In this issue of Corporate Leaders Magazine, we are thrilled to feature Alliance Global Advisors, a trailblazing women-owned consulting firm in the institutional real asset industry. With a model forged from extensive experience in Consulting, Limited Partner and General Partner realms, Alliance Global Advisors stands out for its innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence. The Alliance platform exists to expedite the growth of real asset investment management organizations and help them better compete for capital. Join us as we delve into their unique strategies, comprehensive client engagements and visionary outlook, all of which are redefining their clients’ success in today’s competitive real asset market.
Background
Founded in 2020 by Jennifer Stevens and Heather Fernstrom Border (the co-founders), Alliance Global Advisors is a consulting firm focused on developing strategic growth solutions for real asset investment managers. Alliance was launched because the co-founders saw the void in the marketplace for a truly independent third party that would bridge the gap between the investor and investment management community.
Alliance provides unmatched advisory services due to its unique position within the real asset ecosystem. Given the team’s industry background and extensive networks, Alliance sits at the intersection of investors, consultants and investment managers. The co-founders and the Alliance team have a clear vision – to make a lasting positive impact on the institutional real asset industry. Alliance aims to help its clients become best-in-class investment partners.
Today, advising clients with over $870 billion in assets under management, Alliance partners with investment management organizations to provide an informed, independent perspective, and an innovative approach to attracting capital in a competitive market environment. Alliance focuses on accelerating organizational growth through exceptional execution, tailored advice and an experienced perspective, allowing its clients to focus on creating value and delivering exceptional returns.
A Model Built on Award-Winning Experience
The co-founders built a talented team designed to take their clients to the next level and empower them to compete more effectively for capital. Every member of the team brings valuable insights and long-tenured expertise across multiple industry roles, from consulting, investor relations and capital raising to portfolio management and reporting. Alliance leverages its extensive network to maintain an ongoing dialogue and real-time pulse on all industry stakeholders. The Alliance team, with decades of industry experience, possesses deep insights into the competitive landscape and the market’s intricacies because they’ve lived it. This unparalleled expertise enables Alliance to consistently unlock opportunities and drive growth for its clients, no matter the market cycle.
Alliance continues to set the standard in the industry, not only through the exceptional service provided to its clients but also by earning prestigious accolades that reflect its influence and impact in the commercial real estate sector. The team’s excellence has been recognized with individual honors such as the GlobeSt. Woman of Influence, Connect CRE Women in Real Estate, Inc. Magazine’s 10 Most Empowering Women and the Industry Era Top 10 Inspiring Women Leaders. Additionally, firm-wide achievements include being named one of the 2023 and 2024 Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies, as well as winning multiple Stevie® Awards, including Fastest Growing Company, Thought Leadership, New Product or Service and Employer of the Year in Real Estate. These awards underscore Alliance’s commitment to excellence and its growing influence in the industry.
Alliance Team Feedback
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact we’re making, not only in helping our clients achieve their goals but also in shaping the industry as a whole. Working at a small firm allows us to stay nimble and adapt quickly as the market shifts, which is key to our ability to deliver impactful, timely results.”
- Masha Rzoski, Director of Marketing
“Since joining Alliance Global Advisors in 2022, it has been exciting to watch the firm’s remarkable growth and the renowned reputation it has earned in the industry. Working at Alliance is truly exceptional because we thrive on collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence. Our collective experience and diverse expertise not only make us a stronger team but also position us to elevate our clients to new heights.”
- Jason Puchmeyer, Vice President of Partner Engagement
Crafting Success: A Typical Client Engagement
Partnering with Alliance provides a dedicated partner and an extension of staff. In a typical client engagement, Alliance offers comprehensive support tailored to the client’s unique needs. Alliance’s goal is to create enduring relationships and uncover opportunities across various platforms, enhancing strategic direction and operational efficiency and accelerating business growth.
Alliance engagements commence with a deep dive into their clients’ unique challenges and opportunities. They listen to truly understand their goals, pain points and vision for the future. From there, they craft a tailored strategy that leverages extensive industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Whether refining organizational structure, developing new products or elevating the brand, the Alliance team is there every step of the way.
