Building Trust in Public Finance with Ben Mendenhall (Ep. 3)

Building Trust in Public Finance with Ben Mendenhall (Ep. 3)

What does it really take to build something meaningful in public finance, especially when the safer option is staying where you are? In this episode of Untapped Synergy, Ben Mendenhall shares the realities of leadership, entrepreneurship, governance, and trust in Colorado’s public sector finance world. In this episode, Michael K. Warne, AAMS®, and Tracy Powell-Warne talk about entrepreneurship, reserve management, governance, leadership, and the evolution of Colorado public finance with Ben Mendenhall, Managing Director of Centennial Government Advisors and operator of the Centennial State Liquid Investment Pool (CSLIP). Mike, Tracy, and Ben discuss: * Why governance and strong reserve policies are critical for Colorado municipalities and special districts * The fear of change that many finance directors and boards face when evaluating reserve management options * How entrepreneurship impacts leadership, family life, decision-making, and long-term vision * Why humility, patience, and discipline matter when building something from the ground up * The importance of serving taxpayers through relationship-driven public finance practices instead of transactional models * And more! Connect with Michael K. Warne: * Synergy Capital [https://synergy-colorado.com/] * LinkedIn: Michael K. Warne [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikewarne/] * mike@synergy-colorado.com * Phone: (970) 837-3088 Connect with Tracy Powell-Warne: * Synergy Capital [https://synergy-colorado.com/] * LinkedIn: Tracy Powell-Warne [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-powell-warne-9b1b02162/] * tracy@synergy-colorado.com [tracy@synergycolorado.com] * Phone: (970) 837-3088 Connect with Ben Mendenhall: * LinkedIn: Centennial Government Advisors [https://www.linkedin.com/company/centennial-government-advisors-llc/] * LinkedIn: Ben Mendenhall [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-mendenhall/] * Website: https://cslip.org [https://cslip.org] About our Guest: Ben Mendenhall is the Managing Director of Centennial Government Advisors and the operator of the Centennial State Liquid Investment Pool (CSLIP). A Colorado native with nearly two decades of experience in public finance, Ben has worked across institutional bond trading, local government investment advisory, and investment pool oversight. Throughout his career, he has partnered with municipalities, counties, school districts, and special districts across Colorado to support reserve management, governance, and investment strategy. Ben launched Centennial Government Advisors in 2024 with a focus on delivering relationship-driven service, operational transparency, and long-term stewardship for Colorado public entities.

The Purpose Behind Synergy Capital (Ep. 2)

What happens when you step away from big institutions and build something intentionally from the ground up? This episode pulls back the curtain on the purpose, pressure, and partnerships behind Synergy Capital. In this episode, Michael K. Warne, AAMS®, and Tracy Powell-Warne talk about the story behind Synergy Capital, why the firm was created, and how their approach to serving both private clients and public entities is different by design. Mike and Tracy discussed: * How the name “Synergy” came to life and what it represents * The early days of building the firm and what organized chaos really looked like * Why serving Colorado towns and special districts became a core focus * The difference between supporting private clients and managing public reserve assets * How trust, relationships, and long-term thinking shape their work * And more! Connect with Michael K. Warne: * Synergy Capital [https://synergy-colorado.com/] * LinkedIn: Michael K. Warne [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikewarne/] * mike@synergy-colorado.com * Phone: (970) 837-3088 Connect with Tracy Powell-Warne: * Synergy Capital [https://synergy-colorado.com/] * LinkedIn: Tracy Powell-Warne [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-powell-warne-9b1b02162/] * tracy@synergy-colorado.com [tracy@synergycolorado.com] * Phone: (970) 837-3088

Where Partnership Meets Purpose: How Synergy Capital Came to Life (Ep. 1)

Every successful firm has a story, but Synergy Capital’s began long before the business ever existed. It’s a journey shaped by two careers, two personalities, and one shared mission: to serve Colorado leaders with clarity and purpose. In this first episode of Untapped Synergy, listeners meet Michael K. Warne, AAMS®, and Tracy Powell-Warne, the founders of Synergy Capital. They share their backgrounds, the experiences that shaped their careers, and the personal story behind the firm. Tracy discusses her upbringing in Colorado, her career in banking, and her discovery of a passion for entrepreneurship. Mike reflects on his early work in engineering, the job loss that altered his path, and the mentors who helped him grow in the financial services industry. Mike and Tracy discuss: * How they each found their way into the finance industry * What it was like to transition careers during uncertain times * How they met, reconnected, and built a life together * What it means to work as a married team with separate strengths * The vision and purpose behind launching Synergy Capital * Why they care deeply about serving Colorado leaders, districts, and business owners * And more! This opening episode sets the tone for the conversations ahead. It offers a warm and honest look at the people behind the firm and the mission that guides their work. Listen to the full episode to get to know Tracy and Mike and hear the story behind Synergy Capital. Connect with Michael K. Warne: * Synergy Capital [https://synergy-colorado.com/] * LinkedIn: Michael K. Warne [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikewarne/] * mike@synergy-colorado.com * Phone: (970) 837-3088 Connect with Tracy Powell-Warne: * Synergy Capital [https://synergy-colorado.com/] * LinkedIn: Tracy Powell-Warne [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-powell-warne-9b1b02162/] * tracy@synergy-colorado.com [tracy@synergycolorado.com] * Phone: (970) 837-3088 About the Hosts: Michael Warne is the strategic visionary behind Synergy Capital of Colorado, bringing over two decades of experience in asset management, tax strategy, and estate planning. His background is in industrial engineering, where he discovered his passion for Kaizen—continuous improvement—which forms the backbone of Synergy Capital’s approach to refining and optimizing your financial plan. With a disciplined upbringing as an “Army kid” and his own military service as a Crew Chief on a US Air Force KC-135, Michael combines precision with a passion for finance and technology, guiding clients through the complexities of capital markets. Michael has called Colorado home since 2000, while his wife, Tracy, and their daughters are Colorado natives.  You can find Mike traveling Europe, enjoying Formula 1 racing, and recharging on St. John, USVI. His professional mission is to guide clients through their financial journey, helping them achieve financial success with confidence and security. Tracy Warne co-founded Synergy Capital of Colorado, where she brings a results-driven approach to enhancing clients’ financial well-being. Armed with a BS in Business and Communication from Arizona State University and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and Change Management from Colorado State University, Tracy’s expertise is rooted in a strong educational background and a successful 12-year career in finance. Her leadership roles, including branch management at Wells Fargo, highlight her ability to guide clients toward their financial goals. Tracy’s commitment to the community is evident in her service on local nonprofit boards. Outside of work, her passion for travel, literature, and culinary arts—paired with her Level 2 Sommelier certification—adds a sophisticated touch to client events, blending expertise with a personal connection.

Untapped Synergy Coming Soon

Welcome to Untapped Synergy, the podcast from Synergy Capital designed for Colorado’s public finance leaders and visionary business owners. Join Tracy and Mike Warne as they explore the intersection of leadership, financial strategy, and the peaks and valleys of long-term success. Through candid conversations and real-world case studies, you’ll uncover practical insights, strategic frameworks, and solutions that can drive confident decisions and resilient growth. If you’re leading with purpose and ready to unlock new potential, Untapped Synergy is your strategic advantage.