VARIO Values
Integrity:
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We uphold the highest ethical standards in all its dealings, prioritizing transparency, honesty, and accountability in its interactions with clients, partners, and stakeholders.
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Innovation:
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We are committed to staying at the forefront of the alternative investment landscape, continuously exploring new opportunities, strategies, and technologies to deliver superior results for its clients.
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Excellence:
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We strive for excellence in all aspects of its operations, from rigorous due diligence and risk management to personalized client service and performance tracking, aiming to consistently exceed expectations.
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Collaboration:
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We foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork, recognizing that diverse perspectives and collective expertise are essential for generating innovative investment solutions and achieving shared success.
Long-term Focus:
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We maintain a long-term perspective in its investment approach, prioritizing sustainable growth and value creation over short-term gains, and emphasizing prudent risk management to preserve capital and deliver consistent returns over time.
Meet the VARIO Leadership Team
Colton Berger, President
Alternative Specialist, Commodities & Venture
Colton Berger is an alternative investment specialist with a focus on venture capital and
commodities. Leveraging his expertise, he excels in identifying lucrative opportunities in both sectors.
With a strategic approach, Colton navigates commodity trading while nurturing early-stage ventures. As a trusted advisor, he provides valuable insights in navigating volatile markets, maximizing returns for his clients. With prior experience in portfolio management, Colton is dedicated to driving financial growth in alternative
investments.
Mario Gonzalez, Partner
Executive Director for Global Markets
As an Executive Business Development Director with extensive experience in both international and national markets, Mario has forged successful partnerships spanning fifteen years.
His expertise encompasses diverse sectors including investments, housing development, petroleum ventures, and humanitarian projects like renewable energy and mining. My team and I are committed to efficient project execution and delivering profitable results
Kevin Calderon
Investment Advisor, IRA Specialist
Kevin Calderon is an investment advisor with extensive experience with self-directed IRAs. He specializes in providing personalized guidance on alternative investment strategies, including private equity, hedge funds, real estate, and commodities.
Kevin's client-centric approach emphasizes transparency, integrity, and a commitment to
delivering results. Passionate about financial literacy, he actively engages in mentorship
programs and industry initiatives. Kevin is dedicated to empowering clients to achieve their financial goals through innovative and tax tailored investment solutions.
Chris Barsness - Patel Law Group
Corporate and Securities Attorney
Chris has been working in corporate, securities, and business matters since 2002. Chris has worked on a range of securities matters for both private and public companies, including hundreds of debt, equity, and hybrid Reg. D private offerings, including over 100 single asset offerings, and the creation of over 20 blind pool funds. Chris also served as an adjunct professor of securities law at the University of California – Irvine School of Law.
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He has worked with numerous start-ups, emerging growth, and mid-sized companies on contracts, capital raises, securities offerings, public reporting, and various securities and business issues. This includes working both buy-side and sell-side on M&A transactions as the lead in deals from $200,000 to $162 million and taking companies public as both general counsel and chief financial officer. He has worked with individuals and businesses on other issues such as Chapter 7, 13, and 11 bankruptcy matters, real estate issues, employment matters, and litigation.
Chris is very interested in new technologies and the cleantech space, as well as venture capital and finance. Chris spent the last 18 years practicing law in California and has brought his experience and family to the growing economy of Texas.
Cody Burke, RFA
Managing Partner, Pre-seed Venture
Cody Burke is an alternative investment specialist with a focus on pre-seed venture capital. With a knack for spotting emerging opportunities, Cody has a successful track record in nurturing early-stage ventures.
He brings years of experience in assessing market trends and strategically allocating capital. As a trusted advisor to startup founders, Cody provides valuable guidance in fundraising and business development. Passionate about innovation, Cody actively contributes to fostering entrepreneurial
ecosystems.
Kiani Kharfan
Hedge Fund Market Strategist
Kiani is an experienced leader in the investing sector, adept at guiding diverse teams and shaping strategic direction. At Vario, she manages daily operations, collaborates with department heads, and oversees portfolio growth strategies, leveraging software modeling for efficiency and optimal purchasing.
With a background spanning international currency exchange, real estate, and finance, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Outside of work, Kiani enjoys homeschooling her two children, playing piano, and actively participating in her local community.
Anwar Kharfan, MP
Alternative Specialist, Real Estate
Anwar's expertise extends beyond traditional real estate investments, as he explores alternative avenues within the sector, such as real estate crowdfunding, REITs, and property development projects.
His ability to adapt to evolving market trends and leverage emerging opportunities sets him apart as a trusted advisor in the realm of alternative investments. This experience propelled him into more advanced business investing strategies, solidifying his reputation as a trusted professional in the dynamic real estate landscape.