Leading Financial Decision Making Experts

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

Damon Paull, AWMA® - Financial Advisor, Best-Selling Author, Military Veteran As a wealth management advisor and Amazon best-selling author in Money and Business, Damon Paull brings a military precision to financial journalism. His recent collaboration with former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss on "Empathetic Leadership" shows he can take complex financial concepts and turn them into stories that resonate with everyone. With over 8 years of industry experience and a background as a Marine Corps veteran and State Department contractor, Damon writes about: • Intergenerational wealth transfer • Corporate benefit plan optimization • Investment portfolio construction • Business succession planning • Veteran financial empowerment • Global market analysis through a geopolitical lens As a Wealth Management Advisor at Cetera Investors, Damon’s expertise goes beyond traditional financial planning. He uses cutting-edge financial technology and analysis tools to bring you fresh perspectives on emerging trends and investment opportunities. His writing style is data-driven with a storyline, making complex financial concepts accessible to sophisticated investors and general audiences. Regular contributor to discussions on wealth preservation, market dynamics and financial technology. Damon welcomes opportunities to provide professional commentary and in-depth analysis for financial publications looking for expert opinions on wealth management and investment strategies. For editorial inquiries or commentary: Damon Paull, AWMA Damon.Paull@ceterainvestors.com 832.535.2286 Glen Allen, VA Available for national and international commentary Cetera Investors. Damon Paull, Wealth Management Advisor. Securities and Insurance Products offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. 140 EASTSHORE DR. SUITE 105, GLEN ALLEN, VA 23059. 804-346-4670. The opinions expressed are those of the writer, not recommendations of Cetera Investment Services LLC or its representatives.

James Francis, CEO of Paradigm Asset Management, is a trailblazing entrepreneur at the intersection of finance, media, and artificial intelligence. Under his leadership, Paradigm Asset Management has managed over $7 billion in assets globally, pioneering AI-driven investment strategies that set new industry standards. Francis is the driving force behind PaaS Invest, an all-in-one investment platform that integrates AI-powered direct indexing with active management. Committed to ethical AI, he also founded Artificial Integrity, an initiative dedicated to fairness and transparency in AI governance, and launched BlackChat AI to promote diversity in the tech space. A Morehouse College alumnus, Francis actively contributes to multiple boards and organizations, solidifying his reputation as a leader shaping the future of both finance and technology.

Investor, entrepreneur, and founder of Invested Mom, empowering individuals to achieve financial independence and live unrestricted lives. With expertise spanning corporate leadership, wealth building, and content creation, I help others master investing strategies that transform financial futures. Former Tesla executive where I managed billion-dollar revenue recognition and led teams of over 100 people, I successfully transitioned from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, retiring at 38 through strategic investing in stocks, real estate, and business ventures. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, my entrepreneurial journey began at age 9 selling fudge to schoolmates. Today, I leverage my diverse experience to guide others, particularly women, in breaking free from traditional employment constraints to control their time, resources, and financial destinies. As the author of the upcoming book "Living Unrestricted," I share practical frameworks for wealth creation that anyone can implement regardless of their starting point. My approach combines personal transformation with actionable financial strategies that have helped countless individuals replace their income through investing and build lasting wealth. Co-founder of Penfriend, an AI-powered content creation tool developed to solve the challenges of content operations and management that I experienced firsthand as a business owner. Passionate about democratizing wealth and financial education, I believe everyone deserves access to the knowledge and tools needed to secure their financial future.

