Articles

Why We Like (some) Small Companies

Why We Like (some) Small Companies

We love investing in companies that offer clear paths for growth at cheap prices today with great management teams. It’s how our minds are wired, and we are always on the hunt for new, undiscovered opportunities. 

We have recently increased our focus on looking for smaller, undiscovered, and cheap companies to add to portfolios. The “small” part is the newest edition to our process, and we believe there is a ton of value to be found in companies that are below Wall Street’s investment radar, companies they can’t invest in.

A Summer Guide to Kids and Money

A Summer Guide to Kids and Money

As summer is upon us, many of us including myself are trying to figure out what to do with the kids. By now, most of the major activities/camps are scheduled, but what about the rest of the time? I am sure video games, basketball or other activities are at the top of their list, but what else could we be encouraging our kids to do? The research is pretty compelling: they should start a business!

Investing in the Future

Investing in the Future

Founded by Nick Fisher (Portfolio Manager, Pilot Wealth Management) and his wife Maurissa, Young Entrepreneurs Business Week (YEBW) was started in 2005 with a simple vision— to host a summer camp where Oregon high school students could get inspired and learn how to become leaders in the world of business. We were excited when 26 students attended our first Business Week on the campus of the University of Portland, and had high hopes the program would grow in the coming years. Little did we know just how many students we would be able to reach, not only in Oregon, but also from across the country and even internationally!

The Business of Real Estate

The Business of Real Estate

Our goal as a Registered Investment Advisor is to provide our clients with the best risk adjusted returns in the pursuit of achieving their goals. We try to be agnostic regarding how investors achieve their return and many of our clients invest in real estate as part of their overall strategy. Many we have spoken with recently are increasingly cautious when it comes to acquiring new real estate investments. This is a result of either prices being too high relative to potential rents and/or a worry about the Federal Reserve’s change in monetary policy. So, how worried should we be? Do high prices and higher interest rates justify caution?

Equifax Data Breach: How to Protect Yourself

Equifax Data Breach: How to Protect Yourself

Because we didn’t have enough to worry about already, earlier this week we learned of a massive data breach at Equifax, one of the nation’s three major credit reporting agencies. Hackers stole names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and in some instances driver’s license numbers and credit card numbers.In light of this unprecedented breach, we want to provide you with the necessary information to lessen your risk of being a victim of identity theft:

Venture Backed Unicorns May Be As Much As 50% Overvalued

Venture Backed Unicorns May Be As Much As 50% Overvalued

Venture capital has become an important driver of the economy and investment returns for many institutions. Even mutual funds have joined the party with the likes of Fidelity and T. Rowe Price having acquired the shares of pre-IPO companies in the private market within their mutual fund products. Now we are finding that these highly valued, venture backed companies may be as much as 50% overvalued.

The Messy, Perilous Journey: Why You Must Read "Shoe Dog"

The Messy, Perilous Journey: Why You Must Read "Shoe Dog"

I’ve long been of the opinion that emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the hardest skills to acquire. But with it, it’s a heck of a lot easier to admit what you don’t know. And ask for help. And seek out mentors, advisors, and people smarter than yourself. To share your dream with others and then trust they can help you figure out how to execute it. Phil Knight’s EQ is on full display throughout the founding of Nike and in his candor retelling the story some 50+ years later.

Note from Nick Fisher

Note from Nick Fisher

Living outside the hustle and bustle of the city on a small farm has its advantages. Besides making it easier to tire our two active young boys, we are also fortunate enough to have the space to grow plenty of fruits and vegetables to cook with and eat. Farming opens up a whole new world of learning, which is truly my favorite pastime.It is also far removed from the temptations and new trends of Wall Street, an absolute imperative for an independent advisor.