Better Together: Ironwood + Schwab: a Force in Small Cap Investing

Ironwood Investment Management, LLC and Charles Schwab have built an enduring 25-year partnership in the small cap investment management industry. Since 1999, at the inception of Ironwood’s flagship product, the Small Cap Core Strategy (SCC), we have partnered with Schwab for their leading custodial products and services. We have forged a robust partnership spanning over 330 accounts and $140M in Assets Under Management (AUM). Additionally, the Ironwood Schwab Small Cap product is available on the Schwab Managed Account Marketplace®, which makes investing with Ironwood a seamless experience for existing advisors using the Schwab platform. This multi-decade partnership demonstrates how two aligned organizations can create exceptional outcomes for our clients.

Ironwood: A Trusted Leader in Small-Cap Investing

Ironwood Investment Management brings a disciplined and research-driven approach to small-cap investing. Our flagship Small Cap Core Strategy is guided by a time-tested philosophy of identifying “High I-Q” (High Ironwood Quality) companies – those with exceptional management, strong financials, sustainable business models, and market-leading positions. This approach enables our expert team to find undervalued gems in the small-cap universe, delivering the potential for long-term wealth creation. With a nearly three-decade track record, Ironwood has demonstrated a consistent ability to navigate the complexities of the small-cap market while maintaining a commitment to tax efficiency, ethical practices, and client-centric service.

Furthermore,  a low-turnover approach in the SCC Strategy may reduce tax liabilities for investors. Ironwood also pursues tax-loss harvesting strategies to potentially mitigate after-tax returns. Our dedication to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into the investment process highlights a focus on sustainability and responsible investing—qualities that resonate deeply with modern investors. These attributes position Ironwood as a premier partner for those seeking growth and stability in the dynamic small-cap market.

Schwab Managed Account Marketplace®

Easily integrate managed accounts into your firm’s offering: Schwab Managed Account Marketplace® was custom-built for Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs). Schwab’s experienced service and operations teams provide support, while their consulting group focuses on providing the information you need to make thoughtful decisions on money managers and investment strategies.

(text above from advisorservices.schwab.com)

A Shared Commitment to Quality

Ironwood’s focus on quality and longevity aligns with Schwab’s core values of serving clients ethically, constantly improving the client experience, and being good stewards. Schwab’s reputation for reliability and innovation enhances Ironwood’s ability to deliver exceptional service to its clients. By offering Ironwood on the Schwab Managed Account Marketplace®, Schwab enables advisors and investors to access Ironwood’s SCC Strategy and expertise with ease. This partnership simplifies the investment process, allowing Schwab advisors to introduce clients to a proven small-cap strategy without unnecessary friction.

Proven Performance and Accessibility

Since its inception, the Ironwood Small Cap Core Strategy has delivered a 12% annual return gross of fees and 251 basis points of alpha per annum versus the Russell 2000 index, showcasing our team’s ability to generate returns in the Small Cap space. This performance is a testament to our disciplined investment process and deep understanding of market dynamics. For Schwab advisors and clients, Ironwood’s inclusion on the Managed Account Marketplace® provides an easy route to access this top-tier strategy.

With a 25-year partnership history, over 330 accounts, and $140 million in assets under management, Ironwood has proven itself as a trusted partner for Schwab’s advisors. Ironwood’s client-centric approach – marked by high-touch services, accessibility, and a focus on achieving long-term goals – brings additional value to Schwab’s RIA clients and the Schwab platform.

The Power of Partnership

Together, Ironwood and Schwab offer a compelling value proposition. Ironwood’s ability to deliver strong small-cap strategies complements Schwab’s reputation as a trusted custodian. This partnership underscores the benefits of collaboration, providing clients with a seamless, efficient, and effective investment experience.

Especially with the fast-moving dynamics in today’s market, the Ironwood + Schwab partnership illustrates what two great firms can achieve together. For those seeking to navigate the intricacies of small-cap investing, this partnership offers a unique combination of expertise, accessibility, and long-term vision.

Contact Us To Learn More About Ironwood Schwab Small Cap Strategy

Contact Us Today

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