Podcasts about Oak Hill

For months, we've been trying to understand the spirits that may still linger inside the Old Rock Store...the Old Rock Store, a reportedly haunted limestone landmark standing in Oak Hill since 1898.But one presence has remained difficult to explain.A mysterious shadowy male presence that has been reported both inside the Old Rock Store and around the property outside.”Sometimes wearing a hat. Sometimes not. And unlike some of the other presences we've encountered here, this one doesn't seem quite as communicative or welcoming.So tonight, we're returning to the Old Rock Store for another investigation — this time, hoping to answer one question: Who is this shadow man, exactly?And before this investigation is over, an unexpected discovery will force me to consider an answer I never saw coming.EPISODE SPONSORS:BOLL & BRANCHUpgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/nightowl with code nightowl.AG1For a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at drinkag1.com/nightowlFACTORThanks Factor! Go to FACTORMEALS.com/nightowl50off and use code nightowl50off to get 50% off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. (See website for more details).Support the show

Donnelly Timmons & Associates presents Episode 381 of The Dore Report.Will and Trevor are joined by former Vanderbilt offensive lineman and tight end legend Blake Fromang, TDR's alleged attorney, for one of our favorite annual episodes.For the third year in a row, the three go game by game through Vanderbilt's schedule and make their official predictions for the 2026 season. We then zoom out and talk about the season as a whole, what this team can realistically accomplish, the quarterback battle and plenty more during Premium Message Board Questions.And most importantly, congratulations to Trevor on the engagement.Jam-packed. BEEFY episode.Let's have ourselves a Tuesday.Donnelly Timmons“Nashville's Premier Custom Home Builder”Vandy fans and alums in Nashville, when it's time to build your dream home or tear down and start fresh, you need a builder who actually listens and delivers. That's Donnelly Timmons & Associates.Nashville natives Dustin Timmons and Joey Donnelly have 25-plus years of building experience in Franklin, Brentwood, Forest Hills, Oak Hill, Green Hills and more.An in-house team on the job site every day. Clear communication. Rock-solid quality and integrity.Ready to talk about your next home?Schedule a free consultation or check out their custom work at DonnellyTimmons.com or call 615-456-7983.

Donnelly Timmons & Associates is officially joining The Dore Report as the presenting sponsor of the flagship podcast.Will and Trevor are back for Episode 380 with a full preview of the 2026 Vanderbilt offense.The guys go position by position and hand out grades, starting with the biggest question on the roster: how Vanderbilt replaces Diego Pavia. They break down the Jared Curtis vs. Blaze Berlowitz quarterback battle, the strength of a running back room led by Sedrick Alexander and MK Young, Junior Sherrill's role as WR1, Ja'Cory Thomas and the rest of the receiver group, a deep tight end room replacing Eagles second-round pick Eli Stowers, and an offensive line replacing four starters.They also take a look at special teams, because they are special, mix in some fall camp intel throughout the episode, and finish with Premium Message Board Questions.Donnelly Timmons“Nashville's Premier Custom Home Builder”Vandy fans and alums in Nashville, when it's time to build your dream home or tear down and start fresh, you need a builder who actually listens and delivers. That's Donnelly Timmons & Associates.Nashville natives Dustin Timmons and Joey Donnelly have 25-plus years of building experience in Franklin, Brentwood, Forest Hills, Oak Hill, Green Hills and more.An in-house team on the job site every day. Clear communication. Rock-solid quality and integrity.Ready to talk about your next home? Schedule a free consultation or check out their custom work at DonnellyTimmons.com or call 615-456-7983.Jam-packed. BEEFY episode.Let's have ourselves a Tuesday.

