Bill Pekin, CFA

SVP & Portfolio Manager

Bill has been a Portfolio Manager at Pekin Hardy Strauss Wealth Management for nearly 20 years. He is a Shareholder of the firm and is a member of the Management Committee. Bill oversees investments for individuals, families, foundations, retirement plans, and institutions. He works closely with clients to create customized financial plans and investment portfolios that match their goals and needs. Bill and his team act as fiduciaries and provide a high level of thoughtful, personalized service. Bill has helped advise his clients on many aspects of their financial lives, including buy/sell of businesses, proper insurance coverage, and various financing needs. In addition, he is a founder and co-portfolio manager of the Appleseed Fund (APPIX/APPLX), an open-end mutual fund with an opportunistic value approach adhering to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

Prior to joining the firm, Bill served in various roles in investment banking, investment research, and marketing for Credit Suisse, Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ), and MetLife Investment Management Co., respectively.

Bill resides in Wilmette, IL with his wife and children. When he’s not out walking his 85 lb. yellow Lab, Bill can be found running, reading, gardening, or practicing yoga. He is the Board Treasurer of Inspiration Corp. and a coach and volunteer at the Oz Park Baseball Association. He is also active in the Chicago Jewish community, serving on the board of directors of Congregation Sukkat Shalom and of the JCC of Chicago.

Hometown: Wilmette, IL

EducationBachelor of Arts in History from Haverford College and Master of Business Administration in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania

Industry Licenses and Designations: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Selected Writing and Interviews

Email: [email protected]

 

 

APPLESEED FUND DISCLOSURE

You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund, and should be read carefully before investing. You may obtain a current copy of the Fund’s prospectus by calling 1-800-470-1029.

There is no guarantee that the vehicles presented will succeed; and investment results may vary. Bonds are affected by a number of risks, including fluctuations in interest rates, credit risk, and prepayment risk. Alternative Private Investments, such as REIT’s and real-estate related securities involve special risks. such as limited liquidity and interest rates risk. Investors in alternative investments should bear in mind that these products can be highly speculative and may not be suitable for all clients. Investments in commodities may be affected by overall market movements, changes in interest rates, and other factors, such as weather disease, embargoes, and international economic and political developments.

The universe of acceptable investments for the Fund may be limited as compared to other funds due to the Fund’s ESG investment screening. Because the Fund does not invest in companies that do not meet its ESG criteria, and the Fund may sell portfolio companies that subsequently violate its screens, the Fund may be riskier than other mutual funds that invest in a broader array of securities. Although the Pekin Hardy believes that the Fund can achieve its investment objective within the parameters of ESG investing, eliminating certain securities as investments may have an adverse effect on the Fund’s performance.

The Fund’s past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment in the Fund will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling 1-800-470-1029.

The Fund is managed by Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. an SEC registered investment firm dedicated to value investing. For more information, visit www.appleseedfund.com.

The Appleseed Fund is distributed by Ultimus Fund Distributors, LLC. (member FINRA)