My name is Jonathan.
I help people build assets.

I’ve spent more than 20 years analyzing and forecasting ideas across the global economy. Work that’s covered deals in public and private equity, real estate, and commodities. Today, that work helps business leaders leverage financial data and market insights to drive sustainable value.

about me

This is my journey.
Here’s the story so far…

Born β™“ and raised in the south, moved across 3 states, 2 major cities, and 6 schools in 18 years. Three sport πŸ€ 🎾 🏌 letter athlete in high school, studied computer science in college, and went into finance summer of 2001.

By November, I was a series 7 licensed broker making 300+ πŸ“ž cold calls a day, finding and pitching deals to HNW investors, and spending nights learning strategies and best practices of top money managers.

Got really good at finding the right stocks and writing reports. Built positions in NXTL, WMB, AAPL, and CHKP. However, it didn’t take long to become disenchanted with industry norms (IYKYK) and after Hurricane Wilma destroyed my office 🏒 decided to start a research service for DIY investors. This was well before newsletters were in vogue.

Spent the next decade picking winners across the capital markets and managing private assets for a select group of clients. By 2015, I had begun working more with entrepreneurs and executives – turning investment strategies into models for better business development.

From 2002 to 2018, my research handily outperformed the S&P 500 with close to 75% accuracy. Subscribers included affluent investors, family offices, and financial professionals with total assets under management reaching well into the billions.

During that run, I helped to create and write the premium newsletter at GuruFocus and have since published over 600 πŸ“ articles, many seen on major financial news sites. Along the way, coached 20+ executives, 2 from the Fortune 1000, and wrote a book πŸ“– on better investing.

In 2018, I decided to close my research service in order to focus on building a membership for business development, designed mostly for SMEs. Then my grandmother passed, the Covid-19 pandemic happened, my wife gave birth our first child all in successive years.

Fast forward to 2026 and I’m back…Β still helping people like you drive profit and progress. I wasn’t Ivy League educated or groomed by a major Wall Street Bank, and I’ve given away billions of $$$$ worth of advice in the last 2 decades. Check the resume. It doesn’t matter what industry or market your business is in, you can improve quality, value, and impact.

Proof is in the pudding…
Socials
Personal Stuff
  • Scratch golfer when playing regularly
  • Big fan of English football, $MANU
  • Had a ~40” vertical in college, can probably still dunk
  • Avid (albeit average) chess player

Learn More

Veblen Goods Jonathan Poland

Veblen Goods

Veblen goods are a type of consumer good that is perceived as being more valuable or desirable because of its…

What is Competitive Parity? Jonathan Poland

What is Competitive Parity?

Competitive parity is a marketing strategy that involves matching or aligning a company’s marketing mix with that of its competitors.…

First Principles Thinking Jonathan Poland

First Principles Thinking

Overview First principles thinking is a method of reasoning that involves breaking down complex problems into their most basic and…

Examples of Tact Jonathan Poland

Examples of Tact

Tact is the ability to sensitively and skillfully handle a situation or conversation so as to avoid giving offense. It…

Business Environment Jonathan Poland

Business Environment

The business environment refers to the external factors and conditions that can affect a company’s operations and performance. It includes…

Price Optimization Jonathan Poland

Price Optimization

Price optimization is the process of using data and analytical methods to determine the optimal price for a product or…

Economic Opportunity Jonathan Poland

Economic Opportunity

Economic opportunity refers to the support that a society provides to individuals that enables them to thrive in the economy.…

What is a Persona? Jonathan Poland

What is a Persona?

Personas are fictional characters that businesses use to represent and model the characteristics, goals, needs, behaviors, and emotions of their…

What is Promotion? Jonathan Poland

What is Promotion?

Promotion refers to any marketing strategy that is aimed at increasing recognition, awareness, and interest in a brand, product, or…