to handle the rest. Ashley and Koryn emphasize building trust, open communication (especially across generations), and delivering feelings of care and joy that last far beyond the photos.Overall, the episode offers practical insights for anyone planning (or paying for) a high-end wedding: Focus on alignment with vendors who "get" you, invest in expertise for security and smoothness, and remember that luxury is ultimately about emotion and execution, not just the bottom line. Great listen for couples, parents, or anyone curious about how the wealthy approach life's milestone celebrations.
- 1 weeks ago28 min
Wealthyist E63: Dream Machines & Detroit Steel: Corvette Joy, Classic Car Investing, and Reviving Milwaukee Concours
In this engaging Wealthyist episode, host Kent Haleen and co-host David Panitzke (both proud new owners of the same-year manual-transmission Corvettes) welcome Jay Shiek, aka Jay the Car Guy — a passionate collector, appraiser, broker, and key figure reviving the Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance.Jay shares his origin story: a lifelong car enthusiast who turned his passion into a business helping clients buy, sell, and appraise vintage and collector cars. His favorite part? The priceless look on someone’s face when they finally get behind the wheel of a car tied to childhood memories or long-held dreams — whether it’s a nostalgic Sunday driver, a race-pedigree machine, or a serious investment piece.Key Highlights & AdviceWhy classics hit different: Modern cars lack the emotional history; older ones reconnect people with their past (e.g., “My uncle had one”).Jay’s personal passion: Unrestored, original “survivor” cars like his beloved Packard (bought new in Wisconsin, passed through careful owners, now a family wedding chariot). He’s a caretaker, not a modifier — no power steering/brakes, original everything.Common mistakes for wealthy newcomers:Impulse/heartstring buys or auction bidding wars (set a hard budget).Skipping professional appraisals (leads to overpaying, under-insuring, or missing provenance value).Sentimental restorations that don’t make financial sense.Market insights: Values fluctuate dramatically (muscle cars, limited-production models like Charger Daytonas or GNX). Japanese 90s icons (Supra, RX-7) are heating up. Rarity, provenance, and condition drive big premiums — but buy what you love and will actually enjoy.Car collections: Get them appraised, properly insured, stored (especially Wisconsin winters with battery tenders), and driven. Enjoy them, show them, share them. Don’t let them sit and degrade out of fear or sentiment.Driving vintage cars: Requires extra care — they’re not modern in braking/handling, and other drivers don’t always respect them.Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance: J is leading the revival (post-COVID) with plans for next year at the zoo in partnership with Autism United. It aims to be “Middle America’s Pebble Beach” — competitive, invitation-only, judged classes celebrating original/unrestored excellence. They need deep-pocket sponsors and ~450 volunteers. Get involved via carguymke.com or “Jay the Car Guy” on social media.Final advice for successful retirees entering the hobby: Buy what tugs at your heartstrings, not what others think is cool. Work with experts to avoid pitfalls, and drive/enjoy your collection.The episode blends lifestyle passion, practical wealth strategies for automotive assets, and community-building around classic cars. It’s motivational for enthusiasts and informative for those treating them as investments. Perfect listen for anyone with (or eyeing) a garage full of steel dreams.
- 2 weeks ago22 min
Wealthyist E61 | From Navy SEAL to Building Impact-Driven Businesses: Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom with John Choate
In this episode of The Wealthyist, Kent Halleen sits down with John Choate — former Navy SEAL officer, successful entrepreneur, and founder of Apogee Travel, a transparent hotel booking platform that supports veteran causes and charities like St. Jude.John shares hard-earned leadership lessons from the SEAL teams that translate directly to building high-performing businesses and living a wealthy, purposeful life. Key topics include:Anticipating the “adversary’s vote” and stress-testing plans (the military “murder board” approach)The power of decentralized command and building a culture that allows smart failureWhy the right people always matter more than perfect processesThe challenge high-achievers face when transitioning out of high-intensity careers — and how the drive never really turns offCurrent trends in physical security for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (the shift to low-visibility, concierge-style protection)Blending battlefield discipline with entrepreneurial wisdom, John delivers practical, no-nonsense insights on leadership, legacy, risk, and staying grounded while chasing meaningful success.A must-listen for executives, founders, and anyone building wealth with impact.
