Member Profile: Oak Associates Funds

Company Name: Oak Associates, ltd.

City: Akron

Industry: Investment Management

What We Do:

Oak Associates is an investment management firm, specializing in U.S. growth equity investing. The firm adheres to the same investment principles on which it was founded in 1985: long term, low turnover, concentrated, and fully invested portfolio management. Our discipline and commitment to focus on the long-term sets us apart from other asset managers. We value independent thinking and are not afraid to go against the crowd.

Throughout our 35-year history, Oak has always been a passionate believer in the technology sector – From our days as a large Cisco shareholder in the 1980s and 1990s to our current sector-specific strategies: Red Oak Technology Select (ROGSX) is our large-cap, blue-chip technology fund, and Black Oak Emerging Technology (BOGSX) is our smaller, emerging technology fund.

We offer three key ways to invest with us, including mutual fund accounts, direct separate accounts for institutions and high net worth individuals, and managed accounts in partnership with a variety of sponsor firms.

What’s a Trend You’re Seeing/Prediction for the Future:

Our team has a long history of embracing and investing in public companies at the forefront of change driven by technological innovation. Historically, rapid advancements were realized solely in the computing space with the growth of personal computing and the invention of the internet. Those advancements laid the groundwork for what we are witnessing in today’s economy. Innovations in computing power, speed and most importantly connectivity have dramatically altered the way in which companies conduct business. Technological advances are now transforming multiple sectors of our economy. For example, semiconductors are now making their way into everything from automobiles to doorbells and robotics are becoming more commonly used in the medical field. We expect this technology evolution to continue at an accelerating pace, transforming existing industries as well as creating new and exciting ones.

A Problem/Challenge We Are Working To Solve:

Technological innovation has impacted financial markets just as it has other sectors of the economy. It has enhanced transparency, improved the flow of information and decreased transaction costs which are all positives for investors. However, an unintended consequence has been increased risk and volatility in the markets resulting from complex new financial products and high-frequency trading. Experience has taught us that a primary tenet of successful investing is patience with a focus on the long term. The biggest challenge we face is educating clients and potential investors on the pitfalls of market timing which grows more difficult with the always-on nature of news flow today.

Company Slogan:

Over 35 years of growth investing.

Why is Ohio a great place to do business?

Oak Associates was founded in Akron in 1985, and there are many reasons why we think Ohio is a great place to do business. Oak was started by three individuals who worked together at the Firestone Tire & Rubber Corporation so our history begins with a great Ohio based company. Over the years, we have found fruitful and long-standing partnerships with many institutions in Ohio. For Oak, being located away from the “noise” of the financial markets on the East and West coasts, has allowed us to maintain our autonomy and avoid the herd mentality of Wall Street. But, most importantly, we love the people of Ohio – Our employees, our clients, and the partners we work with every day.

To learn more, please visit www.oakfunds.com or on LinkedIn to learn more.