In this week’s episode of Dakota Live, Robert Morier sits down with Jennifer Mink, President of Investment Performance Services (IPS). With IPS advising on approximately $70 billion in assets—98% of which are Taft-Hartley (Union) plans—this conversation offers a rare masterclass on how to navigate the unique ecosystem of union pensions.

Jennifer takes us behind the curtain of IPS’s rigorous investment consulting practice, breaking down exactly how her team approaches manager research, due diligence, and the critical "finals" presentation.

If you are an asset manager looking to work with the Taft-Hartley community, this episode is essential listening. Jennifer explains why understanding the "people behind the pension" is just as important as the performance numbers.

We cover:

The Taft-Hartley Landscape: Understanding the specific needs of Union plans and why Defined Benefit plans remain the "Gold Standard" in this space.
The IPS Manager Research Process: How a manager goes from an initial email to an onsite visit, and finally, to the Investment Committee approved list.
The "Finals" Pitch: Jennifer reveals what works (and what doesn't) in that critical (and timed) presentation—including a cautionary tale about knowing your audience (the "Wegmans story").
Alternative Investments: The current appetite for Private Credit, the enduring role of Hedge Funds, and the specific ERISA fiduciary requirements managers must accept.
Building Trust: Why "calling people back" is a competitive edge and how to build long-term relationships with trustees.

Subscribe to the Dakota Live Podcast to stay ahead of the curve in institutional investing and investment sales. Whether you are focused onmanager research, mastering due diligenceprocesses, or navigating the complexities of Taft-Hartley pension funds, our interviews provide the inside track.

Join us as we unlock the strategies behind successfulasset allocation, explore the shift to private markets, and help you connect with the topinvestment consultants and decision-makers shaping the future of the industry.