Bitcoin.   

 

     Tom Portz developed a keen interest in Bitcoin – so much so that he and his son traveled to Europe to study the cryptocurrency. In his professional life Tom has earned the designation of Certified Financial Planner and is a seasoned and well-regarded investment advisor and principal in his Waukesha, WI based investment advisory firm, Sterling Capital Management. Tom is a contributor to the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank and regularly provides them with economic forecasting metrics. Tom is a four-time Federal Reserve Bank forecasting Award winner and has been recognized on multiple occasions as a Five Star Wealth Manager by Milwaukee Magazine.

      Tom is particularly interested in the underlying technologies and tools that make cryptocurrency possible. He has given many presentations about Bitcoin, including to other Rotarians and he lectures on the topic at the University of Wisconsin. While Bitcoin has provided sexy cocktail party discussion fodder, it not easily understood by those of us who regularly use “In God We Trust” paper money and coins.

      Tom’s presentation will cover the mysterious beginning of Bitcoin, the necessary technology of Blockchain, how Bitcoin is used, IRS interest in Bitcoin transactions and unseen risks. Tom will surely advise Rotarians that investing in Bitcoin is high risk and could lead to a 100% loss.

     In Tom’s personal life, he is an award winning fine artist and an inventor having been awarded 10 US patents and six Canadian Industrial Design Certificates.

      Tom’s enthusiastic interest in the topic will be readily apparent to those who are able to attend.