About Berkshire Asset Management, LLC

Berkshire Asset Management, LLC (“Berkshire”) is located in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Berkshire Asset Management, Inc., (“Berkshire, Inc.”) was formed in 1986 as a registered investment advisor focused on US equity management for high-net-worth individuals and institutions.

Rather than solely focusing resources on marketing and raising as many assets as possible, Berkshire believes focusing on investment results, offering a limited number of strategies and communicating clearly with clients is the most rewarding way to grow our business. It is extremely important to us that our investors have a clear understanding of the key tenants of our philosophy and an appreciation of our firm’s culture.

Throughout the 1990’s, the firm grew in assets and reputation. By implementing a well-crafted investment philosophy, and providing quality service, the firm attracted attention as a boutique investment firm. In 1999, Berkshire, Inc. was sold to Legg Mason.

Seeking to once again have full control and autonomy over its strategic direction, senior leadership repurchased the firm in 2007, forming Berkshire. Berkshire is once again 100% employee owned and operated. The current investment team has worked cohesively since the mid-1990s, and the firm has experienced extremely low professional turnover throughout its entire history.

In 2009, Berkshire wished to capitalize on what it perceived as a multi-decade opportunity created by the financial crisis, particularly in high quality dividend paying stocks. Berkshire leveraged its existing reservoir of company research and large cap expertise and launched the Berkshire Dividend Growth Strategy. The strategy currently enjoys local and national reach through a select number of third-party distribution channels.

Most recently, in December2022, iM Global Partner, a global asset management network, made a strategic, non-controlling investment in Berkshire.

Rooted in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Berkshire has practiced timeless investment principles for decades… Investment principles that are “Always in Season”.

(Artist: Leigh Pawling Studio)

 

Berkshire Firm Level Disclosures and Documents

Berkshire Dividend Strategy 6.30.2023 GIPS Presentation
Berkshire Form ADV Part 3 Form CRS 3.31.2023
Berkshire Form ADV Part 2A 3.31.2023
Berkshire Form ADV Part 2B 3.31.2023
Berkshire Privacy Policy 5.15.2020

 

Berkshire Asset Management, LLC (“BAM”) is a Registered Investment Advisor under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Registration as an Investment Advisor does not imply any level of skill or training. *Berkshire Asset Management, Inc. was formed in 1986 as a SEC registered investment adviser. In 1999 the company was sold to Legg Mason. In 2007, senior leadership repurchased the firm, forming BAM. All information contained herein is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or offer to sell securities or investment advisory services. Access to BAM is only available to clients pursuant to an investment advisory agreement and accepting delivery of BAM’s Form ADV Part 2A, 2B, and 3. You are encouraged to read those documents carefully. BAM manages portfolios for individuals and institutions. All investing carries risk including risk of principal loss. No statement made herein shall construe investment advice. All statements made herein are opinions of BAM and subject to change. Berkshire assumes no responsibility towards the accuracy of the data included.

Employee owned and operated

Independent research and analysis

Consultant for high net worth individuals, institutions and retirement plans

Comprehensive and disciplined investment strategies

Methodical management of firm growth

Berkshire is a group of dedicated professionals committed to excellence. Our clients’ comfort and satisfaction is our greatest concern. We seek to build enduring, multi-generational portfolios and long lasting relationships.

Bios

Rachel Ames, CFA

Vice President, Trading and Portfolio Analyst


Education:

BS, George Washington University

CFA Charterholder

Experience:

Rachel has over 15 years of experience in portfolio management. Prior to joining Berkshire in September of 2019, she worked at various asset management companies in the Washington DC area. Most recently she served as Vice President of Portfolio Management with CBOE Vest. She also spent 14 years at ProShare Advisors, LLC in the role of Portfolio Manager. Rachel holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and a bachelor’s degree in Finance from George Washington University.

Kenneth J. Krogulski, CFA

Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer


Education:

BS, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
MBA, Wilkes University

CFA Charterholder

Experience:

Ken has 44 years of experience in security analysis and portfolio management. He joined Berkshire in 1990 after serving for 11 years as senior portfolio manager for the First Eastern Bank’s trust company. He is a director of Allied Services and Cumberland Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CPIX: NASDAQ).

