Ballast Equity Management, a registered investment advisor appointed David Mertens as Partner and Head of Business Development. David’s experience in multiple channels of product distribution, including institutional investors, family offices and investment advisors will help grow firm’s assets.

Adding Dave to our team ensures that we can focus on our strengths while he builds bridges to current and new clients

Speaking about his new role, Mertens, comments, “Twenty years ago, I had the pleasure to work with Jeff and Randy as we grew what became the Janus Perkins Small and Mid Cap Value Funds. Their diligence as investors has grown and their passion for delivering results to their clients is undiminished”.

With a rich experience of over 35 years in investment industry, David was the Managing Director of Jensen Investment Management in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Prior to that, he held roles of Senior Vice President at Berger Financial Group and President at Berger Distributors. Currently, he serves as an Independent Trustee for the Advisors Series Trust.

Welcoming David to the team, Jeff Kautz, Co-founder & CEO, says, “Randy and I are focused on investment research and on building successful investment portfolios. Adding Dave to our team ensures that we can focus on our strengths while he builds bridges to current and new clients”.

Founded in 2016, Ballast Equity Management is headquartered at Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. Ballast serves investors seeking ownership of high conviction portfolios of quality small and mid-capitalization businesses. Led by experienced professionals who are passionate about investing alongside and serving clients in an independent, employee-owned firm, Ballast strives to deliver a smoother ride in good markets and bad, seeking to help clients reach long-term investment goals.