Patrick Larkin, Partner & Practice Leader, Cerity Partners Three years after launching his independent RIA, Patrick Larkin merged with Cerity Partners—but not because that was the original plan. He explains how ownership changed the way he viewed enterprise value, optionality, and the future of his business. In Summary Going independent is often viewed as the destination. Patrick Larkin discovered it was just the beginning. Louis sits down with Patrick, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners and former founder of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, to discuss an unconventional journey: leaving Wells Fargo to build an independent RIA, then choosing to merge that business just three years later. Rather than following a predetermined exit strategy, Patrick shares how ownership fundamentally changed the way he thought about enterprise value. A conversation with a prospective acquirer revealed that buyers weren't interested in purchasing a book of business—they were looking for a business. That realization reshaped how he invested, hired, delegated, and ultimately positioned his firm for the future. The conversation from our Build Grow & Transact series also offers a candid look at life after a merger, from evaluating cultural fit and partnership to balancing autonomy with the resources of a larger organization. More broadly, it illustrates how ownership creates optionality—and why the most valuable decision an advisor makes may not be the one they originally envisioned. The Storyline After spending nearly 15 years building a successful practice at AG Edwards, Wachovia, and Wells Fargo, Patrick Larkin launched Oak Hill Wealth Advisors in 2022 with a simple objective: build a business on his own terms. Like many advisors, he expected independence to be the final destination for a long time. But then there was the realization that ownership changes more than economics; it changes perspective. And it became the beginning of an entirely different way of thinking. As acquisition inquiries arrived sooner than expected, Patrick realized something that fundamentally changed his strategy. Sophisticated buyers weren't evaluating his client relationships as a book of business; they were evaluating Oak Hill as an enterprise. That insight shifted his priorities from maximizing short-term profitability to building a business that could thrive beyond its founder. Just three years after launching, Patrick chose to merge with Cerity Partners—not because he was looking for an exit, but because he believed it strengthened the future for his clients, his team, and his family. Louis and Patrick explore what led to that decision, how ownership increased the value of his business almost immediately, why he compares independence to an IPO, and what advisors should consider if they hope to create options for the future—even if they don't yet know what that future looks like. Topics Covered Building enterprise value versus maximizing annual income Creating optionality through ownership Leaving Wells Fargo to launch an independent RIA Why buyers value businesses more than books of business Evaluating strategic partners and acquisition opportunities The economics of independence and business valuation Life after merging with Cerity Partners Balancing autonomy with enterprise-scale resources Leadership, succession, and building beyond the founder Long-term ownership and partnership models > Download a transcript of this episode… Listen and Learn Highlights for Advisors Why did Patrick decide to leave Wells Fargo? (11:07) Patrick explains why growing frustrations around control, firm priorities, and the ability to build his business eventually outweighed the comfort of staying put. How did going independent immediately change the value of his business? (21:42) Patrick introduces one of the episode's biggest ideas: why launching Oak Hill felt like taking a company public and how ownership increased the firm's value almost overnight. Why did Patrick sell only three years after becoming independent? (20:03) An unexpected conversation with a prospective acquirer completely changed how he viewed enterprise value and accelerated his long-term thinking. What separates a business from a book of business? (21:42) Patrick discusses why recruiting advisors, delegating client relationships, and investing beyond himself made Oak Hill more attractive to strategic buyers. Why Cerity Partners? (26:48) Rather than focusing on valuation, Cerity emphasized culture, partnership, and long-term alignment—qualities Patrick says ultimately mattered most. What is life actually like after a merger? (37:57) Patrick offers an unusually candid perspective on autonomy, leadership, and why he says he hasn't second-guessed the decision once. Key Takeaways Ownership creates opportunities that often aren't visible until after independence. Enterprise value is built by creating a business that can thrive beyond its founder. The first acquisition conversation can be valuable even if no transaction occurs. Cultural alignment may ultimately matter more than valuation when selecting a long-term partner. Independence doesn't eliminate future options—it expands them. Strategic transactions can strengthen outcomes for clients, employees, and owners simultaneously. The goal isn't simply to own a business; it's to create choices for what comes next. https://youtu.be/f7FGLGjBbyo Quotable Moments “The day Oak Hill launched felt like the business had gone public.” “Potential acquirers weren't interested in buying a book. They were interested in buying a business.” “Ownership isn't simply about control. It's about creating optionality.” “The fear of leaving is almost always worse than the actual experience of leaving.” FAQs Why did Patrick Larkin merge with Cerity Partners only three years after launching his RIA? Patrick explains that independence changed how he viewed enterprise value. After learning what sophisticated buyers were actually looking for, he intentionally built Oak Hill as a business rather than simply managing for annual profitability. Why does Patrick compare independence to an IPO? Because ownership immediately transformed the economic value of his practice. Rather than participating in an internal succession model, he owned an independent enterprise that carried substantially greater market value. What changed after Patrick became independent? Beyond gaining control, he began making decisions through the lens of enterprise value—investing in advisors, systems, and infrastructure that would make the business less dependent on him personally. What made Cerity Partners stand out? Patrick cites the firm's culture, partnership model, meritocracy, long-term vision, and ability to combine local autonomy with enterprise-level capabilities. Is this episode only relevant for advisors considering selling? No. The broader lesson is that ownership creates flexibility. Whether an advisor ultimately remains independent or joins another organization, understanding how enterprise value is created can influence decisions from day one. What is the biggest lesson Patrick hopes advisors take away? That independence isn't simply about leaving a firm. It's about creating the ability to choose what comes next on your own terms. Patrick explains that independence changed how he viewed enterprise value. After learning what sophisticated buyers were actually looking for, he intentionally built Oak Hill as a business rather than simply managing for annual profitability. Because ownership immediately transformed the economic value of his practice. Rather than participating in an internal succession model, he owned an independent enterprise that carried substantially greater market value. Beyond gaining control, he began making decisions through the lens of enterprise value—investing in advisors, systems, and infrastructure that would make the business less dependent on him personally. Patrick cites the firm's culture, partnership model, meritocracy, long-term vision, and ability to combine local autonomy with enterprise-level capabilities. No. The broader lesson is that ownership creates flexibility. Whether an advisor ultimately remains independent or joins another organization, understanding how enterprise value is created can influence decisions from day one. That independence isn't simply about leaving a firm. It's about creating the ability to choose what comes next on your own terms. Related Resources From Start-Up to $31B Behemoth RIA: The Catalysts Behind the Growth of Mega-Firm Cerity Partners Ownership Matters: What Advisors Need to Know When Evaluating Firms Top Tips for Setting Your Business Up for Success Years Before a Move Patrick LarkinPartner and Practice Leader Patrick is a Partner and Practice Leader in the Lansdowne, VA office. He is a member of the Lansdowne Practice, where he works closely with families, foundations, and non-profits to help them define and achieve their financial goals with clarity and confidence. With a deep specialization in retirement income distribution planning and complex risk and wealth management strategies, Patrick is known for helping clients simplify complicated financial decisions, reduce uncertainty, and build sustainable, long-term plans. His approach emphasizes fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and personalized guidance — ensuring clients always feel informed and empowered. Prior to joining Cerity Partners, Patrick was the founding member of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, where he built a highly respected independent advisory practice that earned the trust of families, professionals, and mission-driven organizations across the region. His leadership was instrumental in shaping a client-first culture that continues today. Patrick's work is rooted in a passion for long-term relationships — guiding clients not just through markets, but through life's milestones such as retirement, business transitions, philanthropic planning, and wealth transfer across generations. He takes pride in being both a strategic advisor and a steady partner to the people he serves. Patrick lives in Bluemont, VA, with his wife Angela, their two children, Paige and Sean, and their Golden Retrievers, Huckleberry and Genoa. Outside of the office, Patrick and his family enjoy an active lifestyle — whether it's hiking and backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, biking the Great Allegheny Passage, or sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. These experiences reflect his belief in balance, resilience, and enjoying the journey — values he also brings to his work with clients. NOTE: The views and opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Diamond Consultants. Neither Diamond Consultants nor the guests on this podcast are compensated in any way for their participation. View the transcript of this episode… Build, Grow & Transact: From Breakaway to Transaction in 3 Years A conversation with Louis Diamond and Patrick Larkin, Partner & Practice Leader at Cerity Partners.      Louis Diamond: Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast series for financial advisors. Today’s episode is Build, Grow & Transact: From Breakaway to Transaction in 3 Years. It’s a conversation with Patrick Larkin, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners. I’m Louis Diamond, and this is The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors. Mindy Diamond: At Diamond Consultants, we help elite advisors identify the right environment for their businesses to thrive, whether that’s at a wirehouse, boutique, or independent firm. With nearly three decades of experience, we’ve guided thousands of advisors and represented more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets transitioned. And each year, one in four advisors managing a billion dollars or more who change firms are our clients. Our process is education-driven and based on building relationships, starting as your strategic partner well before you’re even thinking of a move. To schedule a confidential conversation, call us at 908-879-1002. Wondering why advisors change firms and where they’re headed? Are transition deals going up or down? Those very questions and more inspired us to create our annual Advisor Transition Report. It’s the award-winning, data-driven resource designed for advisors that connects the dots between the motivations around movement and the firm’s appetite for top talent. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make smart decisions. Download your copy at diamond-consultants.com/transitionreport. Louis Diamond: Ownership as a way of creating opportunities you can’t always predict. That’s exactly why we created our Build, Grow, and Transact series. Independence isn’t the end of the story. It’s often the beginning of thinking differently about enterprise value, optionality, and what comes next. Today’s guest is Patrick Larkin, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners, and formerly the founder of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. Patrick spent nearly 15 years building a successful practice at A.G. Edwards, Wachovia, and eventually Wells Fargo before launching his own independent firm in 2022. Just three years later, he merged that firm into Cerity. At first glance, that timeline might seem surprisingly short, but as you’ll hear, the merger wasn’t a change in direction. It was the result of seeing his business differently once he owned it. Yet, it’s this perspective that really brings that thought home. Patrick said the day Oak Hill launched felt like the business had gone public because overnight, what had been viewed as a book of business became an enterprise with substantially greater value, some four to five times the value of what it was worth at Wells. And that realization changed the way he invested, the way he hired, and ultimately the way he thought about the future. Pat and I also talk about something advisors don’t often discuss candidly, what life actually looks like after a merger. How much control do you give up? What changes day to day? How do you know whether you’re joining a partner or simply selling a business? Whether your long-term plan is to remain independent forever or eventually join a larger organization, Patrick’s experience is a reminder that ownership isn’t simply about control. It’s about creating optionality and putting yourself in a position where the next decision is yours to make. So let’s get to it. Patrick, thanks for coming on our show today. Patrick Larkin: Oh, my pleasure. Nice to meet you, Louis. Louis Diamond: You too. So let’s start off basically how we start every interview. Tell us about yourself, your background, and how you found your way into our industry in the first place. Patrick Larkin: Yeah, thank you for asking. I knew I always wanted to be a financial advisor. That part really wasn’t in question, but upon graduating college and being a 22-year-old, I knew that it was probably not practical to walk in and start advising people my parents’ age with their life savings. Probably wasn’t going to be a recipe for success. So I took a quick tour through the pharmaceutical industry first, which ended up being unexpectedly valuable. My employers there pushed me to think like an entrepreneur and within our territories. And honestly, that mindset never left me. It shaped how I built everything that came after. Eventually, an opportunity presented itself in Loudoun County, Virginia in Northern Virginia, and I became an FA trainee with A.G. Edwards, absolutely fantastic firm to start my career. Now, what drew me to this career was pretty simple. I felt like it was one of the professions that we had an opportunity to do so much good for others while simultaneously also doing well for yourself, and those two things aren’t in conflict. I also really loved the idea that in this profession there was no hiding. You don’t get paid to show up. You get paid for what you actually do. And perhaps for me, what was most important, I loved the weight of responsibility. I loved earning people’s trust. I loved the idea of deserving, being deserving of their trust, and being a steward of what they’ve worked a lifetime to build. I never took that lightly, and I still don’t. Louis Diamond: That’s amazing. Yeah, I mean, the number of people I’ve heard, you talked so fondly about A.G. Edwards and there’s a bunch of other firms that have since been absorbed or emerged that are like the regional firms of old. So not surprised to hear you loved it. A.G. Edwards, obviously, became Wells Fargo Advisors or was acquired or merged with Wells Fargo. So I know you’re at Wells and A.G. Edwards until 2022. So give us a quick version. How’d you build your practice from the pharma world into being in FA? Patrick Larkin: Yeah, so as I started with A.G. Edwards, I came in at really just the perfect time. It was towards the end of the financial crisis. And I built the business the old-fashioned way with a lot of cold calling and eventually did some dinner seminars, which I can tell you is a very expensive way to learn how to speak in front of a room. But I made some progress, and I was also in a great office, small enough that some of the advisors there would hand off some of the smaller accounts that they weren’t interested in working with, and got an opportunity to get a lot of reps in working with real life clients and individuals. I knew early on I didn’t have enough talent to win on talent alone, so I made up for it and compensated for that with really hard work. The real turning point came for me when A.G. Edwards was first acquired by Wachovia Securities, and that was about five years into my career. And at that point, my branch manager, who was eyeing retirement, asked me to step in as her partner, and that changed everything. We eventually moved over to a Wachovia Securities office, another really great local office in Loudoun County, Virginia. And from that office, I worked on and became a CIMA, a CFP, worked with the clients, built a business through referrals. And I found at that point in my career when I would go to a meeting with Wachovia, eventually Wells Fargo, as a young 30-year-old, I would look around the room often and realize that I was the youngest person in the room. The funny thing was 10 years later, I would go into that same room and I’d look around and I still was the youngest guy in that room. And those demographics in our industry, and when I came into our industry, ultimately led that office that I worked in with Wells Fargo Advisors, I eventually was the recipient and party to five different succession plans- Louis Diamond: Wow. Patrick Larkin: … at Wells Fargo Advisors. I hoped that I had built a reputation as somebody that these other advisors would entrust with their clients. And over that time period, really, I would say professionally, one of my accomplishments I’m most proud of is all five of those retired advisors that I used to work with, who had an opportunity to see me work with clients, all became clients of mine, I still continue to work with. And it’s professionally just one of the greatest honors that I’ve ever had. Louis Diamond: I mean, that’s a large number of advisors you helped sunset, but I would agree it’s the ultimate proof of concept that they not only trusted you with their clients and their life’s work, but now also with their family’s wealth. So I like that, kind of the full life cycle there. So I’m curious, though, you stayed at Wells through a really turbulent time through the fake bank scandal. There’s a lot of attrition. I mean, obviously, they’re still a powerhouse to this day, but what kept you at Wells for as long as it did before you left in 2022? Patrick Larkin: You described it as a turbulent time. Pretty turbulent might be an understatement. Even before Wells, the transition to Wells, Wachovia Bank had been the first company that we transitioned to from A.G. Edwards. And we, of course, went through the financial crisis during that time period and handholding our clients and helping them get through that time period and dealing with concerns that we shouldn’t really have to be prepared with. “Is my money safe? It’s not what’s happening to the market, but is my money safe in your institution?” But once things stabilized, I found real purpose in partnering with some of the retiring advisors and opportunities that came up. It was a really wonderful climate and atmosphere in our local office. It was really a family-like atmosphere, and I still had a lot to learn. And all those advisors that I partnered with, I’ve joked I’ve never had an original idea in my entire life. I stole all my good ideas from them. And some of them were really ahead of their time, and I learned, adopted, and built my own philosophies by working closely with them. Ultimately, by the time I left Wells Fargo, I was finishing up the fifth sunset program and had only made my way halfway through the sunset before the opportunity presented itself to create my own practice. Louis Diamond: So I’m curious, when did you first seriously start thinking about leaving and what really tipped the scales for you? What was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back? Patrick Larkin: Yeah, it really was a number of small items and ultimately one big one. But for a long time, I’d been content, but as I tried to grow the business beyond what I could do individually, I felt like I kept running into walls. There were it felt like limitations on how I could build out my team and structure the practice the way I envisioned it. Additionally, there were some new policies that also started to bother me. One of them was the platform advisory fee, which in my eyes was less about client transparency and more about replacing a declining revenue source on the firm’s balance sheet. And after dealing with clients and helping them through the bank scandal at the firm, I was concerned that this would come back and hurt me and the relationships that I had with my clients. Incidentally, I just recently onboarded a new client that transferred to us. And for them, looking at their statement, identifying this platform advisory fee- Louis Diamond: Oh boy. Patrick Larkin: … was the last straw for them before they moved about 15 million of assets to us. Also, I thought I would be I would be a better allocator of resources than Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo retained about half of the revenue that I earned for the business. They seemed to think that the best allocation of that money was additional middle management. Whereas, I thought investment in technology, investment in additional personnel, and an investment in marketing were best places to continue to build out my vision. The final straw, and really a thing that crystallized everything for me was when I read a book in 2021 called The Infinite Game, a book written by Simon Sinek. Chapter eight, the title is Ethical Fading. And it uses the Wells Fargo bank scandal as a case study in what happens when a firm loses its moral compass. I read the chapter and thought, “There it is, I have to do something.” That was really the final push I needed. I mentioned earlier I was very fortunate to start my career with a company called A.G. Edwards, a regional brokerage firm. And while I was at A.G. Edwards, there was a research report that came out on A.G. Edwards as a company. And I’m going to paraphrase a little bit on what was said in that report, but ultimately there was a line in there, and it was a criticism, but I took it as a huge positive as being an employee there. The line said, “While management does not necessarily say it, we believe the client is put ahead of the shareholder.” And that was something I was very proud of. And I just, upon reflecting on it, felt confident those were words that I never was going to see go to print about Wells Fargo. Louis Diamond: So you left Wells in 2022 and founded Oak Hill Wealth Partners in Lansdowne, Virginia. Walk us through that decision. Why go independent rather than going to another firm? Patrick Larkin: I really thought moving to another firm, the things that I had grown frustrated with at Wells Fargo Advisors, I would also find at another wirehouse firm. I was ready, and honestly, the simple answer is I thought I could do better. And I wanted control after having what I felt like was very little control. I had grown frustrated with others making important decisions, and I wanted an opportunity to grab the reins and make decisions on my own. I believe at that time, the future of wealth management was going to be built around fiduciary advice, and I didn’t want to watch that from the sidelines anymore. I was watching what was happening in the industry. And as we were trying to hire new advisors, reaching out to college graduates who were studying CFP programs, identified that they were more inclined to want to start employment with an RIA than a wirehouse. What made the timing work really well was Wells Fargo had actually introduced a program to help advisors in the private client group spin off and establish their own RIAs. Now, whenever I tell this to another advisor, particularly ones that are wirehouses, they can’t understand it. And quite frankly, I don’t understand why they helped us do it, but we were about the 30th practice that they helped us through this process and they provided real support. They hired consultants, made vendor recommendations, even referrals to financing so I could pay off my last succession plan before I left. The only really upside for Wells Fargo was that the ask was that we continue to use First Clearing as the custodian. And one of the downsides for me was I was going to leave all of my deferred comp behind with Wells Fargo. Now, all clients had to do to join me was sign a positive consent. And on May 9th, 2020, we turned on our computers in our new office and our clients were already there. That same day, we launched and started a relationship with Charles Schwab. And it was so exciting to be able to start shopping for what I thought was the best FinTech, really feeling like I was stuck with proprietary tools that Wells Fargo advisors had offered. I felt like I was a kid in a candy store. And if there was a cool tool that I identified that would help us serve our clients better, I was all in and I was buying it. I really feel that some of the technology that Oak Hill eventually bought into and some of the tools we’re using now are going to take years and years before they eventually trickle down to where the wirehouses are, if ever. Louis Diamond: Interesting. So it was really it was for the most part an internal move from one- Patrick Larkin: It was- Louis Diamond: … channel to the other. Patrick Larkin: … it was an internal move, but there was no requirement to stay at First Clearing. As a fiduciary, they couldn’t make those demands. And again, they helped us with the financing, which is really unusual that they helped us secure a loan so I could pay off the last retiring advisor. It’s really unusual that a bank will loan money where there is no business at the time, but because of previous experience that financial institution had working with Wells, they helped us facilitate the transaction. And the program is still in place at Wells Fargo, which is absolutely amazing to me after the experience that I’ve just had myself. Louis Diamond: Yeah, it’s interesting. I mean, does it cannibalize a more profitable revenue source? Sure. But if the alternative was all the assets go to Schwab or Fidelity, to me, honestly, it’s smart. I think they played the long game by not being adversarial on it. Patrick Larkin: I think they played a long game and they took the philosophy, and I think they use it as a recruiting tool that if you love them, set them free. And that’s exactly what they did. Louis Diamond: So for the rest of the episode, I want to talk about your eventual, and not that long period of time, transaction or decision to merge Oak Hill with Cerity Partners. This is our Build, Grow, Transact subseries. And I was really struck by your story because you were three years or so into running Oak Hill, and then your merger with Cerity Partners, an amazing RIA closed. That’s a fairly short runway. Usually when I see folks go independent for the first time, it’s 10, 15, 20 years, maybe never, that they decide to merge or sell. I’m curious to understand your thinking about the transaction. Were you looking to do something? Or was it just like right place, right time and the opportunity presented itself? Patrick Larkin: I had started Oak Hill with the intent of eventually down the road, much closer to retirement, looking for a partner. The opportunity and what I learned early on helped change that idea and philosophy, and I adapted and made modifications to take advantage of it. Louis Diamond: Interesting. So you weren’t necessarily planning on selling or merging the business, it just kind of circumstances happened the way they did? Patrick Larkin: Yeah. When we started Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, it was a really pretty short period of time before we started getting calls from larger national RIAs about potential acquisition, much sooner than I expected. Early on, I just brushed them off, but about a year in, I took one of those calls and it really just opened my eyes up. I realized for the first time this small firm, this little practice actually had some real value, way more than I’d given it credit for. That first call, that first exploration didn’t go anywhere. It wasn’t a good fit. But what it gave me was a much clearer picture of what the serious acquirers were actually looking for. And that changed decisions I made at Oak Hill going forward. I really at that point stopped trying to optimize for near-term profit and really thought of my business as a business and started building towards enterprise value, sometimes at the cost of short-term income. And that turned out to be exactly the right call. Louis Diamond: That’s such an interesting perspective. Let’s double-click into that concept. So it sounds almost counterintuitive that if you kind of had this light bulb moment that like, “Okay, maybe I want to transact my business sooner than I initially thought.” I think most people would say, “Let’s become lean and mean. Let’s become as profitable as possible so my EBITDA’s higher.” But you took the different approach. What were the decisions you did to invest more in enterprise value rather than current cash flow? Patrick Larkin: A true business is one that doesn’t need me to be here every day to operate. And when we left Wells Fargo Advisors, it was myself and one other advisor that created Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. I was responsible for about 95% of the assets and revenue. And one of the more significant investments we made is in additional advisors. I recruited three new advisors, all CFPs, to join Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. Whereas, before I had been largely managing all the relationships myself. For someone that kind of grew up in the regional wirehouse space, it’s pretty counterintuitive to start moving relationships away from you onto other advisors. You’re trained and built to create a moat around your relationships, and realized that the potential acquirers are not interested, at least the ones I was interested in, weren’t interested in buying a book. They were interested in buying a business. And that just meant every decision we made going forward was not profit-driven, but how can I increase the value of the business? So after that first call, I knew I probably would be looking to move forward with a transaction sooner as opposed to the end of