In this episode of the RVW WealthWisdom podcast, Jeffrey Abrams, Jonathan Gerber, and Stephen Seo talk with Nuveen’s Jordan Farris about ESG investing. They discuss the different types of ESG investing, best practices, and how the focus on environmental, social, and governance issues has changed over time. The RVW WealthWisdom podcast is a production of RVW Wealth LLC.
Donovan is the Head of Research at RVW. After graduating cum laude from USC with a degree in electrical engineering, he trotted off to West Virginia to work for four years as a petroleum engineer in the exciting new Marcellus shale natural gas development. He later led the effort to permit a $160 million natural gas storage field in Colorado.
Dealing with the economic aspects of oil and gas production inspired him to advise investors on oil and gas investments and later take and pass all three of the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) examinations. Since then, he has focused full-time on advising clients in accordance with RVW’s sound principles of investing.
When he’s not working, Donovan enjoys traveling and spending time with his family. He’s been to more
than 20 countries, including Estonia, Singapore, Japan, the Czech Republic, and many more.
Selwyn is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategist of RVW. He has authored 2 books, is a frequent radio guest and has appeared on television. He is a 40 year veteran of guiding the financial lives of high net worth clients. Selwyn founded Gerber & Co Inc (now a thriving 45-person full-service CPA firm) in 1986 after having been a partner at the most prestigious Business Management firm in Los Angeles where his personal clients included some of Hollywood’s leading celebrities. His undergraduate and post-graduate studies were all at the University of Cape Town, where he graduated Cum Laude and taught in the Dept. of Accounting. He is a Chartered Accountant in addition to being a CPA, an accredited Economist and Personal Financial Planner.
Stephen Seo is an investment advisor who provides investment management solutions and asset allocation advice to high net worth families and institutions. He is responsible for helping clients preserve, grow, and transfer wealth in a tax-efficient manner and heads the RVW Research Team.
Prior to joining RVW, he was an analyst with JP Morgan Private Bank where he worked with individuals and endowments in the areas of investments, credit, banking and wealth planning. Previous to JP Morgan, Stephen worked with clients from various sectors including technology, real estate, and consumer discretionary at Deloitte.
Stephen is a CFA Charterholder and a CPA. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, honors with highest distinction, and a minor in accounting from University of California, San Diego. He enjoys traveling and trying new restaurants.
Kelly has 12 years of experience in the investment banking industry as an administrative assistant/receptionist with several firms between New York and Los Angeles. She entered the industry as a manager in the support services division at Morgan Stanley and Banc of America Securities while living in New York, then segued into the administrative/receptionist position after returning to Los Angeles and working for UBS Investment Bank until 2011. After a hiatus from the corporate realm, she joined the RVW team in September of 2015.
In addition to her full-time position at RVW Investing, Kelly is a Flamenco and Latin dance teacher and performer, as well as a cardio dance instructor.
Simon Liu is the Senior Equity Trader at RVW Wealth. Working closely with our team of advisors, he is responsible for investing and optimizing portfolios in a tax-efficient manner. Simon works closely with various institutional trading desks and AP (authorized participants) to ensure best-execution. Simon graduated from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a double major in Finance & Business Management and maintains a Series 65-Investment Advisor Representative license. He has worked in Trading and Operations at various firms including: Bloomberg, New York Life Investment Management, Caxton Associates, and Guggenheim Partners.
Simon and his wife have one child. As a former collegiate ski racer, he spends his winters skiing and enjoys tennis during the warmer months.
Zacharia Waxler, Co-Managing partner at Roth&Co, has been an accountant and trusted advisor for over 20 years.
Zacharia joined Roth&Co in 2004, managing client relationships and engagements. In 2008 he started and managed the audit and assurance department at Roth&Co, overseeing all aspects of engagements including quality control, board presentations, and serving as a chief client liaison.
Zacharia currently manages all facets of the practice and its development, and frequently gives lectures and presentations throughout the community, keeping the public informed on best business practices and procedures.
Jonathan’s focus is on helping clients ensure financial security by building portfolios tailored to their individual needs. Jonathan is an accredited Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), a highly regarded designation given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Jonathan graduated with honors from the Stern School of Business at New York University in 2004. He then completed in his Master’s in Business Taxation (MBT) at the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California in 2012.
A real lover of technology, Jonathan holds a CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) designation from ISACA. Additionally he holds a Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) designation from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He leverages his IT background to ensure efficient client communication and reporting. Jonathan has raised three service dogs for Canine Companions for Independence. He has traveled to over 50 countries, runs and reads (primarily periodicals focused on current events, capital markets and travel). He and his wife Natalie have three children. They also founded an overnight summer camp called Moshava California.
Loren heads our Client Support and Interface Team. He is responsible for developing new business and maintaining existing relationships with our growing client base. He also helps in the transition from the client’s previous manager or broker to RVW.
Loren was a former broker at Bear Stearns and worked at 2 highly regarded wealth management firms (SSI Investments and McComsey Asset Management) prior to joining RVW. Loren has over 20 years of experience in the investment management business. He is a top tennis player and still plays in USTA tournaments.
Annie’s focus is on helping clients build customized financial plans tailored to their individual lifestyles and needs. Prior to joining RVW, she specialized in wealth planning with ultra-high net worth families in the private equity industry.
Annie is a CPA and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and a minor in Asian American Studies from University of California, Los Angeles. She and her husband Luke have two children. They are active in the non-profit organizations International Youth Fellowship (IYF) and Gracias Music Foundation (GMF). They enjoy volunteering at leadership camps and strive to bring joy through musical concerts featuring the world renowned Gracias Choir.
Ensures each client’s operational needs are promptly met with perfection.
