In this episode of declarations., Host Todd S. Rich sits down with Fred Klein for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation about law, legacy, and leadership. Fred reflects on a distinguished legal career shaped by meaningful mentorship, rigorous standards, and his enduring commitment to human connection. From his early influences at Mercersburg Academy to his pivotal role in Washington D.C.'s real estate legal landscape, Fred shares stories that illuminate how relationships, empathy, and trust have defined his approach to law and life. The episode also explores Fred’s reflections on artificial intelligence, his passion for teaching, and the values that guide his ongoing work in philanthropy and education.

They discuss:

• Why Fred’s guiding principle is to make all human interactions meaningful
• His formative experiences at Mercersburg Academy and how they shaped his identity
• The unlikely moment that launched his real estate law career
• How he builds enduring client relationships across private equity, family offices, and public companies
• Why AI and data transparency are opportunities—not threats—to the legal industry
• His belief that reputation, handwritten notes, and generosity still matter in a tech-driven world
• How he’s approaching his “non-retirement” through teaching, board work, and community service

A thoughtful listen for anyone interested in leadership, mentorship, and the human side of high-stakes law and investing.

Links:

Declaration Partners - https://www.declarationpartners.com/podcast

Be a Work in Progress: And Other Things I'd Like to Tell My Younger Self by John Cena: https://a.co/d/hgvUqkd

From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur C. Brooks: https://a.co/d/dDKWZAF

The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life by Shawn Achor: https://a.co/d/5RK6q61

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:02:26) - Fred's declaration: Making human interactions meaningful
(00:05:49) - Fred's early life and education
(00:08:51) - Journey into law and real estate
(00:17:49) - Partnerships and career growth
(00:21:12) - Diverse clientele and tailored advice
(00:23:31) - Investor expectations and risk management
(00:25:38) - Adapting to real estate market changes
(00:26:14) - The role of artificial intelligence in real estate
(00:29:31) - The importance of relationships in business
(00:32:32) - Expressing gratitude and personal growth
(00:37:22) - Philanthropy and future plans
(00:41:40) - Books and advice for personal development
(00:45:09) - Closing remarks and disclaimers

In this episode of Declarations, host Todd Rich sits down with Dan Mueller and Les Baquiran, co-founders of Alpine Capital Advisors, to explore their unique paths from immigrant family upbringings to building a global placement and advisory firm. Dan and Les share how personal values like humility, resourcefulness, and long-term thinking have shaped Alpine’s cross-border business model. The conversation dives deep into the nuances of fundraising across geographies, the shifting behaviors of institutional and family office investors, and how Alpine distinguishes itself by building ecosystems of trust, intelligence, and connectivity—not just transactions. From the early days in Chile and New York to current insights on global capital flows, Dan and Les provide a thoughtful look at investing in today’s complex landscape.

They discuss:

• How their immigrant roots and early career experiences influenced Alpine’s scrappy, globally-minded DNA
• Why Latin American investors are increasingly allocating capital to developed markets, especially in the U.S.
• The shift from transactional capital raising to long-term ecosystem building through dynamic intelligence and trusted networks
• What’s changing for allocators globally—including signs of renewed interest in Asia, Europe, and non-traditional strategies
• Advice for managers on navigating long fundraising cycles and earning trust in a crowded, competitive market

This is an insightful episode for anyone navigating the evolving intersection of global capital, private markets, and long-term relationship building.

Links:

Alpine Capital Advisors - https://alpineca.com/

Dan Mueller on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/damueller1/

Les Baquiran on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/les-baquiran-0442373/

Declaration Partners - https://www.declarationpartners.com/

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight - https://a.co/d/3Qhxrq5

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell - https://a.co/d/6ME3K4J

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:02:04) - Foundations and mission of Alpine Capital Advisors
(00:03:16) - Personal declarations and backgrounds
(00:03:45) - Immigrant experiences and early influences
(00:07:23) - Career beginnings and financial crises
(00:09:34) - Journey into investment and finance
(00:15:55) - Founding Alpine Capital Advisors
(00:17:37) - Navigating Latin American markets
(00:20:03) - Building trust and unique ecosystems
(00:26:41) - Challenges and strategies in fundraising
(00:29:43) - Navigating the new investment landscape
(00:30:45) - Global evolution of investment trends
(00:32:56) - Shifting investor sentiments in Asia and Europe
(00:34:54) - Family offices vs. institutional investors
(00:37:14) - Current investment strategies and market shifts
(00:46:49) - Challenges and advice for new managers
(00:50:44) - Extracurricular activities and personal insights
(00:53:48) - Closing thoughts and reflections

In this episode of the declarations. podcast, Host Todd S. Rich welcomes Michael Glosserman, longtime real estate executive, member of Declaration's Real Estate Advisory Board and Trustee of JBG Smith, for a wide-ranging conversation about career evolution, institutional alignment, and the long-term view required to build something enduring.

From growing up in a small Texas town to co-leading one of the most prominent real estate firms in Washington, DC, Michael shares pivotal lessons from his 28 years at JBG, his early influences at The Rouse Company, and the many market cycles he’s weathered across five decades in real estate. He reflects on how capital structures, team development, and investor relationships shaped JBG’s growth—from individual deal-making to discretionary funds, and eventually to the public markets through JBG Smith.

They also discuss:

• The impact of long-term partnerships and alignment with investors
• How JBG navigated downturns, scaled its team, and transitioned to a public REIT
• The firm’s role in urban development
• Lessons from working closely with top-tier institutional capital
• Thoughts on the current challenges facing the DC market
• Why investing in high-growth, business-friendly markets may hold more opportunity today
• His personal philosophy on family, giving back, and living in the moment

This episode offers hard-won insight from a leader who helped shape a major firm and now brings the clarity of hindsight to what it means to grow thoughtfully, lead with humility, and stay present through it all.