retirement. That information that I got on that first call helped me realize that when Oak Hill Wealth Advisors opened its doors on May 9th, 2022, we effectively had an IPO. I had great familiarity with how the succession plans at Wells Fargo Advisors worked. And on that day that we opened our practice, the value of my business jumped to be four to five times the value of it in a succession plan at Wells Fargo Advisors. Now, I knew going forward that I was going to be able to increase revenue. I was going to be able to increase EBITDA. I was going to potentially have some benefits from a market tailwind. I knew the multiples of EBITDA that the firms use may fluctuate, but the biggest change by far occurred leaving the wirehouse and having the value of my business grow four to fivefold in that same day. So what I really focused on was making sure that I was going to, when I was ready to start looking again after I had worked on improving the practice, really was going to look for a firm that was going to be a good cultural fit for both my clients, my team, and myself. Louis Diamond: That’s such a cool perspective. I’ve never heard anyone say that the day we launched your independent business was like an IPO. But honestly, it’s so true. You’re planting a flag in the ground that like, “Here is real value. This is value that we’ve created that we own rather than it being a book of business and a W-2 paycheck.” And it’s a fascinating perspective. Patrick Larkin: Yep. It really is amazing that the value changed that much on one day and the future value changes. Looking at the equity that I owned in Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, it made sense to consider is there a better way to take some risk off the table for myself and my family and diversify some of the equity that I had in Oak Hill Wealth Advisors with a larger enterprise? Louis Diamond: It makes complete sense. Obviously, everyone would sign up for 4 to 5X increase in value. Patrick Larkin: Sure. Louis Diamond: That’s not the reason most people go independent, but it’s important to know. And also, what I really liked about what you shared is I think a really valuable learning for anyone is those calls come in, whether it’s from annoying people like me or from an acquirer, from a firm, they’re not all noise. You took it as an opportunity to learn. Even though that first person who called wasn’t the right fit, it crystallized something in your mind and it let you make proactive decisions that ultimately paid off in spades when it came time to sign the dotted line for your transaction with Cerity. So I think it’s brilliant. And it’s very big picture, big-business-owner-type stuff that I think a lot of people will just filter out because it’s annoying and I’m young, I’m not looking to sell, but that was the journey. Patrick Larkin: Yeah, that first call changed my opinion about timing of when to move forward with a partnership. Originally, I thought this would be something at the end of retirement. The timing of doing so sooner seemed a lot more appealing after having that conversation and realizing what we had actually built. Louis Diamond: Amazing. So ultimately you decided to merge with Cerity Partners. We’ve had Kurt Miscinski from Cerity Partners on the show. They’re a real heavyweight within the RIA world. Most recently, they were valued at $8 billion in a recap, and it’s a very impressive firm. What specifically drew you to Cerity versus other potential buyers? Like you said, you got a lot of calls. Patrick Larkin: After that first call, I just got to work and focused on continuing to take care of our clients, building a team, adding new advisors, being a mentor to those advisors. But at the same time, we were being approached fairly regularly by that point. And I had a pretty good system for quickly deciding whether something was worth a second look, and most weren’t. But about a year ago, one of the national RIAs caught my attention and I started having conversations with them. And once I had progressed with them, I though, “You know what? If I’m giving this consideration, I really need to cast a wider net.” So I reached out to other RIAs that I had looked at and admired and been keeping an eye on. And ultimately, my longtime business coach, Barbara Kay, suggested I talk with Cerity Partners, a company that one of her other clients had just recently joined. And from the very first call, I could tell something was different. And I talked to many different companies. Cerity Partners, and an individual I spoke with, Geoff Newman, they weren’t leading with valuation formulas or deal structure. They were asking questions about my clients, my team, and how I actually ran the practice. They had a very defined process for identifying partners who were genuinely compatible, not just advisors with books that were transferable. And that distinction mattered greatly to me. They also offered really, in my opinion, the right balance of support and still having some autonomy. And their aspiration to deliver consistent standard of care to clients, whether they be in California or Virginia, so that those individuals get the same quality of experience, resonated with how I was already running things within my practice. That combination of support and autonomy, I really liked the idea of continuing to have oversight over my local practice, over our practice, which included the budget, salaries, and bonuses. It more than anybody else felt like a partnership and not a buyout. And I really appreciate it during that first call, Cerity was the only company that talked about a hundred-year plan. It was amazing to me to hear what their thoughts were. Most of the other firms I spoke with talked about valuations. And very quickly in the process, I found myself on a Zoom call with a Patagonia fleece vest-wearing private equity rep walking me through a valuation. And it was efficient, but it was not a cultural fit for me. And the infrastructure behind us and the combination of autonomy is really harder to find than most people think. As I progressed with Cerity, I remember early on in the process thinking to myself, “My God, I hope they want me, I hope they want me,” because I could tell I’m a very process-driven person They had a process with the way they brought me on board. And ultimately, we had a due diligence trip set up to go to one of their larger offices where I met with one of their leaders, Claire O’Keefe, part of their practice development, and had an opportunity to meet with different leaders within the firm and really get my arms wrapped around the potential that they had. Just the quality of the people I encountered through the whole process just kept reinforcing the decision. And by the time we got to the finish line, it didn’t feel like a transaction. It felt like I was joining something that I was excited to be part of. So just a little bit more about what attracted me to Cerity, their culture is just phenomenal. Cerity Partners uses the word “meritocracy” and they actually mean it. Ownership and influence here track your contribution, not your tenure or how well you play the politics. I just attended my first partner meeting in April, and without exaggeration, it was the most extraordinary professional meeting I’ve attended in my 25-year career. During the meeting, there was open debate about the direction of the firm, and every voice in the room carried weight. You could feel the culture. And that type of culture is built over years. You can’t fake it. Everyone in the room it felt like was rowing in the same direction. And by the time the meeting was over, I was so excited to get back to my team and tell them about what I had just witnessed, I wasn’t looking for the exit. I was looking for the brick wall to run through. I was so excited. And every once in a while I wonder having spent so much time in the wirehouse spaces, the bar just set really low for me when I talked to some of my other colleagues that have been independent for a long time. But it was just an absolutely amazing experience. And I do want to just add, one of the last really important things to me about Cerity Partners is I’ve been very fortunate with my career and in this profession. And part of my goal over the rest of my career is to have a legacy. And my legacy currently exists with the families I’ve advised and the team that I’ve built and have served and led. But Cerity Partners is helping me achieve even a greater legacy in our industry with our shared long-term goals. During my first meeting, they talked about their hundred-year vision of being a worldwide employee-owned professional services firm. And currently, and this is very exciting, the employees are the largest shareholder of the firm. No one else I talked to talked about their long-term goals like this, and it’s a vision I believe in. I want to contribute to help to see it accomplished. And one day when I do retire, I want to look back and see how I contribute it to a company that I believe is going to change the direction of professional wealth management. Louis Diamond: Wow. Patrick Larkin: My partnership with Cerity Partners is going to make that a reality. It’s just an amazing place. Yeah, very happy. Louis Diamond: Honestly, you can’t fake that type of enthusiasm. It sounds like- Patrick Larkin: It’s not- Louis Diamond: … you entered into a transaction, which is it’s like jumping into the deep end. How do you sort through what’s the sales process versus what’s real? How much of this is actually going to translate to my life? But hearing you not that long after the transaction, you still feel that and it’s very cool. In the press release I read, you cited estate planning, private markets access, and cross-border planning as key reasons for the merger. Can you talk about what it was about those? Maybe- Patrick Larkin: Yeah. Louis Diamond: … anything else that was missed? Patrick Larkin: Yeah. Louis Diamond: And were those not things that you felt like you could have delivered yourself as a standalone? Patrick Larkin: I thought that they were going to help me be able to be more effective in delivering those, but they weren’t the complete picture. The capabilities that we cited in the release were genuine gaps I wanted to fill and have available for clients and be able to prospect and go after new additional clients. But being fully honest, there were also deeper drivers. One was my team. Sometimes we get emotional about this. Being someone who’s trusted is really important to me, and that’s something I hold in high priority. There are people that followed me out of Wells Fargo to join me. One of my client associates had delayed her retirement so that she could join me and help us launch for the first three months. One of my other client associates has been with me close to 15 years. These are people that trusted me to do the right thing and to make sure that I wasn’t walking them off the plank. Being able to join Cerity Partners and give them a future that didn’t hinge entirely on my personal longevity was a huge relief. And Cerity Partners is an ownership culture. I’m so happy to say today that every single individual on my team in our practice in Lansdowne is now either an equity owner in Cerity Partners or very shortly will be an equity- Louis Diamond: So cool. Patrick Larkin: … equity owner. So they have a stake as well in what they’re building. It matters. My youngest client associate noticed how much it costs to send to FedEx. And he goes, “Now that I’m an owner, maybe we should rethink about sending regular mail.” Another driver was my family. And I’ve always had the philosophy of trying to prioritize and clients first, team and colleagues, and then my family. And I’ve always made decisions that if I put those others before myself, eventually I’ll be taken care of. And going through this transaction, it was so generous to my family and provided such security. There was a little bit of guilt that, “Am I doing this for all the right reasons?” But being able to secure my family’s future, converting equity in a three-year-old RIA into a stake of a $8 billion-plus valuation with institutional backing, that was a meaningful moment and I’d be less than honest if I glossed over that. I also really wanted to be part of something larger than myself. And the opportunity to help build a legacy in this business with Cerity Partners really gives me the platform to do that. Louis Diamond: Very cool. I can tell that you’re genuine, not just because of the way you sound, the way you’re speaking, but in the very beginning of the episode, you talked about the reason you got into this business was because you thought it gave you the dual purpose of being able to help people, but also being able to enrich yourself or your family. So this answer, it comes full circle. You’re able to accomplish all these goals, which made it the right decision. And I think, look, I say to advisors all the time, “You’re allowed to be greedy, you’re allowed to be selfish as long as the clients are still in the front of your mind as the most important thing.” There’s nothing wrong with doing better for clients, building a legacy in your case, but also reaping the rewards of all your hard work and labor and also all the risks that you’ve taken over your career. I got to ask you, though, from being an employee of Wells, where you were running your team, for the most part, you can run the business within their guardrails the way you want, to then running an RIA, which is really like you’re fully in control of everything, to now being a partner, but you’re not the one who has the name on the door anymore. Patrick Larkin: Right, right. Louis Diamond: Well, how do you think about the giving up control and full ownership of your practice versus owning a very small amount of a much larger entity? Patrick Larkin: There was such continuity. Oak Hill Wealth Advisors and Cerity Partners were so philosophically aligned that I genuinely never felt like I was giving up anything that I wasn’t glad to let go. My wife joined the business shortly before I left Wells Fargo Advisors. And still to this day, on my drive home from work, I call her up and say, “You’re not going to believe this.” And it’s all a positive, good thing. So Cerity has struck the perfect balance of that autonomy and support combination that I was looking for. So I still have control and a say over the way our practice is managed. Very shortly after the merger, my supervisor came down and met me for the first time, and we went out together after the day had ended. And early in the conversation I said to him, “What can I do to make your life easier?” And he said, “Pat, what can I do to make your life easier?” And that set the tone that still exists to this day. I almost cried when he said that because that was so different than what I had experienced up to that point. So the collaboration, the way we work together, it’s just absolutely amazing. And not once for a single moment have I second-guessed my decision. And it’s really weird because I’ve now been part of this organization for nearly nine months, and there just has not been one thing that’s occurred where I said, “That’s a disappointment.” It’s just been absolutely amazing every single day. Louis Diamond: Very cool. To me, there’s different arcs of when you want to ask people the question of, “Hey, any regrets?” And usually you don’t want to ask them too soon because they’re still going through the transition and integration and growing pains. And you don’t want to ask them too far in the future because you forget about what was life before. To be this short of a duration into this new partnership and to have these feelings, that’s absolutely pretty special. I got two more questions for you, Pat, if you don’t mind. Patrick Larkin: Sure. Louis Diamond: First one, economically, to me, one of the hardest things for really any advisor to really grapple with or to fully comprehend or make their own is, “I own 100% of the equity in my business. I get to decide when I want to sell in the future. My business is growing 10% per year. I wait to sell until 10 years from now, my business is going to be much bigger and I get to keep all the cash flow. I get to make all the decisions.” That compared to the path that you took, which was take cash off the table, which everyone understands, to, “Now, I own a much smaller piece of a much larger pie.” How would you talk to someone about the financial trade-off between a hundred percent ownership in their business, full control, full discretion over everything, versus becoming a minority equity partner in a larger entity? Patrick Larkin: You have to look at the valuation of my business, again, the day that we opened our doors as Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. There was such a massive jump in the value of the business. There was not going to be an opportunity for an appreciation at that level. So then, you have to compare what the growth rate is of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors versus a Cerity Partners. And I’m not embarrassed to say that Cerity Partners is and has been growing at a much faster rate of return. The value of the equity that I have retained in Cerity Partners, my ownership stake, I fully expect by the time I transact that business as I get closer to retirement, that’s going to be worth many times more than whatever opportunity I would have had at Wells Fargo with the valuation they would have provided me. Nevermind, very important, the tax consequences of a structure like this is all the retiring advisors that I worked with were taxed at their highest marginal rate. I owned a business and we were taxed at long-term capital gains rates. A significant difference in savings in what as the owner we actually realize. So yeah, I feel very comfortable with the ownership that I have and the control and continued opportunity with the meritocracy culture to increase my share of ownership in the company. Louis Diamond: Okay, and let’s do one more question here. I’ll pick it back up. So Pat, I think it’s a really cool perspective. It’s almost do your homework, and if you find the right horse and the right jockey that can run faster than you can on your own, that the equity value will compound and grow and appreciate in a faster, more efficient way than what you’re doing on your own, which makes complete sense. It’s the ultimate trade-off. And again, it’s like jumping into the deep end. On the one hand, Oak Hill was all you, right? You control the growth, for better or worse, for the good days, the bad days, the good years, the bad years, versus now your growth is diversified amongst hundreds of partners across M&A, across different lead flow channels, et cetera. It makes complete sense. But honestly, if I were an advisor, I don’t know how I would think about it. I think it’s all just fact-and-circumstance-based on where I am in my life and who the firm is and what I’m trying to accomplish. But it’s such a cool perspective because usually the playbook that we see, which is why we did this series, is go independent and there’s a long pause until there is a realization of all the value that’s been created. So seeing you do this in a much quicker timeframe, it seems like it was the absolutely right decision. To me, it just is another path, another way that an advisor or a firm is able to think about their future. Any final advice or parting words for someone who is sitting right where you were in 2021 or 2022 thinking about making the leap? And we’ll say a transition in general, or really anything you want to share to wrap our episode here. Patrick Larkin: Thank you for having me, and this is a great question. Happy to give a thoughtful answer to it. Before I’d left Wells Fargo Advisors through the program and started Oak Hill Wealth Advisors, I had an opportunity to go through a due diligence process and make sure that this was going to be a right move for me. There was no carrot out there that was obvious. I learned after that first conversation that I had built a practice that had some value to it. I was leaving behind the security of something I knew, leaving behind a significant amount in deferred compensation, and I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision. And through that due diligence process, talked to about five other firms that had recently left Wells Fargo to join this RIA program. I asked them a lot of different questions about what their experience was. And at every point during those conversations, they all said the same thing at different points. And it sounded like this. They said, “I’m working harder than I ever have before, but I wish I had done this sooner.” So my advice to those people, do it. I know that sounds simple, but I mean it. The fear of leaving is almost always worse than the actual experience of leaving. And I understand the inertia of not leaving and the real apprehension of what was on the other side. But what I found was a version of this profession I genuinely didn’t know was possible. One where I could do things the right way on my terms for the people I care most about serving. And not every path is going to look like mine. Some advisors should go fully independent and stay there, and that can be an incredible life. But when it comes time to look for a partner, quite frankly, if Cerity Partners is not on your shortlist, you’re making a significant mistake. And I say that not to sell anything, but because I’ve lived the comparison firsthand and there’s simply nothing else like it. Louis Diamond: So Pat, it’s been really fun, but I don’t think we’ve had anyone on the eight years or so we’ve been doing this show that’s gone through this type of arc or journey that you have. One of my big takeaways or sticking points that this episode brought for me is by going independent and taking control over your future, you created complete optionality for yourself to do exactly what you wanted to do with your business, even if that was different than what you initially planned. So in your case, it was selling within three years of going independent, but by taking action, being proactive, playing some offense, you made the opportunity happen on your terms and your timeline. So this has been fun in so many different ways. I loved your comment about how when you went independent, it’s basically like the day of your IPO, the four-to-five-times increase in value versus an internal succession deal, and even just the way to think about getting equity in a larger entity versus running your own plays only. So thank you so much for doing this. This has been fun. Mindy Diamond: As a financial advisor, you hold yourself to the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and credibility. You are successful because you take your professional responsibility seriously and are dedicated to your clients. But are you living your best business life? Are your goals aligned with your firm’s or could a better option exist? Should I Stay or Should I Go? Is a book written with you in mind? It’s a self-guided journey that walks you through the key steps that we take with our advisor clients. This strategic thought process and roadmap to professional self-discovery is designed to help you ask the right questions and think critically and objectively, whether you’re considering change or not. Learn how to get your copy at diamond-consultants.com/thebook.   Build, Grow & Transact: From Breakaway to Transaction in 3 Years A conversation with Louis Diamond and Patrick Larkin, Partner & Practice Leader at Cerity Partners.      Louis Diamond: Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast series for financial advisors. Today’s episode is Build, Grow & Transact: From Breakaway to Transaction in 3 Years. It’s a conversation with Patrick Larkin, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners. I’m Louis Diamond, and this is The Diamond Podcast for Financial Advisors. Mindy Diamond: At Diamond Consultants, we help elite advisors identify the right environment for their businesses to thrive, whether that’s at a wirehouse, boutique, or independent firm. With nearly three decades of experience, we’ve guided thousands of advisors and represented more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in assets transitioned. And each year, one in four advisors managing a billion dollars or more who change firms are our clients. Our process is education-driven and based on building relationships, starting as your strategic partner well before you’re even thinking of a move. To schedule a confidential conversation, call us at 908-879-1002. Wondering why advisors change firms and where they’re headed? Are transition deals going up or down? Those very questions and more inspired us to create our annual Advisor Transition Report. It’s the award-winning, data-driven resource designed for advisors that connects the dots between the motivations around movement and the firm’s appetite for top talent. Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make smart decisions. Download your copy at diamond-consultants.com/transitionreport. Louis Diamond: Ownership as a way of creating opportunities you can’t always predict. That’s exactly why we created our Build, Grow, and Transact series. Independence isn’t the end of the story. It’s often the beginning of thinking differently about enterprise value, optionality, and what comes next. Today’s guest is Patrick Larkin, Partner and Practice Leader at Cerity Partners, and formerly the founder of Oak Hill Wealth Advisors. Patrick spent nearly 15 years building a successful practice at A.G. Edwards, Wachovia, and eventually Wells Fargo before launching his own independent firm in 2022. Just three years later, he merged that firm into Cerity. At first glance, that timeline might seem surprisingly short, but as you’ll hear, the merger wasn’t a change in direction. It was the result of seeing his business differently once he owned it. Yet, it’s this perspective that really brings that thought home. Patrick said the day Oak Hill launched felt like the business had gone public because overnight, what had been viewed as a book of business became an enterprise with substantially greater value, some four to five times the value of what it was worth at Wells. And that realization changed the way he invested, the way he hired, and ultimately the way he thought about the future. Pat and I also talk about something advisors don’t often discuss candidly, what life actually looks like after a merger. How much control do you give up? What changes day to day? How do you know whether you’re joining a partner or simply selling a business? Whether your long-term plan is to remain independent forever or eventually join a larger organization, Patrick’s experience is a reminder that ownership isn’t simply about control. It’s about creating optionality and putting yourself in a position where the next decision is yours to make. So let’s get to it. Patrick, thanks for coming on our show today. Patrick Larkin: Oh, my pleasure. Nice to meet you, Louis. Louis Diamond: You too. So let’s start off basically how we start every interview. Tell us about yourself, your background, and how you found your way into our industry in the first place. Patrick Larkin: Yeah, thank you for asking. I knew I always wanted to be a financial advisor. That part really wasn’t in question, but upon graduating college and being a 22-year-old, I knew that it was probably not practical to walk in and start advising people my parents’ age with their life savings. Probably wasn’t going to be a recipe for success. So I took a quick tour through the pharmaceutical industry first, which ended up being unexpectedly valuable. My employers there pushed me to think like an entrepreneur and within our territories. And honestly, that mindset never left me. It shaped how I built everything that came after. Eventually, an opportunity presented itself in Loudoun County, Virginia in Northern Virginia, and I became an FA trainee with A.G. Edwards, absolutely fantastic firm to start my career. Now, what drew me to this career was pretty simple. I felt like it was one of the professions that we had an opportunity to do so much good for others while simultaneously also doing well for yourself, and those two things aren’t in conflict. I also really loved the idea that in this profession there was no hiding. You don’t get paid to show up. You get paid for what you actually do. And perhaps for me, what was most important, I loved the weight of responsibility. I loved earning people’s trust. I loved the idea of deserving, being deserving of their trust, and being a steward of what they’ve worked a lifetime to build. I never took that lightly, and I still don’t. Louis Diamond: That’s amazing. Yeah, I mean, the number of people I’ve heard, you talked so fondly about A.G. Edwards and there’s a bunch of other firms that have since been absorbed or emerged that are like the regional firms of old. So not surprised to hear you loved it. A.G. Edwards, obviously, became Wells Fargo Advisors or was acquired or merged with Wells Fargo. So I know you’re at Wells and A.G. Edwards until 2022. So give us a quick version. How’d you build your practice from the pharma world into being in FA? Patrick Larkin: Yeah, so as I started with A.G. Edwards, I came in at really just the perfect time. It was towards the end of the financial crisis. And I built the business the old-fashioned way with a lot of cold calling and eventually did some dinner seminars, which I can tell you is a very expensive way to learn how to speak in front of a room. But I made some progress, and I was also in a great office, small enough that some of the advisors there would hand off some of the smaller accounts that they weren’t interested in working with, and got an opportunity to get a lot of reps in working with real life clients and individuals. I knew early on I didn’t have enough talent to win on talent alone, so I made up for it and compensated for that with really hard work. The real turning point came for me when A.G. Edwards was first acquired by Wachovia Securities, and that was about five years into my career. And at that point, my branch manager, who was eyeing retirement, asked me to step in as her partner, and that changed everything. We eventually moved over to a Wachovia Securities office, another really great local office in Loudoun County, Virginia. And from that office, I worked on and became a CIMA, a CFP, worked with the clients, built a business through referrals. And I found at that point in my career when I would go to a meeting with Wachovia, eventually Wells Fargo, as a young 30-year-old, I would look around the room often and realize that I was the youngest person in the room. The funny thing was 10 years later, I would go into that same room and I’d look around and I still was the youngest guy in that room. And those demographics in our industry, and when I came into our industry, ultimately led that office that I worked in with Wells Fargo Advisors, I eventually was the recipient and party to five different succession plans- Louis Diamond: Wow. Patrick Larkin: … at Wells Fargo Advisors. I hoped that I had built a reputation as somebody that these other advisors would entrust with their clients. And over that time period, really, I would say professionally, one of my accomplishments I’m most proud of is all five of those retired advisors that I used to work with, who had an opportunity to see me work with clients, all became clients of mine, I still continue to work with. And it’s professionally just one of the greatest honors that I’ve ever had. Louis Diamond: I mean, that’s a large number of advisors you helped sunset, but I would agree it’s the ultimate p

