Our investment team includes analysts who are research-driven, analytical, contrarian, value-oriented, independent, and intellectually honest. To generate attractive investment returns for our shareholders, our team works hard every day uncovering and exploring new ideas, challenging one another's investment theses, and following existing portfolio companies.

Adam Strauss, CFA, Portfolio Manager

Prior to joining the adviser in 2004, Adam worked in several operating roles, as Sr. Vice President of Corporate Development at EquipNet, Inc., a solutions provider that helped manufacturers redeploy and recycle surplus equipment. He also worked as VP of Strategy and Business Development at Frontier Natural Products Coop, an organic food manufacturer. Today, Adam serves as President of Frontier’s Board of Directors. Adam began his career as a Management Consultant, at Gemini Consulting and, prior to that, at Andersen Consulting. Adam earned a BA and MBA from Stanford University.

Billy Pekin, CFA, Portfolio Manager

Prior to joining the adviser in 2001, Billy was an Associate in Investment Banking at Credit Suisse in Chicago and worked as an Investment Banker and fixed income Research Analyst at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ) in New York. Billy began his career at MetLife Investment Management Corp. He earned a BA from Haverford College and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Joshua Strauss, CFA, Portfolio Manager

Prior to joining the adviser in 2004, Josh served as Director of Business Development at Color Kinetics, a pioneer in energy-efficient LED lighting systems and now a division of Philips Electronics. He began his career as a Research Analyst at Shearman & Sterling and, prior to that, at Markowitz & McNaughton. Josh earned a B.A. in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Ronald Strauss, CFA, Portfolio Manager

Ron joined the advisor in 2000 and became its President in 2004. Prior to joining the advisor, Ron formed Ardmore Partners, an investment advisory firm, and jointly managed Sirius Partners, an investment partnership. Ron was also a General Partner at William Blair & Company, where he worked as a Securities Analyst. Prior to his role at William Blair, Ronald was a General Partner at Mesirow and Co. where he became the firm’s Director of Research. Ron began his career as an Analyst in Montgomery Ward’s Corporate Research Department. He received a BS in history from the University of Wisconsin and an MBA from New York University.

Rick Singer, CFA, Portfolio Manager

Rick co-founded the advisor in 1990 after serving as VP-Investments at Mesirow and Co. Rick also served as a research analyst and investment executive at Mesirow. Rick began his career in the securities industry in the investment departments of The Northern Trust Company and Chicago Title and Trust. Rick received a B.S. in Economics from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of California at Los Angeles.

Neeraj Bahl, CFA

Neeraj joined the advisor in 2008, prior to which, he spent 17 years working in in the energy sector. In his most recent role, Neeraj worked in BP’s Integrated Supply and Trading Organization as an Oil Asset Trader. Neeraj has worked in various operating roles at BP and at Amoco Oil Company. Neeraj received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Ron Chan, CPA

Prior to joining the advisor in 2010, Ron worked in several accounting and finance roles. Ron worked in the Mergers & Acquisitions group at KPMG where he advised private equities and major public corporations on financial transactions. Ron started his career with Ernst & Young in New York, working on audit, tax, and internal control engagements for Fortune 500 companies. Ron received a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Washington, a Masters of Accounting from the University of Washington, and an MBA from the University of Chicago.