- 3 weeks ago38 min
Wealthyist E60 | Philanthropy From The Heart: How Ultra-Wealthy Donors Turn Simple Giving Into Transformation with Joan Nesbitt
In this engaging episode of Wealthyist, host Anthony Mlachnik (Senior Wealth Advisor at Annex Private Client) sits down with Joan Nesbitt, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). With over 30 years in higher education fundraising—including more than a decade in a similar role at Missouri S&T—Nesbitt shares insights from the front lines of partnering with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and philanthropists to create lasting impact through education.The conversation opens with Nesbitt's journey from Oklahoma roots (complete with a relaxed attitude toward Midwest tornado warnings and tennis during sirens) through Missouri to her current role in Wisconsin. She reflects on her accidental entry into fundraising in the 1980s and the shift from smaller nonprofits to better-resourced higher ed environments.Key topics include:Evolving donor strategies: Most annual gifts still come simply as checks or credit cards from income, but high-capacity donors leverage sophisticated vehicles like stock donations, charitable remainder trusts, donor-advised funds, and planned/legacy giving tied to life events (e.g., business sales, liquidity events, or RMDs).Shifting alumni engagement: The old assumption of natural alumni loyalty has faded, especially among younger graduates burdened by student debt. Millennials and Gen Z prioritize broad societal impact, justice, and fairness over "helping someone just like me." Nesbitt discusses how UWM is adapting with personalized digital strategies and even piloting AI-driven platforms for scalable, avatar-based donor engagement (surprisingly appealing to those over 50).The power of storytelling and experiences: Annual galas, alumni awards, and heartfelt reflections highlight how connections—with professors, mentors, dorm friends, or campus moments—create enduring emotional ties. Donors often express genuine humility and surprise when recognized.Major gifts and ultra-wealthy mindsets: Nesbitt recounts standout stories, including a record-breaking $300 million gift (in ETFs) from a billionaire engineer who wanted transformative impact beyond "just a building." She emphasizes holistic donors who blend cash, time, volunteering, corporate resources, and networks. Even during UWM's 414 Day giving campaign, a major donor made seven targeted gifts across challenges, showing deep alignment with personal values.Sports, NIL, and the "front porch" of the university: Athletics draws attention and enrollment for many schools, but Nesbitt notes it varies by institution (less central at her prior engineering-focused school). She stresses operating with integrity amid the "Wild West" of NIL, keeping student-athlete education and experience first while collaborating across advancement and athletics.Personalization as the secret sauce: Whether for philanthropy or wealth management, success comes from understanding individual goals, values, and passions. Sophisticated donors leverage giving to amplify networks, teach family members, and create community connections—much like high-net-worth clients intentionally align time, relationships, and resources.Nesbitt closes by inviting listeners to explore UWM's role as a community-engaged institution (recognized by the Carnegie Foundation) that transforms potential into opportunity through education, workforce development, and public events.The episode offers wealthy listeners practical takeaways on intentional philanthropy, legacy planning, and building meaningful impact—while drawing thoughtful parallels to personalized wealth strategies. It's a warm, insightful look at how ultra-wealthy families turn resources into societal transformation, with a forward-looking nod to AI's role in advancement. A great listen for anyone interested in higher ed giving, donor psychology, or blending personal values with strategic generosity.
- Apr 10, 202622 min
Wealthyist E59: Private Jets Without Owning the Plane: How Jet OUT’s Co-Ownership Reclaims Time for the Wealthy
In this remote episode of Wealthyist, recorded live from Jet OUT’s new hangar in Waukesha, Wisconsin, host Anthony Mlachnik (Senior Wealth Advisor at Annex Private Client) sits down with Evan Rossiter, Sales Director at Jet OUT — a Milwaukee-based private aviation company.Evan clearly explains Jet OUT’s co-ownership model: it’s not traditional fractional ownership (like NetJets), not a jet card, and not aircraft management. Instead, it’s structured like tenant-in-common real estate — multiple co-owners share one Cessna Citation CJ4 Gen2 jet, but Jet OUT owns and operates the entire fleet. Co-owners simply call and fly. JETOUT handles all maintenance, piloting, flight planning, and heavy lifting.Key highlights include:Strategic expansion — Bases in Milwaukee, Southwest & East Florida, Scottsdale, and Dallas (with 6 more CJ4s arriving in 2026, bringing the fleet to ~16 aircraft).The efficiency niche — Matching co-owners flying the same day or opposite directions (especially Midwest-to-Florida runs), which reduces costs and boosts utilization.Time as the ultimate luxury — Dramatic contrast vs. commercial travel: 15-minute airport arrivals, no TSA, direct flights to smaller airports, and multi-stop business days that let executives be home for dinner.Real-world use cases — Business owners hitting 3–4 cities in one day; families reaching second homes in Florida or Arizona; even light-hearted stories like flying pets solo.Entry points — Ideal for 4–5+ round trips per year; a shorter “dip-your-toe” one-year program is also available.Community & lifestyle angle — Like-minded co-owners often connect (when desired), and different paint schemes on each jet preserve anonymity.Future outlook — Continued growth in private aviation driven by commercial frustrations post-COVID and TSA issues; possible larger aircraft coming.Anthony ties the conversation back to wealth management: how high-net-worth clients are “time poor,” and how strategic choices like smart private aviation can protect family time, reduce stress, and align with values — exactly the kind of lifestyle optimization Wealthyist explores.