For the first time in SGS history, the Staysure Legends Tour leads the show! Three-plus years after he burst onto the scene with - according to one Golf Journalist - a "super enjoyable and insightful" walk-and-talk at Oak Hill, Michael Block has done it again. Andy and Brendan are giddy to discuss the latest in Blockiemania, a DISQUALIFICATION from the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship in Scotland. As first reported by Ryan French of Monday Q Info, Blockie walked off the course on the 12th hole of Sunday's round after he had already been penalized for showing up late to his tee time. Brendan is in disbelief that Michael Block is still making headlines in August of 2026 and Andy isn't buying Blockie's Instagram Story explanation for walking off the course. Eventually they move on to the Wyndham Championship, where Michael Brennan finally made good on all of the hype after his win at Black Desert last fall. Brennan shared an emotional moment with his mother on the 18th green following his win at Sedgefield and practically turned this PGA Tour event into a Masters ad that could be used for years to come. Andy and Brendan take a look at the Top 70 of the FedEx Cup rankings as we move into the Sweat Swing, with Jackson Koivun making the cut on the number after an up-and-down Sunday round. At LIV New York, Joaquin Niemann extended his all-time lead in LIV victories, Jon Rahm secured another season-long championship, and Bryson got caught rambling about the "global game of golf" at a press conference. A brief bit of news rounds out this Monday episode, as both Andy and Brendan are stunned by a surprise entrant into the FedEx St. Jude as the all-important playoffs begin!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Show Broadcast. Happy Birthday to Buffalo Bills legendary coach Marv Levy-who turns 101 today. Gene breaks down some of the Bills training camp storylines... More James Cook receptions? It's also the MLB trade deadline today. What are the deals on Gene's mind? Timmy's baseball take & Nate Geary from WGR-550 on Bills camp.

