• Ray Lucia Jr.
  • Posts
  • #004 Vaulted Views Mark Scalzo: From Investment Banking to Portfolio Management

#004 Vaulted Views Mark Scalzo: From Investment Banking to Portfolio Management

Author

Ray Lucia Jr
October 14, 2024

Hi Vaulted Viewer, 

I'm really excited to share with you my latest podcast episode! This week features a very special guest, my longtime friend and business partner, Mark Scalzo. In this episode, Mark takes us through his journey from investment banker to institutional money manager. It’s quite a fascinating story. 

Mark brings a unique perspective to the world of finance, and believe me, he’s not your typical portfolio manager. With a glass of bourbon in hand and a few laughs along the way, we discuss everything from his early days at Wharton to his experiences at Salomon Brothers and Ken Fisher Investments. 

Here are some highlights you won't want to miss: 

  • The Wharton Experience: Mark shares his journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to the prestigious halls of the Wharton School, where he learned, among other things, the value of hard work and resilience. 

  • Investment Banking: Get a glimpse into the high-stakes world of investment banking in New York City, including a memorable meeting with Baron Hilton at just 21 years old! 

  • Lessons from Legends: Mark reflects on his time working with industry giants like Ric Edelman and Ken Fisher, and what he learned about investment strategies and the importance of having a solid process. 

  • The Birth of Validus: After navigating the financial crisis and a chaotic work environment, Mark made the bold decision to start his own firm, Validus. Learn about the principles that guide his investment philosophy and how he built a repeatable process that stands the test of time. 

  • Scalzo’s Secrete Sauce: Discover what Active Share is and how Mark views investment management differently from most institutional managers. Find out why he is confident in his process and how he builds award winning portfolios that differ from benchmarks to drive opportunity for outperformance.

I really enjoyed this episode with Mark. It covers lessons in business and entrepreneurship as well as it provides insight into the mind of an institutional portfolio manager and how he thinks about investing. So, whether you are a founder, business owner or an investor there is something to take away from this interview to improve your life.

Tune in now to hear Mark's story and the lessons he's learned along the way.

🎙️ New Episodes Release Every Monday: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon, and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content. 

Last episode, I enjoyed a delicious Cask and Coast Bourbon made by Mark Kersey. This week, Mark Scalzo and I enjoyed a glass of Henry McKenna. A delicious bourbon with vanilla, smooth oak, and notes of sharp spice, honey and sweetness. It’s bottled-in-bond, 100 proof by Heaven Hill Distillery. I like it with one ice cube to take the edge off a bit and cool it down. Give it a try!

Best, 
Ray Lucia Jr. 

P.S. Got questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Connect with me on social media. 

  1. For Investors: If you have at least $500k to invest, I can connect you with a financial advisor at Lucia Capital Group. Click here to schedule an appointment

  2. For Financial Advisors: If you are a financial advisor looking for help growing, optimizing or selling your business. Click here to schedule a discovery meeting with me

  3. Become a Podcast Guest: If you are a founder, business owner, community leader or financial industry professional and would like to be featured on Vaulted Views podcast, click here to apply.