Tag: Cost

A Conversation Around Global Oil and Gas with Nikolaos Kontos

A Conversation Around Global Oil and Gas with Nikolaos Kontos

After severing oil trade with Russia, President Biden plans to increase U.S. oil production from 11.8 million barrels to 12.8 million. 

In the short-term, this will provide gas for individuals and farmers. However, the long-term outlook remains uncertain. 

In this episode, Iván Watanabe & George Papanicolaou join Nikolaos Kontos, head of operations at Concord Maritime. Sharing his maritime experience and knowledge of the global oil trade industry, Nikolaos reveals how countries buying and selling oil have been impacted by rising gas prices.

Nikolaos discusses:

  • His journey at Concord Maritime
  • How reserves and release of oil barrels will influence short- and long-term costs 
  • The impact of gas prices on farmers
  • Who might enter the energy market in the future
  • And more!

Connect with Nikolaos Kontos:

Connect with Iván Watanabe:

About Our Guest:

Nikolaos Kontos serves as the director of operations at Concord Maritime. His responsibilities include overseeing the firm’s voyage management, vessel operations, bunker procurement, and post fixture functions. Niko has 15 years of industry experience and holds a US Coast Guard license as a Chief Mate of unlimited tonnage.

 

Historical podcasts are for informational purposes only; the information provided was accurate at the time of recording but may no longer be current.
Planning for Parenthood with George Papanicolaou

Planning for Parenthood with George Papanicolaou

You could read every article and mommy blog and still remain unprepared for the experience of parenthood. 

Who better to hear from on the topic of financial planning and children than financial advisors who have kids?

In this episode, Iván Watanabe and George Papanicolaou recount their personal experiences with fatherhood, diving into the difference between expectation and reality. They reveal personal changes in routine and expenses while also sharing the realizations brought by parenthood.

George and Iván discuss:

  • The impact of information on new parents
  • Reasons you should build cashflow early on
  • The importance of accepting a lack of control
  • How basic baby necessities can be considered luxury items 
  • And more!

Connect with George Papanicolaou:

Connect with Iván Watanabe:

About Our Guest:

George Papanicolaou has a very unique background and work history. Broad, diverse, and driven by integrity and strong family values, his experiences create the perfect foundation for teaming up with clients to protect, build, and enjoy their financial world.

George puts a strong emphasis on family. His parents and grandparents ran a very successful flower business with several locations in Westchester County, in addition to owning and managing commercial and residential real estate. From a young age, George was taught that compassion, good customer service, and a strong work ethic were key components to the longevity of a business.

 

The World of Health Care Benefit Plans With Stefan Carpentieri

The World of Health Care Benefit Plans With Stefan Carpentieri

When reviewing your health care benefit plan options, do you have the right information to make the best choice for you?

In this episode, Iván Watanabe sits down with OPUS PC’s benefits consultant, Stefan Carpentieri. Stefan explains everything you need to know about health insurance and employee benefits to help you select the optimal coverage. Listen in as Stefan provides you with valuable information you should think of before considering potential options! 

Stefan discusses:

  • The importance of understanding what healthcare means
  • How to make the best choices for your medical future
  • The four types of healthcare plans
  • The difference between copay and deductibles
  • And more!

Connect with Stefan Carpentieri

Connect with Iván Watanabe:

About our Guest:

Stefan Carpentieri is a Benefits Consultant at Opus Private Client in the New York office. 

 Stefan specializes in employee and executive benefits for the private and non -profit sectors. He works closely with his clients and provides value in cost reduction strategies, renewal and carrier negotiations, compliance, plan design analysis, and account management. Stefan also works closely with the executives of each organization to ensure that their personal planning and risk management aligns with the corporate benefit offerings.