No Buffalo Bills training camp morning practice today, but Gene still has plenty of Bills content and topics. Where do the Bills sit in terms of Super Bowl betting favorites?

Full Hour 1 in The Sports Bar. Gene reassures Bills fans to please "DO NOT" sleep on Terrel Bernard. Jim Riley from BallCap Sports hops into the show to help cover everything baseball related as the trade deadline is Monday. Jim & Gene get into the looming labor negotiations too.

Our favorite baltimorean & Audacy sports betting insider, PJ Glaser in LIVE in our WROC Studios. Gene & PJ break down all of the major sports headlines around the sports landscape.

Full Hour 2 in The Sports Bar. Audacy Sports Betting Insider, & our favorite Baltimorean joins us LIVE in our WROC studios. Gene, PJ & Tim discuss everything from Bills training camp, NFL Super Bowl favorites, college football, the MLB trade deadline & more.

Every investigation reaches a moment when the story begins taking you somewhere you never expected. That's exactly what happened as we continued exploring the mysteries of the historic—and infamously haunted—Old Rock Store in Oak Hill, Texas.So far, we've uncovered remarkable parallels between eyewitness accounts, the independent impressions of two mediums, and the history of the families who once called this place home. As our investigation began pointing toward possible answers, we expected our next step would be returning to the Old Rock Store for a second investigation.But something unexpected happened.New witnesses came forward. Former employees, longtime locals, and people with ties to the building's past began reaching out with stories of their own. As I continued digging through the history, I also uncovered people connected to the Old Rock Store whose memories would add entirely new pieces to the puzzle.Tonight, before we return to the historical limestone landmark, we're following these new leads—stories that deepen our understanding of the building, expand the haunted lore surrounding it, and ultimately set the stage for discoveries none of us saw coming.EPISODE SPONSORS:FACTORThanks Factor! Go to FACTORMEALS.com/nightowl50off and use code nightowl50off to get 50% off and free daily greens per box. New subscribers only, while supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details).AG1Go to drinkag1.com/nightowl to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1 Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription, an $82 value.LUMI GUMMIESGo to LumiGummies.com  and use code NIGHTOWL for 30% off your order.BETTERHELPThe Night Owl is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/nightowl

⚠️ Heads up: this episode opens with combat footage from the Tet Offensive and includes graphic descriptions of battlefield injury, a child in medical crisis, and animal experimentation. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text at 988.⚠️ Jeb and Blake look at the birth of NDE research: a field of study with a significant footprint in the metro-Atlanta area. Rats are bothered. Soldiers are wounded. Canadian teens are frozen. ...and we're here to talk about all of it.

In this episode of T-Time, I'm taking you straight onto the fairways of the legendary Oak Hill Country Club for a super special Net Best Ball tournament with my mom.We're proving that confidence, fun, and competition belong to every woman golfer. We're breaking down exactly how we tackled Oak Hill's notorious East Course, overcoming pre-tournament jitters, score predictions, and the real-time strategy that helped us navigate this tricky course.From navigating the first nine holes to final reflections, I share the highs, lows, and key lessons for tournament rookies and veterans alike.Plus, don't forget to grab your FREE Workbook: Short Game 100!Desert Classic Registration Opens August 4th! Join the Interest List!About Holly CreekHolly Creek is a legendary figure in the Rochester, New York real estate market, boasting nearly 40 years of experience as a top-producing agent.As the CEO and founder of Holly Creek Homes, she has held the title of the #1 Agent in Rochester and Western New York for over 26 consecutive years. Her career is marked by unparalleled success, including being named "Agent of the Year" repeatedly from 1991 through 2024.Beyond her business acumen, Holly has gained recognition in the women's golf community. Holly is a natural right-hander who plays left-handed, a unique trait she shares with her daughter, Alix.Follow HollyFacebook: Holly Creek Homes.YouTube: @HollyCreekHomes.www.hollycreekhomes.com.Follow Uswww.toritotlis.com.Instagram: @tori_totlis.TikTok: @tori_totlis.Facebook: @TeamTotlis

The Buffalo Sabres 2026-2027 NHL Schedule is out. What dates do you have circled? The Sports Bar gang is all back together. Gene asked the question, What is a Wedge? Plus Ernie Clement & much more.

Full Hour 1 in The Sports Bar. The entire gang is back together. The Sabres 2026-2027 NHL Schedule is officially out. What dates are you most excited for? Gene wants to know what a Wedge is? Ernie Clement & Chase Burns news. Who did The DanDalorian see? AI leads to questions with LeBron James. This and much more.

Full Show Broadcast: The entire Sports Bar gang is back together! Happy Sabres schedule release day, what games are you most excited for? What is a Wedge? Where will King James play next season? Tim offers up a FIFA conspiracy take. AI ai glitches and mistakes. Gene says the WNBA needs help & why. Plus what did we learn on today's show?

