Top Fund Management Experts 2025

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.

I am the General Manager of Uniwide, an international corporate service provider with headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and offices in the Seychelles and London. I lead a dedicated team that registers companies in the UAE, Hong Kong, Seychelles, the British Virgin Islands and over 30 other jurisdictions. We offer tailored business solutions, including company formation and comprehensive compliance support for global entrepreneurs. I am committed to streamlining corporate registration so that my clients may focus on expanding their international ventures.

Blake Morgan serves as Managing Partner of Mineral Vault following a career at Google, and, more recently, 10 years experience in mineral interest acquisition and management at Allegiance Oil & Gas and Anthem Oil & Gas. Mr. Morgan is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where he received an academic scholarship to obtain his degrees in Business Honors & Finance. He is a native of Midland, Texas.

I am a U.S.-focused finance professional with over 10 years of experience in investment analysis, personal finance strategy, and accounting. I founded FinanceIdeas.org, where I publish real-world guides that help individuals and families solve complex financial problems; from retirement anxiety to market panic. My background blends academia, corporate finance, and consulting. I have served as a lecturer in accounting and as a financial analyst supporting strategic decisions in the investment sector. Today, I share my research-backed financial strategies in global media outlets and academic platforms like SSRN and ResearchGate. I specialize in topics such as investment psychology, risk-adjusted portfolio strategies, crypto investing, and behavior-driven financial planning. My goal is to translate timeless financial wisdom into actionable steps anyone can use to build long-term wealth. Need expert insights on crypto, investing, Accounting or financial panic-proofing? Contact me via FinanceIdeas.org or just e-mail me directly at kumartaposbanarjee@gmail.com

With over 15 years in New York City’s luxury real estate market, Mukul “Micky” Lalchandani, managing broker of Undivided, specializes in modern luxury condominiums and new construction properties. Since 2022, Micky and his team have assisted over 130 clients, saving them more than $5.7 million. His clear communication and personalized service ensure clients feel confident throughout the buying process. By identifying exclusive listings, including off-market opportunities, and efficiently managing transactions, Micky allows clients to focus on their personal and professional commitments. Micky’s dedication to excellence is evident through his numerous accolades, including: • Certificate of Entrepreneurship from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses - NYC, 2024 • RealTrends “2023 Best Real Estate Professional,” ranked #56 in Manhattan & #134 in New York State • Level Group’s “Creative Steward Award” in 2018 • USA Property Awards’ “Best Real Estate Agency Marketing” for 2016-2017 • Featured agent on HGTV’s “House Hunters” Micky is also a distinguished speaker on real estate marketing, sharing his expertise at industry conferences and contributing to top publications. Additionally, he is a content creator on YouTube, where he shares exclusive property tours, neighborhood spotlights, and insider tips to help you find your perfect home. He has over 40,000 subscribers and uploads weekly videos packed with actionable advice to stay ahead in the competitive luxury real estate market. Holding a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Boston University and LEED accreditation, Micky is committed to eco-friendly building practices. As an active member of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), he stays current on industry trends and best practices.

Experienced Executive Assistant supporting leadership at Edison Risk, a life and annuity-focused IMO, and The Policy Shop, a health insurance brokerage. Skilled in managing executive calendars, communications, licensing, and agent support across fast-paced, client-focused environments. Known for staying organized, ensuring smooth operations, and handling sensitive information with professionalism and care.

