To evaluate whether a family office is a realistic option, you must first understand what a family office is, the fees associated with it, and the many types of family offices available. It’s also critical to ask and respond to specific questions that might help clarify goals and aid in the decision-making process. Our episode today is dedicated to exploring these topics as we are joined by guest experts Kelly Emerine and Matt Watkins from ARGI, a firm that specializes in financial planning and investment management.

Kelly Emerine joined ARGI in 2017, and she currently leads the Business Development and Relationship Management efforts for ARGI’s Multi-Family Office team. Prior to joining ARGI, Kelly worked in new construction and commercial real estate, as well as owned several small businesses. Kelly is a graduate of the University of Kentucky where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Education. She also holds her Series 65 license. Kelly is past-President of the Elizabethtown Rotary Club and former Board Chair of CASA of the Heartland. Currently, she is on the Elizabethtown Police Foundation Board.

Matt Watkins joined ARGI in 2016, and he currently serves as an In-House Counsel for the firm and a Financial Advisor primarily serving business owners and high net worth families through ARGI’s Multi-Family Office. Prior to joining ARGI, Matt served as Vice President and Senior Wealth Strategist at PNC Wealth Management. Before entering the financial services industry, he practiced law at Lynch Cox Gilman and Goodman (2006-2011) and Goldberg Simpson (2004-2006). His practice focused primarily on tax, business and estate planning matters. Matt is a graduate of University of Louisville for both undergraduate and law school, and he received his LL.M. in taxation from the DePaul College of Law. In 2021, he obtained the CERTIFIED PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR™ designation. Matt is currently involved in several community organizations, including ElderServ and the US Marine Hospital Foundation. He was formerly on the boards of the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft and the St. Francis DeSales Highschool. He is also a member of the American, Louisville, Kentucky and Illinois bar associations. Matt is also a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel and the Estate Planning Counsel of Metro Louisville.

Key Highlights

[00:01 – 09:10] Opening Segment

• A quick intro of our guests today
• Single vs. Multi-Family Offices: What’s Right For You?

[09:12 – 46:50] Family Offices: What Are They and How Do They Work?

• How ARGI started and what makes it unique from other firms
• The client red flags to look out for
• Questions to ask when considering a family office
• ARGI’s process and how they work with clients
• The family office’s appetite for other alternative investments
• What they are improving on based on their client’s feedback
• Matt on ARGI starting Turnkey Asset Management Program
• Bridging the gap: How ARGI matches clients of different generational cohorts
• The critical questions potential clients should be asking but aren’t

[46:51 – 50:30] Wrapping Up!

• Single office vs multi-family office summed up
• Connect with our guests