Matthew is a portfolio manager of private client accounts at Pekin Hardy, and he also manages the firm’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) research and shareholder advocacy efforts. Matthew works closely with clients to help them articulate their financial goals and constructs comprehensive financial plans to help them achieve those goals, all while ensuring that each client’s portfolio is aligned with his or her personal values and risk tolerance. Matthew strives to be a trusted source of unbiased guidance for his clients in all their financial matters.
As the firm’s Director of ESG Research, Matthew is responsible for overseeing the application of ESG analysis in the firm’s research. This information plays an integral role in the firm’s efforts to tailor client portfolios such that they reflect each client’s unique values. Matthew also leads the firm’s shareholder advocacy efforts, engaging directly with the management teams of portfolio companies in order to ensure that they are managed responsibly and sustainably to the benefit of all stakeholders.
As a result of his deep expertise in sustainable, responsible, and impact (SRI) investing, Matthew has become a respected voice in the SRI community, speaking at conferences and serving on expert panels around the country. Matthew is an outspoken advocate for using business as a force for good and is highly active in the Chicago B Corp community.
Prior to joining Pekin Hardy, Matthew worked as an investment advisor for Cornerstone Asset Management, and prior to that, as a systems engineer for a large government contractor. Matthew is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder and is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Chicago. He also holds the Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC) designation. He is also a frequent contributor to Nasdaq.com, where he writes on matters of personal finance and investing.
Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter and their dog. Matthew is a nationally competitive distance runner, competing primarily at the half marathon and marathon distances, and was a 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier. He also enjoys cycling and traveling. Matthew is very active in the Chicago running community and serves as a coach for Team One Step, a Chicago Marathon charity team that raises money to send children with cancer to summer camp.
Hometown: Logansport, IN
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Valparaiso University
Member: Tau Beta Pi engineering honor society
Master of Business Administration, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management
Industry Licenses and Designations
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder
- Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC)
- FINRA Series 7
- FINRA Series 66
Selected Writing and Interviews
- A Beginner’s Guide to Socially Responsible Investing, Harvard Business Review, 2021
- Making Smart Investments: A Beginner’s Guide, Harvard Business Review, 2021
- Value vs. Growth Investing: A Primer, Nasdaq.com, 2021
- Active vs. Passive Investing – Which is Right for You?, Nasdaq.com, 2021
- Life Insurance: A Risk Mitigation Tool that Should Not Be Considered an Investment, Pekin Hardy Strauss, 2015
Email: Matt@pekinhardy.com
