Next Generation, a full-service administrator and custodian for self-directed retirement plans, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Since its founding by CEO Jaime Raskulinecz in 2004, the company has experienced significant growth and has guided clients through various market fluctuations, including the Great Recession in 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-directed investors, with portfolios that include alternative assets, have been better positioned to weather these economic storms due to their investments not being correlated with stock market performance.
Raskulinecz founded Next Generation with the vision of creating a platform for individuals to invest in alternative assets within their retirement plans. Unlike typical brokerage accounts that limit investments to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, self-directed IRAs, HSAs, ESAs, Solo 401k's, and other plans enable investors to diversify their portfolios. These plans can include a broad array of non-publicly traded alternative assets such as real estate, precious metals, private equity, mortgages, secured and unsecured notes, private placements, and royalties.
Since its inception, Next Generation has grown to approximately $700 million in assets under custody. In 2017, Raskulinecz established Next Generation Trust Company, a regulated financial institution in South Dakota, to provide custodial services and bring both aspects of account management under one umbrella. Client education remains a top priority for the company, which offers webinars and complimentary educational sessions on various alternative investments. Next Generation is also active in several real estate investment associations, as real estate-related assets remain popular among self-directed investors.
Several employees are marking significant milestones with the company in 2024, including Business Development Specialist Jack Malpass (five years), Client Service Supervisor Emma Olson (six years), Director of Finance Karen Jung (eight years), Operations Manager Kyle Schickram (10 years), and Compliance Manager Bill Wittler (11 years). Recent hires include Assistant Client Service Supervisor Lisa DeSimone and client service associates Robert Mathisen and Pamela Rodriguez.
Raskulinecz emphasizes the importance of client service and professional growth for her team. In 2020, she and several team members earned their Self-Directed IRA Professional (SDIP) designations from the Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA), signifying comprehensive training in IRA alternative investments and related regulations. Schickram, Wittler, and Olson are also Certified IRA Services Professionals (CISP), and Wittler recently earned an internationally recognized certification as an anti-money laundering specialist from ACAMS.
Over the years, Next Generation has expanded its services to include special services for advisors and advisory firms, automatic rollover accounts, terminating pension plans, and qualified custody services for private funds. The company is known in the industry for its exceptional customer service and commitment to providing education and information to clients, business associates, and referral sources.
For more information about self-direction as a retirement wealth-building strategy, visit www.NextGenerationTrust.com.