Colonel Jeff McCausland describes how, on the morning of July 1, 1863, Union General John Buford's cavalry identifies Confederate infantry advancing from the west toward the vital crossroads of Gettysburg. Recognizing the critical nature of the terrain, Buford deploys his men on McPherson's Ridge and Oak Hill to delay the advance, sending an urgent request to General John Reynolds for infantry support. The "speed of trust" between the two commanders facilitates a rapid Union response, but tragedy strikes when General Reynolds is killed by a Confederate marksman while directing troops near Herbst Woods. Command devolves to Abner Doubleday and later General Howard as the Union line collapses under pressure from General Richard Ewell's forces arriving from the north. Despite the breakthrough, Ewell famously hesitates to seize the high ground at Culp's Hill and Cemetery Hill as ordered by Robert E. Lee, a pivotal decision on the first day. (1)1863

Welcome back to the Alt Goes Mainstream podcast.We were live from iCapital Connect's conference in Phoenix, where we sat down with some of the industry's leaders across asset management and wealth management.Eric Muller is Portfolio Manager & Partner, CEO - BDCs for Oak Hill Advisors (OHA). Oak Hill, which was acquired by T. Rowe Price in December 2021, has $112B AUM across performing and distressed credit-related investments in North America, Europe and other geographies.Eric shares responsibility for leading OHA's private credit business and has primary management responsibility for OHA's BDCs. Prior to joining OHA in 2018, Mr. Muller worked in Goldman Sachs' Merchant Banking Division, where he was a Partner in the Private Credit Group, responsible for leading its private senior lending business in North America and managing vehicles that invested across the spectrum of the credit market. With credit on the minds of many, Eric provided a nuanced perspective on the current state of the credit markets and where to uncover both opportunity and risk in the market.Eric and I had a fascinating conversation about the current state of private credit. We discussed:How his experience in private equity has informed how he approaches credit investing.What are the risk / reward trade-offs in private credit?Why credit investors need to be pessimists.How LPs should evaluate private credit firms and why the ability to do workouts matters.How do private equity sponsors pick their credit partners?Why private credit firms might have higher recovery rates than liquid credit markets.How OHA's combination with T. Rowe Price has helped the firm productize for the wealth channel.What are misconceptions about private credit risk and liquidity?Where are the opportunities in liquid credit versus illiquid credit?Thanks, Eric, for sharing your wisdom, expertise, and passion for private credit and private markets.Show Notes00:00 Relative Value Lens00:11 A Message from Ultimus Fund Solutions01:08 Live at iCapital Connect01:46 Early Career at Goldman01:59 Mezzanine Fund Era02:23 GFC Timing Advantage02:51 Running Private Credit03:03 Joining Oak Hill04:15 PE Lessons for Credit04:30 Different Investor Questions04:56 Credit Risk Reward Mindset05:45 Optimistic Pessimist06:16 Downside With Right Tail06:47 Workouts and Distressed Skills08:02 Private vs Liquid Recoveries08:19 Aligned Lenders in Private08:54 Sponsor Relationships Matter09:22 Choosing the Right Partners10:46 Volatility Reveals Behavior11:22 Is Capital Commodity12:39 OHA Distressed DNA13:31 Crossroads of Markets14:26 Challenges of Unconstrained15:22 Risk Spectrum for LPs16:19 T Rowe Deal Rationale17:18 Democratizing Alts Access19:10 One Ticker Multi Strategy20:28 Liquidity Wrappers Tradeoffs21:49 Quasi Liquid Reality Check22:35 Liquid vs Illiquid Risk23:27 Diligence Questions for LPs24:33 Origination Edge and Speed26:19 Public-Private Financing Choice26:55 Alts in Target Date Funds28:41 Private Credit Misconceptions30:30 Closing ThoughtsA Word from Our Sponsor, UltimusThis episode of Alt Goes Mainstream is brought to you by Ultimus, the full-service fund administrator and transfer agent powering asset managers in private and public markets. As alts go mainstream, you need real expertise to handle complex fund structures, connect with key distribution partners, and handle sophisticated compliance, reporting, and transparency demands.That's Ultimus: high-tech, high-touch solutions for over 450 clients and 2,500 funds with $775B in assets under administration. Backed by an expert team of over 1,200 employees, they place client service at the core of their business, helping you navigate complexity during your fund structuring or launch and then supporting you through every stage of growth. Whether you're already in the market or thinking about entering private wealth, you can trust their team's deep expertise in retail alternatives to help you reach your goals.Learn more at ultimusfundsolutions.com or email info@ultimusfundsolutions.com.We thank Ultimus for their support of alts going mainstream.DisclosuresThe views expressed are the interviewee's, are subject to change without notice, and may differ from those of other T. Rowe Price associates.  Information and opinions are derived from proprietary and nonproprietary sources deemed to be reliable; the accuracy of those sources is not guaranteed. This material does not constitute a distribution, offer, invitation, recommendation, or solicitation to sell or buy any securities.  It does not constitute investment advice and should not be relied upon as such.  Investors should seek independent legal and financial advice, including advice as to tax consequences, before making any investment decision.Some or all alternative investments may not be suitable for certain investors. Alternative investments are typically speculative and involve a substantial degree of risk. Each fund and account may be leveraged and engage in other speculative practices that may increase the risk of investment loss. Investors must realize that they could lose all or a substantial amount of their investment. In addition, the fees and expenses charged may be higher than the fees and expenses of other investment alternatives, which will reduce profits. T. Rowe Price has $1.7T total assets under management and OHA has $112B assets under management as of March 31, 2026.In the United States, securities are offered through T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., a broker dealer, registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and a member of FINRA. Securities are offered through T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., and advisory services are offered by Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. OHA is a T. Rowe Price company. T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc. and Oak Hill Advisors, L.P. are affiliated. 5629822

For more than a century, this small limestone building in Oak Hill has quietly accumulated stories. From pioneer families and travelers to restaurants, coffee shops, and now SquareRut Kava Bar, generation after generation has left with one lingering question: Is this Old Rock Store haunted?So far, we've traced the building's remarkable history, heard firsthand accounts from those who've experienced something they couldn't explain, and brought in my investigative team and two mediums to explore the property without any prior knowledge of its history or reported paranormal activity. After uncovering remarkable parallels between their impressions, eyewitness accounts, and the building's long history, it was time to stop simply observing... and start asking direct questions.Tonight, our investigation of the Old Rock Store enters a new phase.Now, we'll lead our mediums through a series of experiments designed to communicate more directly with whatever may still linger inside these stone walls. Along the way, a name will emerge with startling consistency, long-held theories gain unexpected support, and before the night is over, one final moment leaves everyone in the room questioning what they just witnessed.Photo by Meg BlohmEPISODE SPONSORS:LUMI GUMMIESGo to LumiGummies.com  and use code NIGHTOWL for 30% off your order.SHOPIFYSign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/nightowlFACTORThanks Factor! Go to FACTORMEALS.com/nightowl50off and use code nightowl50off to get 50% off and free daily greens per box. New subscribers only, while supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details).AG1Go to drinkag1.com/nightowl to get a free Morning Person Hat and free AG1 Flavor Sampler in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription, an $82 value.

Mike Schopp and Bulldog analyze Joe Marino's insights on the Bills' offensive and defensive shifts before shifting to golf talk. They discuss betting strategies for the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills and share personal anecdotes from local courses like Oak Hill. 01:01 - Bills Scheme Changes 03:25 - U.S. Open Betting 09:49 - Oak Hill Personal Stories 14:01 - Upcoming Guest Previews

For well over a century, stories have followed the Old Rock Store in Oak Hill, Texas. Employees, patrons, paranormal investigators, and locals have all described strange encounters inside the aging limestone building — shadow figures lurking near the stairwells, a woman in white seen watching from upstairs, unexplained voices, heavy oppressive energy, phantom footsteps, and even what some believe could be the spirit of a child still wandering its halls.In Part One, we uncovered the history and heard firsthand accounts from those who claim something still remains inside this historic structure.But tonight… we finally step inside ourselves.As SquareRut Kava Bar closes for the evening and staff head home, owner Tracy gives us full access to explore the building after dark. Joining me are psychic medium Kate the Brave, along with a new student medium experiencing the location for the very first time.Together, we'll walk the stairwells, hallways, kitchen, loft, and hidden rooms at the center of decades of rumors and paranormal claims… hoping to gather new clues and perhaps uncover pieces of the mystery surrounding this Texas landmark known as the Old Rock Store.EPISODE SPONSORS:BETTERHELPThe Night Owl is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/nightowlLUMI GUMMIESGo to LumiGummies.com  and use code NIGHTOWL for 30% off your order.AG1Go to drinkag1.com/nightowl to get a FREE AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 in your AG1 Welcome Kit when you first subscribe, a $72 value.FACTORThanks Factor! Go to FACTORMEALS.com/nightowl50off and use code nightowl50off to get 50% off and free daily greens per box. New subscribers only, while supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details).

Gene kicks off the show previewing the Sabres & Canadiens game seven tonight in Buffalo. Also Bills OTAs get underway today as well.

Gene has all of your sports headlines lined up in shots.

Full Hour 2 in The Sports Bar. Gene has Shots & Matthew Fairburn from The Athletic on the Buffalo Sabres.

“30 Years of Chaos Ends Tonight?! Austin's Biggest Traffic Game-Changer Finally Arrives” The spotlight shines on Austin's long-overdue traffic breakthrough—the 290/71 flyover at Oak Hill. After three decades of frustration, honking horns, and daily gridlock, it's finally here. Sandy celebrates in the most unexpected way… by composing a hilarious, heartfelt ode to the new overpass. One standout line says it all: “You're late as hell, but baby, you finally came through.” If you've ever been stuck in that mess, this moment will hit home. But it's not all smooth sailing—Sandy also shares a deeply personal milestone: he's officially a week and a half free from a 30-year habit. The conversation gets honest, relatable, and funny as Tricia delivers one of the most memorable lines of the episode: “Your room doesn't stink as bad anymore.” The show also takes a serious turn as the team reflects on a chilling Austin case making headlines again, questioning whether justice—decades later—can ever truly feel like enough. It sparks a powerful discussion about time, loss, and the price of a broken system. And for fans of television drama, JB and Sandy break down the latest Dutton Ranch buzz, sharing their reactions, expectations, and a few playful disagreements about how to actually watch a show together. To wrap things up, the team puts out a call for the next “small town radio star”—a chance for a young, energetic personality to join the show and shine. 

