For Caplan Capital Management, Inc., an independent investment advisory firm based in Highland Park, New Jersey, reaching their 25th anniversary in business was a cause to celebrate, with food, entertainment and giveaways, for all those who’ve contributed to their success.
Founded in 1996 by Jonathan D. Caplan after 14 years of working as an executive at major investment banks, Caplan Capital Management, Inc. builds on his “Wall Street” expertise and brings his knowledge of portfolio and risk management to “Main Street.”
The Caplan Capital 25th anniversary celebration on Saturday night, October 23, was a modest affair, due to pandemic precautions, with 42 or so participants gathered at a local Highland Park venue to enjoy a jazz band, select wine and beer, cheese and crackers, sushi, hors d’oeuvres and Caplan Capital-branded cake, cookies and M&Ms.
Jonathan Caplan offered remarks at the event in which he thanked his wife, Lori, who joined the business as head of client relations in 2001, and their son Joseph, who joined the company in 2019. He talked about the “challenging times and unnerving events” that the business weathered over the years—the dot.com bust, the 9/11 attacks, the financial crisis of 2007/2008, and the COVID-19 economic shutdown. He thanked all of their clients for their continuing trust and support.
He concluded his remarks by noting that “I have rarely experienced a time when the uncertainties and challenges to our country’s economic system have been greater.” He identified five current hazards: (1) Interest rates at historic lows and appearing poised to rise, (2) inflation at its highest rate since the 1980s, (3) stock market valuations at the high end, historically, (4) geopolitical uncertainties, particularly in the U.S./China relationship and (5) domestic political polarization and social unrest. Yet despite this, he said: “I remain rather bullish on America and on the future opportunities for investors. While the risks for investors seem more formidable, investors who bet against America have never fared well.”
“But with the elevated economic, political and market uncertainties, investors will need to exercise greater caution and be armed with the keen financial advice to navigate through what we expect to be choppier waters. At Caplan Capital, we are doubling down on our research and analytical capabilities to help address all of these risks and uncertainties. I remain optimistic on the future and look forward to working diligently and side-by-side with our clients over the next 25 years!”
Caplan concluded the formal part of the evening by selecting two audience members as volunteers to compete in a quiz of trivia about 1996, eliciting guesses and laughter from the audience as well.
Reflecting the esteem that Caplan Capital’s clients have for the firm, Jeff Ackerman of Highland Park stated: “Jon is always honest, accessible and responsive—no matter where I am, I can reach him and he follows through. And, thank God, he’s done well with his investments on my behalf. I’m proud to have been one of his first clients and I remain very happy with my choice of financial advisor.”
