Managing Generational Wealth: Inside DFE Capital with Terence Thompson, CFA

In this episode, Terence Thompson shares his path from Air Force officer to investment leader at a multi-billion-dollar single family office in Arizona. He opens up about lessons learned across institutional and family office investing, his personal motivations, and the balance between wealth creation, preservation, and purpose. A must-listen for anyone curious about private capital management, career development, or the role of investing in community impact.

Key Discussions in This Episode:
00:00 – Intro & Terence's Background
03:54 – Discovering Investing Through ROTC & the 2008 Crisis
05:42 – Military Service & Transition to Finance
09:03 – Blue Cross Blue Shield & Early Investment Lessons
12:23 – CFA Program & Curriculum Evolution
17:39 – Joining DFE Capital Management
19:14 – Institutional vs. Family Office Investing
22:06 – Portfolio Strategy & Real Estate Exposure
26:58 – Digital Infrastructure & AI Themes
28:25 – Manager Selection, Structure, & Alignment
33:15 – Engaging the Family in Investment Decisions
35:51 – Career Advice & Lessons from the Field
46:20 – Why Arizona? Personal Reflections
50:13 – Closing Thoughts & Legacy Investing

Links:
Terence Thompson on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/terencemthompson
Nathan Erickson on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nathanferickson