Can trees really grow your wealth? In this episode, Mike talks with John Brenard, Founder and Managing Director of Southview Timberland Investments, about how timberland and farmland offer strong returns, steady cash flow, and natural inflation protection. John explains why this overlooked asset class is gaining traction with investors who want something real, stable, and sustainable.

In this episode, we chat about…

• From Wealth Management to Timberland: How John turned a family land purchase into a thriving investment strategy.

• Why Timberland Works: A proven inflation hedge that’s uncorrelated to the stock market.

• The Power of the Southeast: Why this region now leads global timber production.

• More Than Just Trees: Multiple income streams from harvesting, farmland leasing, and recreational use.

• Sustainable by Nature: How responsible forestry adds both environmental and financial value.

• Investor Access: How Southview’s five-year fund makes timberland investing accessible through Schwab.

• Tariffs and Opportunity: How U.S. trade policies are fueling domestic timber growth.

1. Timberland is a true alternative asset, it’s uncorrelated to traditional markets and historically stable.

2. The Southeast U.S. is now the global timber powerhouse, offering strong mill infrastructure and high demand.

3. Investors can access institutional-quality deals through Southview without the massive minimums of traditional TIMOs.

4. Timberland offers multiple income channels, from harvest revenue to farmland and recreational leases.

5. Sustainability drives returns, good forestry practices directly increase land value and resale potential.

6. Southview’s fund model is transparent and investor-friendly, offering regular reporting, on-site visits, and digital onboarding.

7. New trade and tariff policies are strengthening American timber markets, creating additional upside for domestic investors.

Resources from John

LinkedIn | Southview Timberland Investments | Email

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide