Highlights! Ironwood at Schwab IMPACT 2024

The Schwab IMPACT 2024 conference once again proved to be a premier event for financial professionals, and Ironwood Investment Management, LLC was proud to attend as a thought leader in the small-cap investment management space. This year’s conference provided a wealth of opportunities to connect, learn, and engage with industry peers while delving into emerging trends shaping the future of investment management. Our participation at Schwab IMPACT 2024 comes on the heels of our attendance at FutureProof in Huntington Beach, CA.

Continued Thought Leadership and Commitment to Lasting Connections

Ironwood’s attendance at Schwab IMPACT 2024 showcases our dedication to staying ahead of industry trends, maintaining long-standing relationships, and forging new connections. Conferences like Schwab IMPACT allow us to exchange ideas with other innovators, deepen our understanding of market dynamics, and remain attuned to the evolving needs of advisors and investors. With decades of experience in the small-cap space, Ironwood’s presence at events like these reinforces our role as a trusted partner and thought leader in navigating the complexities of small-cap investing.

Hot Theme: AI in Investment Management

One of the key themes at this year’s conference was the continued influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the investment management landscape. Firms are leveraging AI to streamline operations, reduce servicing costs, and enhance client service. From using predictive analytics to identify market trends to automating routine tasks, AI is reshaping how firms interact with clients and manage portfolios.

For Ironwood, AI represents an opportunity to  refine our client-service processes without compromising the hands-on approach that defines us. While AI provides valuable tools for efficiency, we believe it is best complemented by the expertise, judgment, and intuition of seasoned investment professionals. See more about our views on Ethical AI here.

Active Management: Essential in Small Caps

While ETFs and index funds continue to dominate industry discussions, we at Ironwood believe in the critical role active management can play in the small-cap sector. Small-cap stocks often operate in niche markets with limited coverage, creating inefficiencies that active managers can exploit. Additionally, volatility can play a larger role in the market movement of small cap stocks, which is a trend we believe can benefit us as an active manager.

Ironwood’s rigorous, research-driven approach ensures we uncover and capitalize on opportunities that passively managed funds may miss. By focusing on “High IQ” companies—those with strong management, sound financials, and promising growth potential—we deliver strategies that prioritize long-term success over one-size-fits-all solutions. We believe our active approach and philosophy can be particularly impactful in the small-cap sector, where nuanced insights and timely decisions can yield superior results. 

Looking Ahead

Schwab IMPACT 2024 reinforced the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and innovation in today’s dynamic investment landscape. Ironwood remains committed to leveraging cutting-edge insights, building strong relationships, and staying true to our core philosophy. With over two decades of experience and a lasting track record in the small cap space, we’re excited to launch into 2025.

As always, we are grateful for the chance to connect with industry peers, share our expertise, and gain new perspectives. Together, we look forward to another year of driving success for our clients in the ever-dynamic small-cap market.

Deepen Your Small-Cap Expertise with Ironwood

Schwab IMPACT 2024 highlighted the evolving landscape of investment management. Consider partnering with Ironwood Investment Management, LLC to navigate this complexity and deliver exceptional client results. We offer:

  • Proven Small-Cap Strategies: Access our actively managed, research-driven strategies to identify high-potential small-cap companies.
  • Dedicated Advisor Support: Benefit from our commitment to building long-term relationships with advisors, providing personalized support and resources to help you succeed.
  • Thought Leadership and Insights: Stay informed with our latest research, market commentary, and insights on the small-cap market.

Want to learn more about how Ironwood can help you achieve your clients’ investment goals?

Connect with an Ironwood representative today!

Contact Ironwood Today!

