The Road Already Traveled

Peter Madlem is the Chief Investment Officer at Avalan Wealth, a comprehensive wealth management firm specializing in personalized financial, business, and investment planning. With over 35 years of experience in high-net-worth and institutional investment management, Peter has held senior leadership roles at Northern Trust and Montecito Bank & Trust, where he rebuilt investment research capabilit...

Amit Kothari is the CEO and Executive Growth Mentor at Kothari Leadership Enterprises, where he helps CEOs and leadership teams unlock growth through emotional intelligence and strategic execution. With decades of experience as a former COO and CFO, he drives business transformation and sustainable results for organizations from startups to large enterprises. Known as the CEO Whisperer, Amit is a...

Jeff Starin is a Professional EOS Implementer and executive coach who helps entrepreneurial leaders build stronger, scalable businesses. A lifelong entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience spanning manufacturing, coaching, and game theory, he has founded and scaled three companies, achieved two exits, and grown a manufacturing business to eight figures while leading hundreds of employees. Jef...

Russell Benaroya is the COO and Managing Director of Private Capital at Timberlane Partners, a private multifamily real estate investment and development firm based in Seattle. With over two decades in investment banking, private equity, and entrepreneurship, he has led the firm's acquisition and development of more than $1 billion in assets across key West Coast and Mountain West markets. His lea...

Peter Madlem is the Chief Investment Officer at Avalan Wealth Management, a comprehensive wealth management firm specializing in personalized financial, business, and investment planning. With over 35 years of experience in high-net-worth and institutional investment management, Peter has held senior leadership roles at Northern Trust and Montecito Bank & Trust, where he rebuilt investment researc...

Derek Kneeland is a veteran NASCAR Spotter and the Owner of Kneeland Klean, a pressure and soft washing company serving homes and businesses. Derek grew up in Windham, Maine, racing go-karts from the age of eight and later transitioned into Late Model and Super Late Model racing. As a spotter, he works for top teams, including Richard Childress Racing in the Cup Series with Kyle Busch, and also sp...

Austin Lampson is the Branch Manager and Licensed Mortgage Professional at OriginPoint, a company that helps clients achieve homeownership through innovative mortgage solutions. With over two decades of experience, she is known for guiding individuals through the loan process with clarity and care. An eight-time Best of Santa Barbara winner, Austin is recognized as a national top producer, earning...

Robert C. Kulle, Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Heritage Capital Strategies, Inc., a boutique firm offering life insurance and wealth-transfer solutions for businesses and high-net-worth families. He leverages his analytical acumen and partnership with M Financial Group to oversee more than $1.5 billion in death benefit coverage, delivering customized, tax-efficient insurance strategies. Based in W...

Chase Fiscus is the Founder and CEO of Fiscus Commercial Insurance Services (FCIS), which specializes in tailored risk management solutions for businesses. At just 19 years old, Chase started FCIS and has since grown the company to a team of 16 across two offices, earning industry recognition for his expertise and client-focused approach. FCIS has evolved into a specialized agency with a strong fo...

Dustin Soulliere is the Owner and CEO of Elite Robotics, an automation services company specializing in robot programming, system layout, simulation, and controls for industries from automotive to powertrain applications. Since founding the business in 2017, he has grown it to around 100 employees with consistent 50% annual growth. Drawing on diverse entrepreneurial experience, Dustin drives the c...

Eric Castelblanco is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Castelblanco Law Group, APLC, an LA-based firm exclusively representing tenants in housing habitability cases. Since founding the firm, he has represented over 10,000 tenants and secured more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements against negligent landlords in California. Originally from Bogotá, Eric is widely recognized for his ten...

Peter Madlem is the Chief Investment Officer at Avalan Wealth, a Santa Barbara-based firm that specializes in personalized financial, business, and investment planning for entrepreneurs and affluent individuals. With nearly 40 years of experience in investment management, Peter held key leadership roles, including Regional CIO at Northern Trust and CIO at Montecito Bank & Trust, where he rebuilt t...

Kevin Shaw is a Shareholder and Corporate Attorney at Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, PC (NPW Law), based in Westlake Village, California. An experienced business attorney, Kevin advises entrepreneurs and business owners on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, private placements, financing, and business law. He is known for his expertise in structuring a wide range of agr...

Adam McArthur is the President of Arch Canyon Partners, LLC, a boutique valuation and litigation support firm based in Agoura Hills, California. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in valuing business interests, intellectual property, and complex assets, serving high-net-worth families and closely held companies. Adam has multiple professional designations, including CFA, ASA, ABV,...

Jeff Neumeister is the Managing Partner at Kelly+Partners Accountants Burbank, where he leads a team specializing in advisory services, forensic accounting, business valuations, and litigation support. With over 23 years of experience, Jeff has served clients ranging from startups to high-net-worth individuals and is a renowned speaker at conferences and events. His forensic expertise has helped u...

Sia Bani is the President of Club Sportiva, a luxury automotive lifestyle company based in San Jose, California. Since resuming his role in 2015, Sia has transformed Club Sportiva from an enthusiast car-sharing concept into a premier destination offering exotic car experiences, private events, and exclusive club memberships. Sia's entrepreneurial journey includes leadership roles at Social Club Ve...

Rich Schuette is the Founder and CEO of Avalan, a comprehensive wealth management firm specializing in personalized financial, business, and investment planning. Rich's deep connection to the financial world began in childhood when his grandfather introduced him to the stock market, sparking a lifelong passion for investment. Over his 25-year career, he built a thriving client base through Avalan'...

Rich Schuette is the Founder and CEO of Avalan, a comprehensive wealth management firm specializing in personalized financial, business, and investment planning. Rich's deep connection to the financial world began in childhood when his grandfather introduced him to the stock market, sparking a lifelong passion for investment. Over his 25-year career, he built a thriving client base through Avalan'...