- Apr 1, 202631 min
Wealthyist E58 | Bricks, Policy & Legacy: Building Generational Wealth in Wisconsin Commercial Real Estate with Jim Villa
In this episode of Wealthyist, host Anthony Mlachnik interviews Jim Villa, CEO of NAIOP Wisconsin (the Commercial Real Estate Development Association). With 35 years in public policy, politics, and economic development—including roles under Governor Tommy Thompson and Scott Walker—Villa offers a grounded, insider perspective on commercial real estate as a vehicle for wealth creation and community impact.Key Highlights:Jim’s Background & NAIOP’s Mission: Villa leads efforts focused on public policy advocacy and developing the next generation of leaders (under 35). He stresses that "policy matters"—tracking local and state policies gives better market insight than national headlines.Core Challenges in Commercial Real Estate: Talent/people shortages remain the #1 issue, ahead of financing and permitting. Long-term strategies are essential to weather economic cycles.Office Sector Trends: Post-COVID hybrid work (accelerated but not created by the pandemic) continues. Demand persists for Class A spaces with premium amenities, technology, huddle areas, and “Starbucks-like” environments in vibrant locations. Downtown Milwaukee (e.g., BMO Tower) is strong; suburban markets are rebounding. Conversions and rehabs are more common than new builds.Multifamily & Housing: High-end luxury apartments in Milwaukee are filling slowly due to conservative absorption rates. Major shortage of workforce housing (for teachers, firefighters, service workers) amid high construction costs. Wisconsin saw some of the nation’s steepest rent/housing price spikes but remains more affordable overall than coastal markets.Investment Appeal of Wisconsin/Midwest: Viewed as a stable, “durable,” and good-value tertiary market. Less volatile than Sunbelt hotspots like Texas. Strong local investor participation, cautious development practices, and tangible community impact make it attractive for long-term holds. Post-COVID, some coastal capital has shown interest due to affordability and consistency.Strategies for Wealthy Investors:Diversification alongside other assets.Tax tools like 1031 exchanges, Opportunity Zones, and bonus depreciation (strengthened in recent legislation).ESG/impact focus: Local developers often deliver community benefits (childcare, retail, neighborhood revitalization) beyond pure financial returns.Partner with trusted local professionals and align with overall tax/estate plans.Future Outlook: AI-driven demand for data centers and energy generation will be critical. Wisconsin’s reliable power is a competitive advantage. Emphasis on creating “places” not just “spaces,” legacy-building, and balancing innovation (e.g., tech in buildings) with practical needs.Villa portrays commercial real estate as more than an asset class—it’s economic development that creates jobs, shapes communities, and builds lasting generational wealth when approached thoughtfully with the right team and long-term mindset. The episode is especially relevant for Midwest investors who prefer tangible, drive-by assets and balanced portfolios.
- Mar 27, 202635 min
Wealthyist E57: How the Wealthy Are Quietly Revolutionizing Healthcare: Transparent Costs, Direct Care & Massive Savings with Dr. Timothy Murray
In this episode of Wealthyist, host Anthony Mlachnik(senior wealth advisor at Annex Private Client) interviews Dr. Tim Murray, an anesthesiologist and founder/CEO of Solstice Health. Murray launched the company in 2012 after witnessing pricing practices in traditional hospital systems, noting that medical bills remain the #1 cause of bankruptcy.Core Business Model:Solstice Health combines Direct Primary Care (DPC) with direct surgical care under one umbrella — a rare (and possibly unique) setup in the U.S. Patients pay a flat $59/month for unlimited primary care access (24/7, no copays, longer visits), plus labs, imaging, and medications at true wholesale cost. They also operate an ambulatory surgery center, delivering procedures like hip replacements for ~$19,500 all-in — compared to $60,000–$100,000 at traditional hospitals.Key Themes & Insights:Education is everything. Most people (and many business owners) don’t understand the difference between insurance (financial risk protection) and healthcare itself. Murray emphasizes transparency and fiduciary responsibility for self-funded employers.Why people resist change: Comfort with the status quo ("just hand over the insurance card") and lack of price visibility.Incentives matter. In DPC, providers have smaller patient panels (600–800 vs. 2,000–4,000), giving them time for real care, prevention, and even "deprescribing" medications (e.g., removing statins or metformin after lifestyle changes, especially through their medically supervised weight loss program targeting the obesity epidemic).Physician challenges: Many doctors fear leaving hospital systems due to non-competes, loss of benefits, or business unfamiliarity. Hospital lobbies exert heavy control (e.g., ACA restrictions on physician-owned hospitals).Wellness & holistic approach: Strong focus on lifestyle, nutrition (critiquing the modern food system’s sugar overload), functional medicine, IV therapy, and keeping people healthy rather than just treating sickness. Incentives in DPC align with prevention, not volume.Time savings: Huge reductions in employee absenteeism, no more wasted time on unnecessary urgent care/pharmacy runs, and more remote care options — freeing up time for family, work, and life.Wealthy trends: Concierge medicine pioneered premium direct access for the rich; DPC democratizes that model at a fraction of the cost while delivering "executive physical" level attention to everyday patients and employees.Closing Takeaways:The conversation highlights a holistic view of wealth — financial health alone isn’t enough without physical and mental well-being. Dr. Murray and Anthony both stress integrated wellness, time efficiency, and proactive decision-making for business owners, leaders, and families. Solstice positions itself as a transparent, competition-driven alternative that can dramatically lower costs while improving care quality and doctor/patient satisfaction.Overall, the episode serves as both an inspiring entrepreneurial story and a practical call-to-action for business owners and individuals frustrated with rising healthcare costs: question the system, seek transparency, and explore direct care models that realign incentives toward better health and lower spending.