Gerard Mihalick, CFA

Partner and Portfolio Manager


Education:

BA, Gettysburg College

CFA Charterholder

Experience:

Gerry has over 25 years of experience in the investment management industry and joined Berkshire in 1995. At Berkshire, Gerry is a member of the firm’s investment committee and has equity research and portfolio management responsibilities. Prior to joining Berkshire, he was employed as a portfolio manager with Fleet Investment Advisors in Rochester, New York. Gerry has served on the board of directors for various local nonprofit organizations.

Jason J Reilly, CFP®

Partner, Institutional and Advisory Distribution


Education:

BS, King’s College

Certified Financial Planner™ Professional

Experience:

Jason has held various roles within the wealth and investment management business since 2006. Prior to joining Berkshire in 2015, he spent eight years with PNC Bank in both the Philadelphia and Northeast PA markets, where he served their high-net-worth client base. At Berkshire, Jason helps build and maintain our institutional relationships and intermediary distribution channels. He also serves a select group of high-net worth families. Jason has served on the board of directors for various local non-profit organizations.

Gregory C. Weaver, CFA

Partner and Portfolio Manager


Education:

BS, Business Administration, University of Central Florida

CFA Charterholder

Experience:

Greg is a member of the firm’s investment committee and has equity and fixed income research and portfolio management responsibilities. Prior to joining Berkshire in 2007, Greg was a financial analyst for both MGM Studios and Paramount Pictures. He was also previously an Investment Representative for Trust Company of the West and served as Wealth Manager for the M&T Bank Investment Group. He is a member of the CFA Society of Philadelphia and serves on the board of The Luzerne Foundation, the Home For Homeless Women, CASA of Luzerne County, and the Wyoming Commemorative Association.

Michael D. Weaver, CFA

Partner, Portfolio Manager


Education:

BA, Economics, University of Virginia

CFA Charterholder

Experience:

Mike has over 25 years of experience in security analysis and portfolio management. At Berkshire, Mike is a member of the firm’s investment committee and has equity research and portfolio management responsibilities. Prior to joining Berkshire in 1999, Mike was a senior portfolio manager for Mellon Private Asset Management. He serves as a director of the F.M. Kirby Center and Westmoreland Club. He is also a past director of the Luzerne Foundation and North Branch Land Trust.

*The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter is a professional designation established in 1962 and awarded by CFA Institute. To earn the CFA charter, candidates must: 1) pass three sequential, six-hour examinations; 2) have at least four years of qualified professional investment experience; 3) join CFA Institute as members; and 4) commit to abide by, and annually reaffirm, their adherence to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. The CFA Program curriculum provides a comprehensive framework of knowledge for investment decision making and is firmly grounded in the knowledge and skills used every day in the investment profession. To learn more about the CFA charter, visit www.cfainstitute.org.


** CFP Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) Certification is granted solely by Certified Financial Planner Board of Stands, Inc. to individuals who, in addition to completing an education requirement such as this CFP Board-Registered Program, have met ethics, experience and examination requirements. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®.

Berkshire Asset Management, LLC (“BAM”) is a Registered Investment Advisor under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Registration as an Investment Advisor does not imply any level of skill or training. *Berkshire Asset Management, Inc. was formed in 1986 as a SEC registered investment adviser. In 1999 the company was sold to Legg Mason. In 2007, senior leadership repurchased the firm, forming BAM. In December 2022, iM Global Partner, a leading global asset management network, made a strategic, non-controlling investment in Berkshire. All information contained herein is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or offer to sell securities or investment advisory services. Access to BAM is only available to clients pursuant to an investment advisory agreement and accepting delivery of BAM’s Form ADV Part 2A, 2B, and 3. You are encouraged to read those documents carefully. BAM manages portfolios for individuals and institutions. All investing carries risk including risk of principal loss. No statement made herein shall construe investment advice. All statements made herein are opinions of BAM and subject to change. Berkshire assumes no responsibility towards the accuracy of the data included.