I’m P. Blake Renda—entrepreneur, investor, and co-CEO of Veedor Holdings LLC based in Naples, FL, with a satellite office in Santa Monica, CA. Veedor Holdings LLC, in addition to making strategic investments, owns and operates Dragon Horse Agency, Dragon Horse Publishing, and Moxie Creed. My professional journey began while attending the University of Southern Calfornia as an intern at NBC Studios, which led to a full-time position upon graduating. I then pivoted to law and then finance which ultimately lead me to Wall Street in 1996, where I was part of small team in Palo Alto, CA managing over $20 billion in technology-sector assets at J. & W. Seligman & Co. and in 2000 I earned recognition as one of Institutional Investor Magazine’s “Best of the Buy Side.” In 2006, I joined the New Dimensions Growth Team of American Express Asset Management in La Jolla, CA, as the T/M/T manager across six growth funds with $40 billion plus in AUM. In 2004, I was nominated for Institutional Investor Magazine's "Best of the Buy Side." Those years instilled in me the importance of rigorously vetting opportunities and leading with foresight—skills that I have consistently applied to every entrepreneurial venture. From 2011 to 2015, I helped transform a boutique Florida skincare startup into a nationally recognized, multi-award-winning brand, culminating in its public listing via SPAC. I exited that company and launched Veedor Holdings LLC with my Co-Founder, Julie Koester. Today, we own and operate Dragon Horse Agency, a multi-award-winning, bi-coastal agency serving global clients known for delivering business strategy and marketing under one roof. We also own Dragon Horse Publishing, an award-winning publishing company, and Moxie Creed, a wellness lifestyle e-commerce company. Beyond the accolades, successes, challenges, and failures, I live with a deep belief in resilience, mentorship, and shared success. I’m a proud father, a former youth volleyball coach, and a passionate advocate of Ubuntu—"I am because we are." Whether scaling startups, navigating global markets, or building culture, I bring the same competitive spirit and collaborative ethos to every endeavor. Success isn't about accolades—it’s about legacy, community, and the courage to keep moving forward. As Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Desiree Russo is a Partner and Senior Vice President of Portfolio Operations at MasonMade Ventures, where she drives operational excellence across the firm's portfolio of critical infrastructure companies. With nearly two decades of experience in construction and facilities management, Desiree brings extensive expertise in scaling processes, managing operations, and delivering best-in-class service to clients nationwide. Before co-founding MasonMade, Desiree served as Partner and Vice President of Operations at CS Hudson, where she was instrumental in streamlining workflows, exceeding client expectations, and developing internal talent. Earlier in her career, she advanced steadily through leadership roles at a facility management company—starting as a Client Team Manager and ultimately becoming Director of Client Services. She began her professional journey at Empire Facilities Management Group, rising from Coordinator to Supervisor to National Account Manager. Desiree attributes her career growth to a strong work ethic, a focus on operational efficiency, and a people-first leadership philosophy. As a female leader in a historically male-dominated industry, Desiree is known for breaking norms and modeling an inclusive, collaborative. Her leadership is characterized by humility, active listening, and a commitment to continuous improvement—for individuals, teams, and the businesses she helps to scale. She is a two-time recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award, recognizing her consistent impact in building high-performing teams and lasting client relationships.

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.​

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.

Timothy is the managing director of SEO Sydney Agency, and has been practising SEO for over 5 years. Timothy is the founder of Dealswiki a deals sharing community you can earn money from sharing deals. Ranked number 1 for term "Landvalue" in Australia in 3 months He is also the founder of Landvalue, a tool designed to help users find below-market property in NSW and QLD. At Landvalue, Timothy oversees all aspects of the business, including product development, marketing, and strategic partnerships. His expertise in SEO, marketing, and project management. Timothy's vision for Landvalue is to make it the go-to platform for property investors looking to uncover valuable real estate opportunities in Australia. As a seasoned digital entrepreneur, Timothy Yang has exited Tsikot.com and Picoworkers.net. Picoworkers.net is a freelancing microjobs platform platform with over 100,000 freelancers. Flipped it in 1 month for a 2.5x profit. During his ownership, he significantly increased Tsikot traffic by 50%, achieving 200,000 visits and 400,000 views per month. Engagement on Tsikot also tripled, with the average time spent on the site rising from 30 seconds to 1 minute and 30 seconds. Additionally, Timothy's efforts led to a substantial improvement in the site's SEO performance, with the Semrush Domain Rating increasing from 37 to 44. Notably, he authored the top Google-ranked article for "Number coding Philippines" and various other keywords, which attracted 50,000 visitors a month. I own a confidential Shopify Ecommerce site doing over $3000 a month in sales and 4000 visits a month with an Ahrefs/Semrush Domain Authority, Authority Score of 33