PERFORMANCE DATA AND DISCLOSURES

Performance Statistics as of 9/30/2024

Ironwood Investment Management®, LLC (Ironwood) is an independently managed investment advisory firm providing investment advisory services to institutional clients, mutual funds and high-net-worth clients.  The firm is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. SEC Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Accounts in the Small Cap Core composite include separately managed, fully discretionary, fee-paying portfolios.  Portfolios are invested in undervalued securities, the  majority of which will have market capitalizations under $2.5 billion at cost, including securities with growth and/or value characteristics.  Securities are considered  undervalued when management believes the current share price does not  accurately reflect the long-term economic value of the underlying company. Ironwood Investment Management, LLC claims compliance with the Global          Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®) and has prepared and presented this report in compliance with the GIPS standards. Ironwood Investment Management, LLC has been independently verified for the periods January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2021. A firm that claims compliance with the GIPS standards must establish policies and procedures for complying with all the applicable requirements of the GIPS standards. Verification provides assurance on whether the firm’s policies and procedures related to composite and pooled fund maintenance, as well as the calculation, presentation, and distribution of performance, have been designed in compliance with the GIPS standards and have been implemented on a firm-wide basis.  The Small Cap Core composite has had a performance examination for the periods July 1, 2002 to December 31, 2021.  The verification and performance examination reports are available upon request. GIPS® is a registered trademark of CFA Institute.  CFA  Institute does not endorse or promote this organization, nor does it warrant the accuracy or quality of the content contained herein. The creation date of the composite:  July 2002. Performance inception date of the composite: January 1, 1999. Prior to July 2002, portfolios were included in the composite when at least 75% of the portfolio was invested in equity securities and when at least 75% of the portfolio was invested according to the investment style of the composite. Subsequent to July, 2002, portfolios are included in the composite after the first full month of being fully invested.  Returns are presented gross and net of management fees and include the reinvestment of all income. Net  returns are calculated based on the highest fee of 1.00%. Investment management fees are 1.00% on the first $25 million, 0.90% on the next $25 million, 0.80% on the next $50 million, and 0.75% over $100 million on an annual basis and a client’s return will be reduced by these and   other related expenses. The actual fee charged to an individual  portfolio may vary by size and type of portfolio and may be negotiated. Actual investment advisory fees incurred by  clients may vary. The Russell 2000 Index consists of the 2000 smallest stocks in the Russell 3000 Index that represents approximately 8% of the U.S. equity market capitalization.  The indices have been reconstituted annually since 1989. Ironwood returns and Index performance reflect reinvested interest income and dividends, in U.S. dollars. A list of composite descriptions and a list of limited   distribution pooled fund descriptions are available upon request. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Policies for valuing investments, calculating performance and preparing GIPS Reports are available upon request. Prior to May 2006, the Firm was known as Ironwood Capital Management, LLC.

Copyright © 2024 Ironwood Investment Management, LLC | All Rights Reserved.

John Grady

Research & Operations Associate

As Research & Operations Associate, John assists the equity research effort in support of the portfolio managers and works closely with the operations department. Prior to joining the Ironwood team in 2023, John earned his BA in Psychology, from the University of Denver. While studying, John developed several business plans for small businesses in the Denver area for a capstone project for his business minor. Prior to joining Ironwood, John was developing his research skills through an apprenticeship by regularly meeting with management teams, attending investor conferences, and developing investment theses.

Cameron Marshall

Trading & Research Associate

As a Trading & Research Associate, Cameron is responsible for investment portfolio trading and operations as well as conducting equity research in support of the portfolio managers. Prior to joining the Ironwood team in 2022, Cameron earned his BA in Economics, with a minor in Mandarin, from the University of New Hampshire. While studying, Cam held several internships working with investment teams across asset classes in both private and public markets. An active member of his community, Cam has contributed his time and energy to charities including Best Buddies International, Be Positive for CHaD Kids, and Positive Tracks.

Alyssa Wade

Director of Client Relationships

Alyssa Wade is the Director of Client Relationships and assists in the Marketing Department at Ironwood Investment Management, LLC®. Prior to joining Ironwood, Alyssa worked at Boston Technologies and Regan Communications Group. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Regina Wiedenski

Co-Portfolio Manager
Value Investment Partners (VIP) Strategies

Regina Wiedenski is Co-Portfolio Manager for the VIP strategies at Ironwood Investment Management, LLC®. Ms. Wiedenski has an MS in Management with a concentration in finance from the Sloan School at M.I.T. and a BS from M.I.T. Prior to joining Ironwood to manage VIP portfolios, she was a Portfolio Manager at J.L. Kaplan Associates. Previously she was an equity analyst at Advest, Inc. and had spent nine years as an analyst at Adams, Harkness & Hill covering healthcare, specialty chemical, instrumentation and publishing companies. She began her career as a financial analyst at Morgan Stanley.