While every engagement with Alliance is unique, their comprehensive approach consistently revolves around six essential pillars:
ORGANIZATIONAL ASSESSMENT & STRATEGIC PLANNING
- Evaluating long-term business plans
- Assessing organizational structure
- Understanding the competitive landscape
- Unlocking opportunities for future growth
- Advising on vehicle structuring, terms and conditions
NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
- Refining strategy for first-time and existing vehicles
- Improving messaging to the target capital
- Developing a critical path to fundraising
MARKETING & BRAND ELEVATION
- Reviewing and refining all investor-facing marketing collateral
- Providing pitch practice with real-time feedback
- Elevating brand recognition on the institutional circuit
GLOBAL INVESTOR & CONSULTANT UNIVERSE ANALYSIS
- Educating on the evolving needs of the Investors and Consultants
- Providing feedback and real-time market sentiment
- Defining global mapping processes to improve distribution and understanding capital sources
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Providing best practice guidance on over 150 industry topics
- Providing organizational and professional development training through Alliance Masterclasses
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE ADVISORY
- Serving as a resource for ESG, DEI and impact initiatives
- Establishing and reviewing ESG and DEI policies
- Creating an ESG implementation plan and roadmap for the future
- Integrating ESG functions across the organization
Client Feedback
“Alliance has truly inspired us to reimagine our possibilities, leaving behind the status quo.”
— G. Andrews Smith | CEO, L&B Realty Advisors, LLP
“For Elion Partners, Alliance offers a comprehensive, third-party perspective and is committed to understanding investor and consultant expectations. Our relationship with the founders is an investment in our future success. Their combined knowledge and experience benefit our professional development and, ultimately, our LPs as we set out to exceed investor expectations in the future. The conversations we have with Heather and Jen are uplifting and reflect the true spirit of partnership.”
— Shlomo Khoudari | Managing Partner – Elion
Alliance Gives Back
The Alliance Gives Back initiative is of paramount importance to Heather, Jen and the Alliance team. Creating Alliance Gives Back was one of the first goals the co-founders set when launching the firm. The Co-Founders led through philanthropic and educational opportunities as a way of paying it forward. They continue to share the importance of this mission and often discuss how their industry mentors once played a critical role in the development of their careers.
The Alliance team continues to provide education and support to the next generation of talent. Since its inception, the Alliance team has collaborated with many leading universities (Denver University, Duke University, Southern Methodist University, Ohio State University, Ohio University and DePaul University) to provide professional development training through their educational Masterclass Series. Additionally, Alliance supports organizations such as PREA Foundation, Pelotonia, Project Outreach and Wellfit Girls.
Alliance Gives Back Feedback
“By supporting the PREA Foundation, Alliance Global Advisors joins a community of visionary leaders committed to giving back through strategic, industry-led philanthropy. Their support is helping to increase the pool of outstanding, trained talent for real estate organizations and opens doors for young professionals to access life-changing career opportunities. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive and dynamic future for the commercial real estate industry.”
– Ellen Young, PREA Foundation
“We were so incredibly blessed to work with the Alliance team. Thank you for helping us pack 200 bags with non-perishable food items and toiletries. Project Outreach was able to distribute these to the residents of Immokalee the following day. Immokalee has a very high poverty rate, especially for being part of Collier County. The families were beyond blessed and grateful.”
– Angie Meister, Project Outreach
Looking Ahead
The co-founders are continually exploring new ways to grow and expand their reach, with a focus on launching new verticals and staying ahead of trends to create additional distribution channels. Grateful for the unwavering support of their clients and the industry, they take immense pride in the team and the mode. The co-founders remain dedicated to innovation and excellence, measuring their success by the success of their clients and the numerous referrals they receive from both clients and industry leaders.
Through the lens of innovation and continuous brand building, Jen and Heather believe that Alliance’s journey has just begun. Are you interested in forming an Alliance? Come be a part of our journey – https://alliance-globaladvisors.com/connect