The second golf major championship of the year will tee-off Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia.  In 1962, the PGA Championship was played on this same golf course. Future Hall-of-Famer Gary Player won that year with a 2-under par total. Aronimink Golf Club was designed by the legendary Donald Ross and completed in 1928.  The superb layout has been stretched to well over 7,300 yards and will play as a par 70. Though Gary Player’s total of 2-under par total was a reasonable score in his day, don’t be surprised if this year’s winner is at least 15-under par.  Today’s vastly improved golf equipment and balls are turning classic layouts such as Aronimink Golf Club into glorified drive, pitch, and putt tournaments. The PGA Championship features a large field of 156 golfers.  That total includes 20 PGA club professionals who earned their way into this week’s tournament by finishing in the top 20 at a recent PGA club professional qualifying event. Much like The Masters, past winners of the PGA Championship are allowed to participate in this event for as many years as the golfer desires to compete. This weekend’s weather forecast looks delightful. Abundant sunshine with moderate temperatures in the 70’s will slowly increase into the middle 80’s by Sunday.  The benign weather conditions will likely create a Philly birdie festival. The PGA Championship has produced a number of champions who “came out of nowhere” to win their one and only professional major in this event. Of the four golf major events, the PGA Championship has produced a large number of surprise winners in recent decades. Let’s review some of those one-and-done major winners and, later, try to identify a few underdogs to win this year’s PGA Championship. Rich Beem – 2002 – Hazeltine (MN) 10-under par Then:  Rich Beem was fortunate just to have a PGA Tour playing card entering 2002.  He played well during the opening three rounds and trailed third round leader Justin Leonard by three shots entering Sunday’s final 18 holes.  Tiger Woods also charged up the final round leaderboard on Sunday to post a 67 and apply some serious pressure.  Rich Beem was able to hang on with a final round 68 to win by one shot over Woods. Now:  The 55-year old Rich Beem will not be playing in this week’s PGA Championship.  In recent years, Beem has been doing golf commentary for Sky Sports.  He has not appeared recently on either the PGA or Champions (Senior) golf tours. Shaun Micheel – 2003 – Oak Hill (NY) 3-under par Then:  You may remember that Shaun Micheel hit the 7-iron of his lifetime on the 72nd hole at Oak Hill in Rochester, NY in 2003 to win the 27-pound Wanamaker trophy.  That was Micheel’s lone PGA Tour victory during a lengthy professional career.  He would often finish in the top ten, though.  Shaun Micheel recently admitted that he struggled for many years by putting too much pressure on himself to perform well on the golf course.  Micheel lamented, “I played every shot like it was life or death.” Now:  The 57-year old Shaun Micheel plays in a few PGA Champions Tour events each season.  As a past PGA Championship winner, he will be in Philadelphia and plans to tee-it up on Thursday. Y. E. Yang – 2009 – Hazeltine (MN) 8-under par Then:  South Korean Y. E. Yang’s victory at the 2009 PGA Championship was memorable for two big reasons.  He became the first Asian-born golfer to win a major men’s golf championship.  Yang also gained worldwide notoriety by rallying in the final round to win by three shots over a highly-favored golfer named Tiger Woods. Now:  The 54-year old Y. E. Yang remains active in professional golf.  He just finished in 14th place at last weekend’s PGA Champions Tour event in The Woodlands, Texas.  He has posted seven top 25 finishes this season on the senior tour.  Yang, like Shaun Micheel, will be playing in this week’s PGA Championship field on Thursday.  Y.E. Yang will be trying to make his first cut at the PGA Championship since the year 2015. Jason Dufner – 2013 – Oak Hill (NY) 10-under par Then:  Former Auburn University college golfer Jason Dufner had already won twice on the men’s tour coming into the 2013 PGA Championship in Rochester, New York.  The laid-back Dufner grabbed a two shot lead over Jim Furyk entering the final nine holes in Sunday’s final round. That  duo battled back and forth over the closing holes.  Dufner held on to claim the only major championship of his career. Now:  The 49-year old Jason Dufner has won five times on the PGA Tour.  This year, he has played in only three PGA Tour events (missing the cut each time) prior to this week’s PGA Championship.  You may remember that Jason Dufner gained a different type of national notoriety during the spring of 2013.  At a Dallas-area PGA publicity event, Dufner appeared before a group of elementary school children.  While the teacher was busy talking (and talking), Dufner was photographed sitting on the floor alongside some of the kids.  He appeared in the picture to be slumped over in a rather relaxed, sleepy posture. The term “Dufnering” was born.  “Dufnering” became even more popular among golfers a few months later after the ultra laid-back Jason Dufner won the 2013 PGA Championship. Jimmy Walker – 2016 – Baltusrol (NJ) – 14-under par Then:  Jimmy Walker took the lead at the 2016 PGA Championship with a blistering five-under par 65 in Round 1.  He would play well in each day of the tournament.  Walker posted a wire-to-wire victory and held off a fast-closing Jason Day.  It was Jimmy Walker’s first and only major championship title. It was also his last win on the PGA Tour through this week. Now:  At age 47, Jimmy Walker is no longer playing regularly on the PGA Tour.  After his 2016 win at the PGA Championship, Walker went hunting with some friends.  Upon returning home, his health began to deteriorate.  Jimmy Walker told a reporter that he had contracted Lyme disease (generally transmitted by ticks).  His recovery was extremely difficult and very slow.  Walker’s return to professional golf was hampered by newfound difficulties with his chipping and putting games.  Nevertheless, Jimmy Walker is expected to be in the field on Thursday at Aronimink Golf Club. Could there be another underdog winner at this week’s 2026 PGA Championship? Absolutely!  Here are four golfers seeking their first major title and not receiving a lot of pre-tournament love from the media pundits this week.  I will also provide a fifth undervalued golfer looking to break into the winner’s column again this week with the 2026 PGA Championship title.   Sam Burns – The former Shreveport resident is one of the tour’s finest putters. If Sam Burns can keep the ball in play off the tee this week, he is quite capable of shooting some very low scores and winning his first major. Thomas Detry – This 33-year old Belgian golfer plays on the LIV Golf Tour. He just posted a solid sixth place finish last weekend.  That golf course in northern Virginia is very similar to this week’s layout at Aronimink. Anthony Kim – Another LIV golfer who is coming off a hot finish last weekend in Virginia. Kim shot a closing round of 10-under par 62 to post another top ten finish. Brandt Snedeker – The 45-year old just won in Myrtle Beach last weekend for his first PGA win in nearly eight years. When you’re hot, you’re hot, right? Jordan Spieth – OK, I admit it.  I would LOVE to see Jordan Spieth find a way to win this weekend.  He hasn’t won a PGA Tour event since 2022. More importantly, Spieth would finally complete golf’s career Grand Slam (The Masters, US Open, The (British) Open, and, finally, the PGA Championship) with a victory on Sunday afternoon. Enjoy this weekend’s PGA Championship! The post PGA Championship Preview – Watch out for Underdogs! appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

For decades, there's been a place in Austin that people quietly point to when the conversation turns to the most haunted locations in the city.Not just a passing rumor… but something that's followed the building through generations—through different owners, different businesses… and the many lives that have passed through its doors.Most people people today remember it most as the Austin Pizza Garden—where stories of unexplained voices, shadowy figures, and something lingering in the building became part of its identity. The kind of place spoken about in the same breath as Austin's most infamous hauntings.But today, that same building lives on in a new form.A kava bar in Oak Hill—SquareRut Kava Bar to be exact —operating inside what's known historically as the Old Rock Store of Oak Hill… a structure that's stood here for well over a century.And the stories… they never really died.Now, for the first time, The Night Owl is stepping inside this historic landmark to investigate.In this episode, we'll take you on a journey through time—speaking with the current staff working within these walls today… while also uncovering voices and experiences from those who came long before them.Because whatever people were experiencing  here decades ago…hasn't stopped.Photo by Meg BlohmGUEST LINKS:TEXAS HISTORICAL RECLAMATION PROJECTYou can follow on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/atxhistoricalmarkerrestoration/STRANGE TOWNClick here to watch Strange Town's episode investigating the former Austin Pizza Garden - https://strange-town.com/episode-4/EPISODE SPONSORS:SHOPIFYSign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/nightowlFACTORThanks Factor! Go to FACTORMEALS.com/nightowl50off and use code nightowl50off to get 50% off and free daily greens per box. New subscribers only, while supplies last until 09/27/2026. (See website for more details).AG1Go to drinkag1.com/nightowl to get an AG1 Flavor Sampler and a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2 for FREE in your AG1 Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order!LUMI GUMMIESGo to LumiGummies.com  and use code NIGHTOWL for 30% off your order.

Send us Fan MailPrivate credit is the crisis everyone's watching, but the real story -- and the one no one has been focused on -- is what private equity is doing behind the scenes.In Part 1 of our 3-part series, Kristen and Jen break down the $30 billion leveraged buyout of Caesars by Apollo and TPG, the deal that became the blueprint for what we now call "creditor-on-creditor violence" and flipped everything everyone thought they knew about the relationship between debt and equity investors on its head.This also happens to be the ultimate Private Equity & LBO deep dive as we start with the basics: what an LBO actually is, how it works, why private equity firms started to do club deals back in 2006/7 (hint...size) and how capital structures work at a high level.From there, Jen and Kristen walk through the actual structure of the Caesars deal — $6B in equity from Apollo, TPG, and 30+ co-investors (everyone from Goldman Sachs to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to Bob Kraft), $7B in bank loans, $6B in bridge-to-high-yield bonds, and $6.5B in commercial mortgage-backed securities sitting at the PropCo level. They explain what an OpCo/PropCo mean in laymen's terms, why it let Apollo juice leverage, why club deals fell out of favor in favor of co-invest structures, and how today's mega-LBOs (Electronic Arts, the Ellison family's Warner Bros. Discovery play) stack up against what was historic in 2007.This series is based on The Caesars Palace Coup by Sujeet Indap and Max Frumes — not sponsored, just genuinely one of the best case studies out there on LBOs and distressed debt investing. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Jen and Kristen get into everything that went wrong, the asset-transfer shenanigans, and the birth of creditor-on-creditor violence and how Britney Spears was the linchpin that kept it all together...until it all unraveled with the biggest names in investing, Apaloosa, Eliott, Oak Tree, Oak Hill, Paulson and more got in the ring. In Part 3, we sit down with Sujeet Indap of the Financial Times to talk about what the Caesars deal means for the private credit market today, and what exactly is going on with Caesars who is back in the news with Carl Icahn and billionaire Tilman Fertitta out with competing offers.For a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HEREShop our Self Paced Courses:Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HEREFixed Income Sales & Trading HEREWealthfront.com/wss. This is a paid endorsement for Wealthfront. May not reflect others' experiences. Similar outcomes not guaranteed. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. Rate subject to change. Promo terms apply. If eligible for the boosted rate of 4.15% offered in connection with this promo, the boosted rate is also subject to change if base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period.The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC ("Wealthfront Brokerage"), Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") on cash deposits as of 11/7/25, is representative, requires no minimum, and may change at any time. The APY reflects the weighted average of deposit balances at participating Program Banks, which are not allocated equally. Wealthfront Brokerage sweeps cash balances to Program Banks, where they earn the variable APY. Sources HERE. 

We kick off the second hour of Indiana Sports Talk with Jon Natale of the ISC Sports Network who had a buzzer beating game between Eastern Greentown and Carrol. Next, the head coach of South Putnam, Kevin Rounds, had a blowout win over Dugger Union. He calls in to break it down. The “ubiquitous” Greg Rakestraw called Marian’s win in the women’s Crossroads League championship tonight before he calls a pair of girls High School State Championships tomorrow. Plus, he and coach Lovell will be on the call for the last game in the Jungle for IU Indy tomorrow. Brock Danahey of Indiana High School Sports .com had Tri-West's close win over Cardinal Ritter. Then, we begin our conversations with some of the coaches of the girls' high school state championships, starting with Eastern Pekin’s Taylor Drury. Parke Heritage continues their success with a blowout win over Terre Haute South, which means we get to hear from Wolves head coach Rich Schelske. To round out the hour, we talk to the head coach of the Oak Hill girls, Kerri Barcomb. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I share with listeners information on existing walking tours at Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek.For more information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com

In the final hour, we continue our conversation with Greg Rakestraw as he has all the happenings at the IHSAA State Wrestling championships. Next, Scott Agness calls in, not to talk Pacers right away, but instead the 2A semi-state at Frankfort as Oak Hill will play another week. Then, he eventually talks Pacers before Brendan King calls in from Louisville as he has a national TV broadcast in women’s college hoops tomorrow. He also talks Butler getting back in the win column today over Xavier. Then, it’s Kip Wesner with his weekly hit with coach Lovell as he answers the question of where in the world was Wesner this week? We wrap the show with Brad Huber and coach talking Olympics, the combine and other happenings in the sports world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chase Robinson joins JMN to share updates on ongoing unsolved crimes that your tip could help resolve, including a fatal hit and run in Oak Hill. Your tips to First Coast Crime Stoppers are always anonymous, and could result in a cash reward. If you have a tip to share, call 866-845-TIPS or **TIPS.