Paul Weisman

Co-Portfolio Manager
Value Investment Partners (VIP) Strategies

Paul Weisman is Co-Portfolio Manager for the Value Investment Partners (VIP) strategies at Ironwood Investment Management, LLC®. Mr. Weisman has an MA in Industrial Organization (Applied Microeconomics) from Boston University and a BA from Haverford College. Prior to joining Ironwood as the head of the V.I.P. team in 2009, Mr. Weisman was Chief Investment Officer at J.L. Kaplan Associates which he joined in 1986. From 1983 to 1986 he was an investment analyst at Delphi Management.

Ravi Jain, Ph.D., CFA

Partner

Ravi Jain, Ph.D., CFA is a Partner at Ironwood Investment Management, LLC®. Dr. Jain has a Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Missouri Columbia (doctoral thesis on corporate spinoffs), a Master of Finance and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Delhi. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA). Dr. Jain is an Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Massachusetts Lowell where his research focuses on capital markets and corporate finance.

Warren Isabelle

Portfolio Manager

Warren Isabelle, CFA is a Portfolio Manager at Ironwood Investment Management, LLC®. Prior to forming Ironwood Investment Management, LLC® in 1997, Warren was the Head of Domestic Equities at Pioneer Management Company and the Portfolio Manager of more than $3 billion in small cap assets including the Pioneer Capital Growth Fund (later renamed Pioneer Mid-Cap Value Fund), Pioneer Small Company Fund and several institutional portfolios. Warren has received national attention for his research efforts and results.  He has also appeared in feature articles in Barron’s, Business Week, Forbes, Fortune, Money and The Wall Street Journal and has appeared on “Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser.” Prior to joining Pioneer, Warren was an Analyst at The Hartford Insurance Company.  He earned a BS in Chemistry from Lowell Technological Institute, an MS in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, and an MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Paul Anderson

Executive Managing Partner

Paul Anderson, CFA is Executive Managing Partner of and leads investor relations, business development and management activities for Ironwood and is a member of the management committee.  Paul joined Ironwood in December 2020 after 12 years at Natixis Investment Managers where he developed and led the U.S. institutional distribution group at Natixis Distributors L.P. Over the course of his 30 years in the industry, Paul has held roles in investment research, sales and management.  Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of New Hampshire, and an MBA from Vanderbilt University.  He is a member of the Committee on Investor Responsibility at UNH advising the UNH Foundation on sustainable investment practices.

Linkedin

Shantelle Reidy

Executive Managing Partner
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Compliance Officer

Shantelle Reidy is Executive Managing Partner and the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer for Ironwood Investment Management, LLC®. Shantelle is a member of the management committee and has served Ironwood in various capacities since joining the firm in 1998, including as Executive Director of Trading and Operations from 2001 to 2014. Prior to joining Ironwood, Shantelle was an Investor Relations Analyst at Talbots, Inc. where she conducted research for the company and managed the firm’s communication with investment analysts. Shantelle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Boston University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Finance from the Boston University School of Management.

Donald Collins, CFA

Executive Managing Partner
Portfolio Manager

Donald Collins, CFA is an Executive Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager at Ironwood Investment Management, LLC® and is a member of the management committee. Prior to joining Ironwood in 1998, Don was a portfolio manager with Boston Advisors where he managed portfolios for institutions and high net worth clients.  During his tenure at Boston Advisors, Don participated in the management of the Advest Advantage family of mutual funds and managed the Advantage Special Fund.  Don began his career as a Manager for Burgess & Leith.  He earned his BA in Geology from Boston University and studied at the Boston University School of Business.  In addition, Don is the Director and Investment Committee Chairman for the Abelard Foundation, Chairman and Commissioner of Trust Funds for the Town of Lincoln, MA and Director and Chief Financial Officer at Igan Biosciences.

Linkedin