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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terencemthompson 

Nathan Erickson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanferickson/