Built To Last - Conversations on Wealth, Work & Life
Built to Last represents durability, stewardship, and long-term thinking. It reflects a commitment to creating businesses, wealth, relationships, and systems designed to endure beyond trends, cycles, and individual personalities.
Episodes
20 episodes
A Good Portfolio Is Not the Same as a Good Financial Plan
This episode explores the critical differences between a strong investment portfolio and a comprehensive financial plan. Wade Lopez and Gary Aiken discuss how to align investments with broader financial goals, including taxes, estate planning, ...
Buy, Rent, Repeat: The Short-Term Rental Opportunity in the Smoky Mountains
With mortgage rates high and traditional real estate stalling, host Wade Lopez talks with developer Reece Milton about why the Smoky Mountains have become one of the top short-term rental markets in the country. They break down the purchase-to-...
Bitcoin, Gold, Real Estate: What in the World Is Going On?
In this episode, Wade Lopez and Gary Aiken explore the complex dynamics of gold, Bitcoin, and real estate in today's macroeconomic environment. They discuss recent market movements, underlying demand, and strategic roles for these assets in a w...
Gary’s Call: What the Rest of 2026 Actually Looks Like
In this episode, Wade Lopez and Gary Aiken analyze the first half of 2026, discussing market performance, geopolitical influences, and sector opportunities. They provide insights on navigating volatility, sector rotations, and strategic investi...
Big Blue’s Reckoning: What IBM’s Worst Day in 115 Years Actually Means
In this episode, we analyze IBM's historic stock drop and explore what it reveals about market reactions, customer priorities, and the importance of execution in business strategy. Join us for insights on managing risk, recognizing trends, and ...
Trump Accounts: What They Mean for Your Family and Your Business
In this episode, Wade Lopez and Daniel Thornton discuss the new Trump accounts, a government-backed savings tool for children, and explore how families and business owners can leverage this opportunity for wealth building and education....
The New Fed: What Kevin Warsh Means for Your Money
In this episode, Wade Lopez and Gary Aiken analyze the implications of Kevin Warsh's appointment as Fed Chair, exploring how his background and policy approach could influence markets, interest rates, and financial planning amidst current econo...
Halftime Report 2026: Staying the Course
In this episode of Built to Last, Wade Lopez and Gary Aiken discuss the mid-year market review, covering GDP, inflation, Federal Reserve policy, market resilience, bonds, energy, valuations, and key risks for the second half of 2026. They empha...
The New IPO Era: SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI
In this episode, we explore the monumental IPO of SpaceX, the upcoming wave of AI company listings like Anthropic and OpenAI, and what these developments mean for investors and the market. We discuss valuation strategies, market dynamics, and h...
The Death of Easy Money
This episode explores the end of the era of easy money, its causes, and what it means for investors and business owners. Wade Lopez and Gary Aiken discuss structural changes in interest rates, market dependence on cheap capital, and strategies ...
AI and Your Money: Separating Hype from Opportunity
This episode explores the current state and future potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in markets and industries. Experts discuss whether AI is a bubble or a long-term shift, its economic impact, and how investors can navigate the hype wi...
Who Do You Want in Your Corner?
In this episode, Becky Blevins a dedicated CFP®, CPWA®, and MSFS, shares her insights on building a successful financial practice, the importance of responsiveness, and the emotional side of financial planning. Discover how her commitment to co...
Inflation: Still a Threat or Yesterday's Problem?
In this episode, Gary Aiken, CIO of Concord Asset Management, discusses the current state of inflation, its impact on investments, and what investors should consider for the future. We explore monetary policy, structural forces influencing infl...
International Stocks — Opportunity, Trap, or Necessary Diversification?
In this insightful interview, financial expert Gary discusses the strategic shift towards international investing, the importance of having a clear investment thesis, and how geopolitical events influence market opportunities. Learn how to adap...
Winning in the New Economic Era
In this insightful interview, financial expert Gary discusses the recent market volatility, the impact of geopolitical conflicts, and the evolving landscape of technology investments. He offers practical advice for investors navigating the curr...
Building a Durable Business: Strategies for Long-Term Success
This episode features Todd Williams, president of Concord Business and Tax Advisors, discussing how business owners can treat their businesses as assets, make strategic decisions, and plan for long-term success. Topics include business valuatio...
Mastering Tax Strategies for 2026 and Beyond - Mac McSwain
In this episode, CPA Mac McSwain shares insights on tax planning, business growth, and the importance of holistic financial strategies. He discusses recent tax law changes, the value of team collaboration, and practical tips for small business ...
Structural Shift in the Global Economy
This episode explores the recent structural shifts in the global economy, focusing on trade, energy, and investment strategies. Guest Gary Aiken, CIO of Concord Wealth Partners, discusses how these changes impact long-term planning for investor...
Know What You Own: Markets, Crypto, and the Economic Outlook for 2026
In part two, Wade and Gary cover the crypto debate — including the NYSE's push into tokenization — and why Gary still swears by "if you can't explain it, don't buy it." They also break down the 2026 economic outlook: consumer sentiment, the rea...
Decoding Market Confusion: Insights from Gary Aiken
summaryIn this episode, Wade Lopez and Gary Aiken discuss the complexities of the current market, the impact of interest rates, inflation, tariffs, and the future outlook for investors. They share insights on market volatility, in...