Hawkeye Investment Philosophy
At Montag Investments, we draw inspiration from the steadfast approach of the Iowa Hawkeyes football program, led by Coach Kirk Ferentz for over 25 seasons. As an alumnus of the University of Iowa and a lifelong Hawkeye fan, Caleb understands the value of disciplined, fundamentals-driven performance—both on the field and in investing.
The Hawkeyes are not known for flashy, high-powered offenses. Instead, they consistently rank among the top defensive teams in the country. By focusing on strong defense and avoiding mistakes, Coach Ferentz has led the Hawkeyes to 20 winning seasons and 21 bowl game appearances in 25 seasons, making him one of the most respected names in college football.
At Montag Investments, we embrace this same philosophy. Our “Hawkeye Investment Philosophy” is about doing the right things consistently, even when it’s not glamorous. We don’t chase fads or take unnecessary risks. Instead, we focus on protecting your investments and steadily growing your wealth over time. Like the Hawkeyes, we believe in building success brick by brick, knowing that small, disciplined efforts lead to significant long-term rewards.
We understand that there may be times when the market is buzzing with the latest trends, and it’s tempting to join in. But just as the Hawkeyes stick to their game plan, we stay committed to our strategy, prioritizing your financial independence and confidence. Our approach is grounded in the belief that true success comes from hard work, patience, and a clear vision for the future.
In the Midwest, we value legacy, community, and the knowledge that slow and steady wins the race. This is the essence of our investment philosophy—building a legacy of financial strength that endures through generations. Just as Coach Ferentz has built a respected program without relying on flashy plays or quick wins, we aim to achieve steady, reliable growth for our clients by staying true to our core values.
THE GAME PLAN
Managing Assets with the Discipline of Football
Pre-Game Strategy: Scouting and Preparation
Before the game begins, every successful football team spends countless hours studying tapes and scouting opponents. Similarly, effective asset management begins with rigorous fundamental analysis. We delve into market trends and economic indicators, seeking opportunities where others might not look—just like a coach finding weak spots in the opposition’s defense.
Offensive Play: Capitalizing on Opportunities
Once the game starts, a football team looks to execute plays that exploit the defense’s weaknesses. In asset management, once you’ve identified fundamentally strong investments, you execute by taking positions that present themselves as low risk and with likely returns, akin to steadily advancing down the field through short, safe passes and well-executed runs.
Building Momentum: As the game progresses and the team racks up some field goals, there’s room to take calculated risks. Similarly, with some solid gains in your portfolio, you might look for opportunities to amplify returns. This could mean investing in higher risk / higher reward stocks using the profits earned from conservative investments, mirroring a quarterback throwing a long pass downfield when the timing is right.
Defensive Play: Protecting Your Gains
Defense wins championships, and in asset management, a strong defense protects your capital.
Adaptive Rebalancing: Just as a football team must adjust its strategy to what the opposing team is bringing onto the field, you must rebalance your portfolio in response to changing market conditions. This might mean shifting from stocks to bonds or adjusting the weighting of different sectors to protect against potential downturns.
Tackling Volatility: In football, a good defense tackles aggressively but wisely—minimizing yardage gains by the opposition. For your investments, this means cutting losses quickly and not allowing any single investment to jeopardize the broader portfolio. It’s about controlled, strategic responses to market volatility, not panic-driven decisions.
Game Conditions: Responding to Market Climates
Bull Market (Offense Mode): In a favorable market, just like a team that’s ahead, you can afford to be more aggressive. You might increase your stock holdings, especially in high-growth sectors, taking more shots down the field as you aim for higher returns.
Bear Market (Defense Mode): When the market turns bearish, like a team on defense, your focus should shift to preservation. Tightening up your investment strategy, focusing on high-quality, less volatile assets, and preparing mentally to ride out the storm, ensuring that when the market recovers, you are well-positioned to advance toward your financial goals.
Endgame: Scoring the Financial Touchdown
Just as in football, where the ultimate goal is to score touchdowns and win the game, the objective in asset management is to achieve and exceed your financial goals. Whether it’s retirement, buying a home, or securing a financial legacy, each strategic move is made with the end zone in sight.
This playbook approach, integrating disciplined, strategic thinking with the dynamic tactics of football, guides you in managing assets effectively—turning market challenges into opportunities for growth and protection.
Take Control of Your Future
Navigate Your Wealth Journey with Confidence. Schedule a Wealth Planning Session Today.
