As a very active writer in the financial world, he delivers his thoughts and views to us through Seeking Alpha contribution and his website, TheBurningPlatform.

“My goal is to provide my readers with a wide eyed view of the world. I will concentrate on social and economic issues that I feel are important to the country. My commentary will be blunt and pointed. The country needs people to see things as they are, not as they wish them to be.”

In our recent interview, he shared his thoughts on Peak Oil, which is a popular topic even now after the fall of oil prices in the past year.

“Jim, can you tell us how your career transformed from the early days to now?”

My background was originally accounting. I graduated from Drexel University with a degree in Accounting and did the two years in an accounting firm while getting my CPA. I worked as a controller and eventually ended up with IKEA in 1989 as Manager of Reporting. I went to Villanova University at night to get my MBA and by 1993 was the Treasurer for IKEA North America. This is where my interest in economic markets and retail markets really took off. I wrote many reports regarding the economy and competitive landscape for IKEA. From 1999 through 2004 I was responsible for strategic planning and placement of new stores in the US and Canada. Today, I’m responsible for strategic planning at an Ivy League University. My writing is a side interest that keeps me busy on weekends and nights.

“What were some of the valuable lessons learned throughout your growth?”

I’ve learned that there is no substitute for hard work, research, and a realistic view of the world. The biggest mistakes I’ve seen made were when people ignored the facts, used pie in the sky assumptions, and wasted millions of their corporation’s dollars on projects that were destined to fail. Huge egos and agendas that don’t match the facts are a devastating combination. I learned finances from the ground up. I understand balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. This knowledge is essential when judging the stability of corporations. A skeptical nature also comes in handy.

“In the recent years, universities saw an increased number of applicants as unemployment rose.  Has this impacted your planning in any way as a senior strategic director of a major university?”

What we’ve found is that in many ways a major university is countercyclical. This past year we received the largest number of applications in our history. Many people are attempting to ride out two years in an MBA program rather than enter the job market. We had the largest MBA class in history. This has helped offset serious reductions in our Executive Education program, as corporations have dramatically cut back on training budgets. Our alumni giving has also seen a large decline. We have proactively reduced costs and scaled back capital projects in order to weather these difficult times.

“You’ve recently published an article summarizing the opportunities in oil.   Now in your mind, when do you see as the right timing to start investing in commodities again? Would other factors like the dollar movements start to play a role here?”

I think there is more danger in the oil story than opportunity. I believe we reached peak oil production in 2005. The current worldwide recession has masked this fact as demand has declined. Recently, demand has begun to pick up. The world will be shocked in the next two years when production begins to lag behind demand. The initial result will be higher prices, topping $100 a barrel again. When shortages begin to materialize, panic and turmoil are likely to be the result. Our society cannot function without cheap oil. The US suburban sprawl way of life will be shattered by oil shortages. Food prices will also soar.

From an investment perspective, the prices of all commodities will be much higher in the next few years. The dollar will continue to fall as US budget deficits run out of control. The next 10 years will be seriously challenging and fraught with danger.

When it comes to oil, Jim is not the only one sharing the same concern.  If you’re looking for the next investment opportunities, do some homework and learn about what the experts are seeing.  Thanks Jim for sharing your story.