Links:

Todd S. Rich on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-s-rich-6a091333/

Declaration Partners LP - https://www.declarationpartners.com/

Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart: https://a.co/d/awax8tS

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:01:24) - Introducing Michael Glosserman

(00:04:18) - Michael's Early Life in Lockhart, Texas

(00:09:02) - From Texas to Wharton: Michael's Educational Journey

(00:13:08) - Michael’s early career

(00:20:21) - Joining JBG

(00:27:28) - Securing Yale as an Investor

(00:28:46) - Lessons from Yale's Investment Approach

(00:31:25) - JBG's Growth and Transition to Public Company

(00:32:31) - Navigating the 2008 Financial Crisis

(00:34:50) - Challenges and Strategies in Real Estate Investment

(00:40:07) - Reflections on Washington DC's Real Estate Market

(00:50:13) - Family and Philanthropy

(00:53:40) - Closing Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of declarations., host Todd S. Rich sits down with Sean Plummer, founder of Haystack Capital Partners, for a thoughtful conversation on how high-net-worth families invest differently from institutions—and why that difference matters. With deep experience from his time at Fidelity Family Office Services and now as a trusted advisor to over 160 family offices, Sean shares how he's built a business around relationships, alignment, and thoughtful capital allocation.

Sean reflects on how his small-town upbringing in Davis, California, shaped his worldview, and how a desire to listen and learn from everyone—regardless of background—has guided his career. The conversation explores the evolution of family office investing, the rise of direct deals, and how Haystack connects families with unique opportunities that align with their expertise and values.

Topics include:

• The key differences between family offices and institutional investors
• Why alignment, trust, and EQ are more important than IRR in the family office world
• How Haystack helps match capital with operating families and niche fund managers
• The impact of generational transitions and how G2 is reshaping the future of wealth
• Why the next frontier in family capital may lie in deeper networks, shared values, and long-term partnerships

This episode offers a rare inside look at how some of the world’s wealthiest families think about investing—not just for returns, but for relationships, legacy, and long-term impact.

Links:

Learn more about Declaration. here

Setting the Table by Danny Meyer

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:02:38) - Sean’s Declaration
(00:03:37) - Sean’s upbringing and early career
(00:10:46) - Transitioning into family office services
(00:15:51) - Forming Haystack
(00:20:40) - Investing with families vs. Institutions
(00:24:48) - Learnings from working with Family Offices
(00:26:58) - Characteristics families seek when making an investment or selecting a fund manager, and investing themes
(00:35:10) - What are families investing in today?
(00:37:39) - Cultivating and maintaining family office relationships
(00:44:28) - Trends to watch for over the next decade
(00:48:13) - Trends that emerge in the transfer of power within families
(00:50:33) - Philanthropy
(00:51:42) - Influential books
(00:53:29) - Most meaningful advice
(00:54:49) - How Sean pursues happiness

In this episode of Declarations, host Todd S. Rich sits down with Jon Qvistgaard=Peterson, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with deep roots in oil and gas, private equity, and automotive retail. From his family’s pioneering ventures in the energy sector to building Louisiana’s largest Honda dealership, Jon shares the philosophies that have guided his career and personal life.

The conversation explores:

• Lessons in leadership and resilience from his grandfather, a Danish immigrant who founded Blue Plate Foods
• Navigating risk in oil and gas exploration and how the industry has evolved
• Building a business in automotive retail and the contrast between the energy and car industries
• The importance of teamwork and long-term thinking in both business and life
• His deep commitment to philanthropy, including his family’s contributions to children’s healthcare in Louisiana

Jon also reflects on his personal mantra—"You must participate in life"—emphasizing the value of curiosity, engagement, and giving back. Whether you’re interested in investing, business operations, or simply learning from a life well-lived, this episode is filled with wisdom from an operator who has truly seen it all.

Links:

Learn more about Declaration. here

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Endurance: Shackelton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

Jeff Shaara Books

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:02:36) - Jon’s Declaration

(00:03:25) - The Q=Petersen Family history

(00:08:06) - Jon’s career in Oil & Gas and Auto

(00:19:56) - How to pull your weight in the American Economy

(00:22:32) - Participate in Life

(00:25:30) - The difference between investors and operators

(00:27:42) - Operating a business as a family steward

(00:30:07) - Jon’s philanthropy

(00:32:50) - Influential books

(00:33:51) - The best advice Jon’s received

(00:34:51) - Jon’s pursuit of happiness

Host Todd S. Rich speaks with Marco Peschiera of Grupo Romero (GRIO / GRAM) to discuss the lessons he learned from his grandfather and the long-term approach he takes to investing on behalf of a multi-generational family office.

https://www.declarationpartners.com/podcast

Link to The Warren Buffett Way by Robert G. Hagstrom: https://a.co/d/a7ziNx5.

Kari Firestone of Aureus Asset Management sits with Host Todd S. Rich on the declarations. podcast to discuss the four R’s of risk as discussed in her book Even the Odds.

https://www.declarationpartners.com/podcast
Even the Odds: Sensible Risk-Taking in Business, Investing, and Life by Karen Firestone: https://a.co/d/9WcZ9V7
Lush Life by Richard Price: https://a.co/d/6qtx57j

Robert Picard, Managing Director and Head of Alternative Investments at Hightower Advisors talks with Host Todd S. Rich about family-oriented investing with an institutional bar for quality, the Swiss Army, and more from a career investing in private markets.

https://www.declarationpartners.com/podcast