I’m Paul Owen, FCA, an Economics graduate from Exeter, and a FinTech alumnus from Oxford. With 20+ years in senior finance roles at PwC, T-Mobile, and FTSE 100 iGaming firms, I’ve seen first-hand the cost of hiring mistakes. So, what led a numbers guy into the world of people? The realisation that success is about more than just numbers, it’s about the right talent. In 2017, I launched RecruitBlock to help web3 and blockchain startups build world-class teams that drive innovation. With a unique mix of financial insight and recruitment expertise, I’ve helped businesses grow by placing the right people in business-critical roles. I know that hiring isn’t just about filling seats, it’s about finding those who will make an impact, fast. I’ve built teams that thrive, and I bring this same focus to every search. I’m also an international speaker, regularly sharing my insights on the power of people in web3 at global events, including Zebu Live in London, and crypto meetups around the world. My mission is simple: connect groundbreaking companies with the right talent quickly, effectively, and affordably. Because getting recruitment right is the key to unlocking business potential. The right talent drives performance, fuels innovation, and sets the stage for lasting success.

With over 20 years in international recruitment, I specialise in Crypto, Blockchain, and Web3 technologies. I've established and led businesses, building tech and non-tech teams from the ground up. My multilingual skills have connected top talent with companies across the UK, Europe, Israel, China, and the US. As Director at RecruitBlock, I've built high-performing teams for startups and scale-ups in emerging tech. Under my leadership, RecruitBlock was recognised as a Top Leading Company to Watch in 2024 by Biz Tech Outlook. In 2024, we received the FinTech Award for Crypto & Blockchain Recruitment Service of the Year in the UK, highlighting our commitment to tailored recruitment solutions. Our collaborations include partnerships with Gate.io, a global cryptocurrency exchange, and Pudgy Penguins, a prominent NFT collection. I'm passionate about inclusive talent acquisition and the benefits of AI and technology. I actively foster inclusive environments and have spoken at international events on talent acquisition strategies. My certifications, including MCIPD and PPA-certified psychometric assessor, reflect my commitment to high recruitment standards. I also organise Crypto Meetups in Gibraltar, promoting networking within the blockchain community. Additionally, I write a blog on recruitment within the Crypto, Blockchain, and Web3 sectors, covering talent acquisition strategies, organisational culture, salary trends, and data analytics.

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.​

My name is Chad Phillis. I'm a visionary entrepreneur and seasoned real estate investor, and I'm the founder and CEO of Checkmate Rentals—a premier short-term rental management company focused on maximizing revenue, optimizing operations, and delivering unmatched experiences for both guests and property owners. I built Checkmate Rentals to stand apart in an industry often marked by one-size-fits-all solutions and a lack of transparency. With deep expertise in Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and Google Vacation Rentals, I recognized that most property management companies treat owners like just another number. That's why I prioritize profitability, transparency, and genuine partnerships, treating each owner like family with tailored strategies and clear financial insights. My hands-on experience in dynamic pricing, listing optimization, and operational automation has helped countless property owners turn their rentals into high-performing, passive income streams while providing exceptional guest experiences. As a trusted thought leader in the short-term rental space, I also advise investors on scaling portfolios, navigating industry regulations, and leveraging technology for operational efficiency. By blending market analysis, cutting-edge technology, and a people-first approach, I've redefined what short-term rental management can be—because at Checkmate Rentals, the difference isn’t just in the numbers; it’s in the relationships.

As the Operations Assistant at Argon Agency, I’m the glue that keeps everything running smoothly (and yes, I do enjoy a good spreadsheet). With a knack for organization and a mind for logistics, I juggle delivery and pick-up schedules, manage data, and ensure the team has everything they need to stay on track. Whether it’s coordinating meetings or streamlining processes, I’m always looking for ways to improve efficiency—because who doesn’t love a little more time in the day? Known for my attention to detail and problem-solving skills, I’m dedicated to making sure the wheels of the agency keep turning without a hitch.