From multi-million dollar investment portfolios to generous donations benefitting children with cancer, money is the fuel that makes dreams come true — but only with a visionary managing it. Today, we’re talking to Frank DeBlasi, Wealth Manager at Merrill Lynch and Founder of Baller Dream Foundation. This inspiring guest survived cancer, built a successful career in finance, and used his influence to create an incredible non-profit organization.

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— In This Episode You’ll Discover —
00:00 Introduction
00:50 How did Frank DeBlasi get into wealth management?
02:48 Frank DeBlasi’s cancer survival story
05:11 Wealth management during an economic downturn
06:15 How much money do you need to work with a wealth manager?
07:46 The biggest risks Frank DeBlasi’s clients have taken
09:06 A customized approach to wealth management
09:44 Frank DeBlasi’s insight on current economic conditions (2023)
10:32 The DeBlasi team at Merrill Lynch
11:41 What is the difference between a financial adviser and a wealth manager?
13:14 Why Frank DeBlasi founded Baller Dream Foundation
14:51 When was Baller Dream Foundation formed?
15:47 Making cancer benefit events special and memorable
20:32 The biggest challenges that “Ballers” and their families face
22:00 Baller Dream Foundation’s most memorable gifts
23:28 How Frank DeBlasi’s financial career ties into his non-profit work
24:35 The future of Baller Dream Foundation
28:36 Frank DeBlasi’s favorite things to do in Las Vegas
30:13 Where to find Frank DeBlasi and Baller Dream Foundation online
30:58 Outro

— Memorable Quotes —
“I take a meeting with anyone and everyone, whether they have $1 or $100,000,000. I never want someone to feel like they don’t have enough.” - Frank DeBlasi
“Every client is different, so it’s not a one-stop shop in terms of philosophy.” - Frank DeBlasi
“Baller is a modern-day term for someone doing well, feeling well, and in control.” - Frank DeBlasi
“We want to be able to give gifts that have length.” - Frank DeBlasi

— About This Week’s Guests —
Frank DeBlasi is the founder of Baller Dream Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising the spirits of children, young adults, and their families affected by cancer. After his own battle with testicular cancer, Frank was inspired to create the organization and provide personalized gifts and experiences for over 300 young cancer fighters known as "Ballers." He has expanded the organization to seven states, traveling personally to each state to visit with every Baller several times and cultivating lifelong relationships with them and their families.

Frank attended Wagner College, where he played Division 1 basketball and earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science. He spent over twenty years in the financial services industry, starting at Morgan Stanley in various roles and eventually becoming Regional Vice President in their managed money program. He moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, and became a Private Wealth Advisor at J.P. Morgan and US Bank before joining Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2019. Frank is committed to supporting high net worth clients and is involved in the local community through his non-profit foundation.

— Get In Touch With Frank DeBlasi—
The DeBlasi Team at Merrill Lynch: https://fa.ml.com/arizona/scottsdale/the-deblasi-team/
Baller Dream Foundation: https://www.ballerdream.org

— About The Show —
Elevate is a show that explores the latest in elevated living. Hear from the local artisans, business owners, and innovators who make Las Vegas extraordinary and whose stories and insights will help you live your best life.