If you’re here, you’re probably curious about who I am and what we do at spectup. Let me fill you in. I started my career with a banking apprenticeship, thinking I’d spend my life crunching numbers. But then I discovered startups—and everything changed. At N26, the fintech unicorn, I got my first taste of the fast-paced world of innovation. I fell in love with the chaos, creativity, and energy. After that, I joined Civey, where I dove into digital market research, business models, and marketing strategies. Then came Deutsche Bahn, where I worked on international expansion, competitor analysis, and market strategies. I learned how to make sense of complex industries (global transport markets, anyone?) and drive growth. At diffferent (yes, that’s how it’s spelled), I helped brands like Audi and Zalando identify growth opportunities and design innovative business strategies. And at Deloitte’s Innovation & Ventures team, I worked on building future-proof businesses with cutting-edge tech. One highlight? Leading 30+ projects at the BMW Startup Garage, helping startups find their place in the world of mobility. That’s where I saw the real power of connecting startups with the right partners. Now, I’m building spectup. We work with growth-stage companies and select early-stage startups, helping them raise capital, connect with the right investors, and position themselves for long-term success. We also work with investors—PEs, VCs, angels, and family offices—helping them find promising, vetted companies to invest in without spending countless hours on due diligence. Why? Because startups fail too often, and investors waste too much time looking for the right opportunities. We’re here to bridge that gap. Whether you’re a founder looking for investors or an investor seeking quality opportunities, spectup is about making those connections—and making them work.

I’m a results-driven Project Management Director with a strong background in legal funding operations, strategy execution, and cross-functional team leadership. At High Rise Financial, I lead initiatives that streamline processes, enhance service delivery, and support client advocacy through innovative solutions. My mission is to deliver scalable systems that align with growth while maintaining a human-first approach to leadership.

Sales and tech strategist driven to the front lines of the fintech evolution within the mortgage lending industry. Ambitiously working to create new opportunities, simplify processes, and pioneer modern solutions. Over 15 years of experience in the financial industry as an executive, strategist, consultant, trainer and team developer. •Founder of Liberty Financing LLC Previously: •Chief Strategy Officer at American Financing Corporation •Investment Advisor at Charles Schwab Knowledge and in depth experience ranges across technology innovation and integration (API, AI, Web design, SEO, SaaS), marketing, mortgage lending, business development, sales training, project management, data analysis and financial analysis. I’m passionate about providing the absolute best experience for our customers and the most rewarding career opportunities for our hard working high quality team members Current NMLS MLO State Licenses. Previously held FINRA Series 7 & Series 66 Licenses, Life and Health Insurance License, and Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation from the College of Financial Planning.

I am the founder of the agency Markiserv. We are a graphic design focused company located in the Raleigh area. I have 15 years marketing experience, and 8 eCommerce. I have worked for a diverse set of organizations which gives me a unique perspective and history. Some industries include: Military, CPG, nonprofit, manufacturing, medical application, clothing retail, and SaaS. I have been fortunate enough to have led great teams throughout my career. I consider myself a resident expert in all things eCommerce, digital marketing, graphic design, marketing operations, automation, SEM, SEO, web design, analytical analysis, and entrepreneurship. I obtained both my Bachelor's in Marketing and MBA from Western Connecticut State University. In my free time I enjoy investing, and am a avid follower of Benjamin Graham, Warren Buffett, David Dodd and Charlie Munger.

I am the Chief Financial Officer of Viking Roofing, reputable roofing company known for our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. With over a decade of experience in financial management, I have played a crucial role in streamlining our operations and enhancing our financial performance. Born and raised in a tight-knit community, I developed a passion for entrepreneurship and finance early on. My keen analytical skills and strategic thinking eventually led me to Viking Roofing, where I have successfully implemented cost-saving measures and improved our financial reporting processes. Outside of my professional life, I am a strong advocate for women in business and actively mentor young professionals in my community. In my free time, I enjoy exploring nature, volunteering, and spending time with my family. Under my leadership, Viking Roofing continues to thrive, reflecting my dedication to both the company and our clients. My core strengths include: Management experience: Leading teams and making data-driven decisions Financial forecasting: Preparing financial forecasts and assessing markets Risk management: Identifying and mitigating potential financial risks Leadership skills: Inspiring and guiding teams to achieve financial goals