David Johnson '29 6'8 W Oak HillWe spoke with David about growing up in Rochester, his circle, transferring to Oak Hill, who he models his game after, his goals, his why, and so much more!0:30 I believe in your long term potential because…0:45 The warm up4:15 Growing up in Rochester NY4:45 Circle5:30 Family6:45 When did you know that basketball might be it for you? 7:30 Who do you model your game after?8:00 Strengths/Weaknesses 9:15 Oak Hill9:45 Playing for Coach Zito10:15 How do you prepare for each game day-of?10:30 Do you love to win or hate to lose11:15 Facing adversity12:00 What type of coaching do you respond to?12:45 Gym schedule13:00 What is your self talk like during a bad game ?13:45 Undervalued skillset14:30 What parts of the floor do you feel the most/least comfortable?15:00 GW assist, bucket, or defensive stop?15:45 What do you value as a player and person?16:15 If basketball didn't work out for you, if your career ended tomorrow, what would your plan be? 16:45 Give me your goals for this season 17:30 What has been your happiest moment on a basketball court?18:00 What sets the NY basketball apart? 18:45 Why should people believe in you as a prospect?19:15 College criteria 20:15 What is your why?

In this episode I explore the story behind Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan.I also have an exciting announcement about preserving history in the region.To contribute to the Historic Preservation & Monuments Fund, click here.For information on Michael Delaware, visit:https://michaeldelaware.com

#180: Pat sits down with Erik Owen, president and founder of Oak Hill Business Partners.  After 20 years in corporate roles at companies like M&I, Johnson Controls, and Rockwell, Owen realized the "corporate sweater" fit, but it was itchy as hell. That friction pushed him into entrepreneurship, where he launched Oak Hill and never looked back. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: How Owen positioned himself as a fractional CFO to get early traction How he evolved Oak Hill into a growth and exit advisory firm that helps owners build repeatable profits, sustainable growth, and ultimately a transferable business.  The Oak Hill business model – it operates like a design-build general contractor, owning the whole project and partnering with specialists to execute. His thoughts on marketing lead gen vs. general, brand building. Owen also shares his philosophy on real networking, the sacrifices behind his success, and what surprised him most about becoming an entrepreneur. Want to connect with Erik? Go here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikowen/ Looking for more about Oak Hill: https://oakhillbp.com/ Connect with Pat here: pmcgovern@ascedia.com   Oh, before you go, please do us a favor. Take a minute and leave us a review. That's the energy that powers this supertanker!  Thanks, you're the best! Want more marketing insights? Take a look at our full lineup. This podcast is sponsored by Ascedia. A web development and digital strategy agency helping clients win in the digital space.

Welcome back and welcome Dwayne Bacon to the show for an honest and inspiring conversation about his basketball journey. From growing up in Lakeland and locking in on hoops at Oak Hill to the influence of Austin Rivers on Florida basketball, Bacon shares his rise through high school and college recruitment. He opens up about his time at Florida State, returning for his sophomore year, and making the leap to the NBA. Dwayne reflects on hanging with Michael Jordan, playing alongside Kemba Walker, and battling depression before reinventing himself overseas—culminating in an MVP season. The episode wraps with rapid-fire questions and laughs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. #1 – From WV PRESS ASSOCIATION - Needleseye Park Opens in Oak Hill, Highlighting WV Recreation In Fayette County, the 281-acre Needleseye Park opens with 7.5 miles of multi-use trails, rock climbing areas, a disc-golf course and new outdoor amenities. Officials say the park elevates Oak Hill as a destination for adventure tourism and shows how West Virginia's landscapes can drive visitor growth. From beginner hikes to expert bike runs, the park offers something for locals and visitors alike. Read more: wvpress.org/breaking-news/needleseye-park-gets-official-introduction   #2 – From GOLDMAN SACHS - Opportunity Alert: Goldman Sachs Rural Program and WV Business Owners The Goldman Sachs "10,000 Small Businesses – Rural America" initiative is expanding access to its business-education and growth program — and West Virginia entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore eligibility. Qualifying businesses typically must have operated two or more years, employ at least two people (including the owner), and have revenue over approximately $75,000 in the prior fiscal year. For West Virginia business owners looking to scale, create jobs and access networks, this program presents a significant opportunity. Read more: goldmansachs.com/community-impact/10000-small-businesses/us/news-and-program-information/growing-with-rural-america   #3 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL - WV DMV Launches Digital Driver's License & Mobile App The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles has rolled out its new digital driver's license and mobile application statewide. Drivers can now access a verified digital version of their state license on mobile devices, enabling easier identification and access to services with improved convenience and security. This modernization reflects West Virginia's commitment to digital access and government-service innovation. Read more: wvgazettemail.com/news/kanawha_valley/west-virginia-dmv-digital-drivers-license-mobile-app-now-ready-for-use   Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Survivor Oak Hill Season Recap with Tyler Lapierre

Survivor Oak Hill Siobhan & Kara Exit Interview

Survivor Oak Hill-Gordie Exit Interview. The winner of Survivor Oak Hill!!

After playing a great Survivor Oak Hill, we have both Bert Priddle & Steve Miln on at the same time to go over the entire game from their point of views.

IT'S SPOOOOOOKY SEASON!!!!!!! Oak Hill Cemetery in Janesville, WI is said to be one of Wisconsin's MOST HAUNTED Cemeteries!! Listen as we are ON SITE to hear about the cemetery and why it is said to be haunted.

Mike Catalana joins Jeremy and Joe to break down Bills v. Dolphins and the PGA returning to Oak Hill in 10 years.

8:30 am: Hour 2 - Jeremy and Joe discuss whether or not Jeremy, if he practiced every day for 10 years, would be able to make the next PGA event at Oak Hill in 2035.

Sean Mooney speaks with Bob Morse, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Strattam Capital, about the changing playbook in private equity, especially in tech. Morse traces his path from Morgan Stanley and Oak Hill to founding Strattam, then lays out a no-surprises model: turn cards face-up pre-signing, align on a founder-written five-point plan, and opt-in support with real accountability. He explains why AI threatens seat-based SaaS economics, where outcome pricing wins, and how PE firms should push portfolios to experiment while keeping the founder's innovative spark alive. Clear-eyed and practical, this conversation arms business builders with a framework to act now. Episode highlights 1:26 – An engineer's path into private equity 7:15 – Why tech needed a dedicated, specialized PE fund and the genesis of Strattam 13:03 – Solving the “first board-meeting surprise”  19:45 – The founder persona Strattam backs: industry operators with proven product-market fit 27:15 – AI as invention vs. innovation and the early business models that actually work 32:27 – The SaaS shake-up: from seat licenses to outcome-based pricing and financing impact 41:54 – “Aliens landed”: a mantra for leading through uncertainty and running smart experiments For more on Bob Morse's firm, visit: https://strattam.com/  Connect with Bob Morse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-morse-3567595/  Explore more episodes: www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Maybe it's the intrigue surrounding the nasty and expensive legal battle within Oak Hill Country Club; maybe it's the court reporting that made Gary Craig a legend in Rochester journalism. (He says it's Oak Hill.) But whatever the reason, Gary Craig just can't quit doing the work. He retired from the Democrat & Chronicle earlier this year. This summer, he launched his own Substack, which already has hundreds of followers. Craig joins us to dig into the juicy Oak Hill news, along with plenty of other work that is keeping him typing away. Our guest:Gary Craig, Substack-based journalist and former Democrat & Chronicle reporter

The DMV Hoops Podcast is broadcasting from “DMV Live” @ DeMatha Catholic HS for the boys live period (Session 2) 2025.  During the live period, we are front and center, catching up with key players from around the region.In this episode, we sit down with Oak Hill's Coach, John Zito.  Coach Zito joins the broadcast table with us to discuss...How the Oak Hill opportunity came aboutThe reality that future college freshmen should understandThe vital skill that's missing in today's playerListen to all of this & more in this episode of "The DMV Hoops Podcast."Kurt Cross - Producer & Host | Adam Crain - On Air TalentFollow On InstagramFollow On X/TwitterSports, DMV, Basketball, Kurt Cross, Hoops, Adam Crain, DMV Hoops, AAU, Capitol Hoops, DMV Live, Oak Hill, John ZitoSupport the show

Chuck and Roxy are back directly from the movie theatre with some updates, thank you's, and reviews in the open. Next it's time to "Meet the Littles" as our hosts finally welcome Neil Ayervais to the podcast! (15:00). We get to hear all about his amazing jam packed life and FINALLY know how to properly say his last name! Then our hosts close out the show with the return of the news and your emails and notes! (44:30)SONG: "Take Me Home" by Lorenza Wildcard INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: @lorenzawildcard EMAIL: lorenzawilcard@gmail.comJINGLE: 250th Anniversary of Paul Revere's Ride (Hey, Paula) A parody of a song by Brian from Arvada (the artist former known as Brian from Oak Hill).Recorded by Brian from Oak Hill in Oak HillRecorded: 04/12/2025  Released: 04/12/2025  First aired: unaired Podcast Website - www.loyallittlespod.com  Patreon: www.patreon.com/c/loyallittlespod/membershipPodcast Email - WTFCPODNET@GMAIL.COMTwitter:@loyallittlespod Instagram: @theloyallittlespodcastPODCAST LOGO DESIGN by Eric Londergan www.redbubble.com Search: ericlondergan or copy and paste this link! https://www.redbubble.com/people/ericlondergan/shop

To the surprise of no one, what was supposed to be a quick, 40-minute Wednesday episode ended up pushing an hour. Andy and Brendan are fired up after a week at The Players and are ready to watch a strong field at the Valspar Championship to round out the Florida Swing. This episode starts with some TGL notes after barely watching the semi-finals, leading to agreement that the indoor league needs to wrap before The Players takes place in 2026. Speaking of The Players, Andy recalls J.J. Spaun's "Blockie" moment on the 17th hole on Monday, asking Rory where his ball was. This leads to today's Masters Fact of the Day, which then ends up in a discussion about who would play Michael Block in the Disney movie about the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill. For the last bit of Players cleanup, Andy shares some AI findings that PGA Tour Championship Management could have used to set up TPC Sawgrass last week. On the outdoor golf front this weel, Brendan declares he's back "in" on the Florida Swing after some exciting events to this point and a Valspar field that includes 24 of the top 50 players in the world. The DP World Tour is in Singapore and Big Shot Bob MacIntyre is in the field, which has Andy and Brendan wondering what direction he flew to get there from Jacksonville. PJ goes down the tee sheet for the Hoag Classic's Pro-Am on Sunday, filled with NFL stars and athletes of all levels - an elite test of Remembering Some Guys. In news, the LIV Singapore ratings were quite poor, but Peacock and Golf Channel drew a big number for the Monday playoff finish at The Players. Finally, Andy unveils the latest data-driven TGL Power Rankings heading into next week's final series between NYGC and the Atlanta Drive.