- Mar 13, 202623 min
Wealthyist E56 |Passion Assets: Turning Your Treasures (and Pets!) into Lasting Legacies – Don't Let Love Become a Burden
The episode of Wealthyist (the podcast exploring the lifestyles, choices, and strategies of the wealthy, produced by Annex Wealth Management) features host Tom Parks, Director of Retirement Plan Services, interviewing his colleague Deanne Phillips, Managing Director of Client and Community Engagement. The focus is on "passion assets"—personal items acquired out of genuine love and passion rather than primarily as investments, which often lack formal beneficiary designations unlike financial accounts.Key Points from the Discussion:Definition: Passion assets include art, classic cars, wine collections, musical instruments, rare books, watches, sports memorabilia, jewelry, and even pets (highlighted as America's favorite, with Americans spending over $140 billion annually on them). These can represent significant value (hundreds of thousands of dollars) in high-net-worth households but are frequently overlooked in estate planning.Why They're Overlooked: Unlike retirement or brokerage accounts with built-in beneficiary forms and professional management, passion assets are often stored informally (basements, attics, wine cellars). Heirs may not know their worth, leading to hasty disposal ("haul it all away") or emotional oversights.Real-World Examples: Deanne shares a personal story of inheriting a hoarded family home filled with hidden treasures like over 100 pieces of Cristal d'Arques and Orrefors crystal, vintage fabrics concealing a pristine 1940s Deanna Durbin doll, old slides, and more. Surprises can include vintage electronics (e.g., original Apple computers or iPods), comic books, first-edition books, mid-century furniture, early Rolex watches, or even flip phones amid modern trends.Planning Importance — Three main reasons for valuation and documentation:Insurance: Standard homeowners policies often fall short; specialized riders or coverage are needed, especially for older/antique items.Estate Planning: Prevents family disputes over unequal values (e.g., one child getting a high-value painting) and ensures fair division.Taxes: Collectibles face higher capital gains rates upon sale; appraisals help with accurate reporting.Preservation Tips: Protect items from damage (e.g., temperature-controlled wine storage, UV/humidity control for art, regular servicing for watches/cars, archival methods for paper ephemera like Civil War letters). Before donating or discarding anything 30–40+ years old, consult appraisers or experts—markets are cyclical and surprising.Pets as Passion Assets: A major focus, given generational pet ownership trends (e.g., 76% of millennials). If a pet outlives the owner (e.g., parrots or tortoises), plan for care. Pet trusts (recognized in all states, though provisions vary) allocate funds for a designated caregiver, specify care standards/vet/groomer, and name a contingent beneficiary (e.g., charity) for remaining funds after the pet's life. Famous example: Leona Helmsley's trust for her dog (reduced by courts but spotlighted the concept).Actionable Steps (Deanne's five key recommendations):Take inventory (use video for ease).Photograph/document everything.Get appraisals (update every few years as markets shift).Ensure proper insurance coverage.Communicate with heirs (e.g., confirm they're willing/able to care for a pet or want specific items).Final Takeaway: Passion assets enrich life, but without planning, they can burden the next generation. Proactive steps turn them into meaningful legacies rather than problems.
About Wealthyist
Wealthyist, the podcast that discusses the lifestyles, choices, and strategies of the wealthy. Each week, the Annex Private Client team talks to experts in a variety of areas to discuss trends and paths visited by people who have built or are in the process of building significant wealth.
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