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Item 1 – Cover Page
Form ADV Part 2A Brochure
May 9, 2025
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of BKM Wealth
Management, LLC. You should review this brochure to understand your relationship with BKM and
help you determine to hire or retain BKM as your investment advisor. If you have any questions about
the contents of this brochure, please contact BKM at (262) 955-7150. The information in this Brochure
has not been approved or verified by the United States of America Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about BKM Wealth Management also is available on the SEC’s website at
www.advisorinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by firm name or by using a unique identifying
number, known as a CRD number. The CRD number for BKM Wealth Management is 323928.
BKM Wealth Management is a registered investment advisor. Registration of an investment advisor
does not imply any level of skill or training.
BKM Wealth Management, LLC
20300 Water Tower Blvd, Ste 250
Brookfield, WI 53045
www.bkmwm.com
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Item 2 – Material Changes
This Brochure contains the following material changes since our last annual updating amendment on
March 6, 2024.
In addition to updating our Assets Under Management for 2025 we have made the following updates:
We updated Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations to disclose licensee
disaffiliation fees tied to our founders' transition from Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network,
conflicts of interest related to First Clearing custody arrangements, and our commitment to
acting in clients’ best interests.
(Brochure Date: 05/09/2025)
(Date of Last Annual Updating Amendment: 03/06/2024)
We will provide you with a Summary of Material Changes made to this brochure annually at no cost. You
may receive an updated copy of this brochure at any time by contacting BKM at (262) 955-7150.
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Item 3 -Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page ....................................................................................................................................... i
Item 2 – Material Changes ............................................................................................................................ ii
Item 3 -Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ iii
Item 4 – Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................... 1
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................................. 7
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ........................................................... 12
Item 7 – Types of Clients ............................................................................................................................. 12
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies ................................................................................ 12
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................... 15
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................................... 15
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ................................ 17
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................... 18
Item 13 – Review of Accounts ..................................................................................................................... 20
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................................. 21
Item 15 – Custody ....................................................................................................................................... 21
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................ 22
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................... 22
Item 18 – Financial Information .................................................................................................................. 22
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Item 4 – Advisory Business
About BKM Wealth Management
BKM Wealth Management, LLC (“BKM”) is a registered investment advisor that provides financial
planning, investment management and financial advisory services to individuals, high net worth
individuals, business owners and corporations to help them achieve their financial needs and goals. BKM
has been a registered investment advisor since 2022. The sole shareholders of the firm are Casey Berrall,
Matthew Kons, Steven Manders and William Manders.
BKM takes pride in providing personalized service to clients and acknowledges that it is held to a
fiduciary standard of care.
Types of Advisory Services We Offer
BKM’s primary focus is on a rigorous Financial Planning process and its integral role in overall Wealth
Management. They offer a variety of investment advisory services to individuals, high net worth
individuals, retirement plans, trusts, estates, family entities and businesses/corporations. While each of
these services are available on a stand-alone basis, Wealth Management led by a financial plan and
incorporating portfolio management is BKM’s primary service offering. These services include:
• Wealth Management
o Financial Planning and Consulting Services
Investment and Portfolio Management
o
Selection of Independent Managers
Wrap Fee Program
Insurance Consulting Relationships
• Fiduciary and Non-Fiduciary Services for Plan Sponsors
•
Wealth Management
Wealth Management at BKM includes the Financial Planning process with ongoing consultation as well
as investment and portfolio management services on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis. BKM
works with clients to determine their investment objectives and risk profile and develop and execute a
customized Financial Plan based on their individual needs and goals. BKM will utilize the financial
information provided by the client to analyze and develop an integrative investment and portfolio
management strategy leading to solutions to assist the client in meeting their financial goals. Prior to
BKM rendering any of the foregoing services, clients are required to enter into one or more written
advisory agreements with BKM setting forth the relevant terms and conditions of the advisory
relationship.
As a part of the Wealth Management offering, BKM will recommend other professionals to implement
recommendations, or for other types of services, such as accounting firms, law firms, business
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consultants, and bankers. These additional services offered by another professional are provided at an
additional cost to you and are separate and distinct from BKM’s advisory services. In some cases, this
creates a conflict of interest because we will have an incentive to recommend additional services based
on the prospect of cross-referrals of clients from the other professional or his or her firm.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
BKM develops a Financial Plan for all Wealth Management clients at no additional cost. Both integrated
and stand-alone financial planning and consulting services help clients identify, prioritize and work
towards their goals and objectives. Consulting services give clients the ability to receive a broad range of
financial advice and services, including specific security recommendations, for the duration of the
advisory agreement.
The process starts with an extensive review of a client's life goals, family situation, which includes assets
and liabilities, as well as estate, tax, and insurance needs. We then employ a risk tolerance and risk
capacity-focused simulation to get a detailed cash flow analysis and proposed asset allocation. Together,
this information is analyzed to develop a proposed financial plan; designed to be dynamic in nature and
evolving with life changes, variations in cash flow needs, risk tolerance, time horizon, or investment
objectives.
BKM’s financial planning and consulting services can include any of the following topics:
Investment Consulting
• Cash Flow Analysis and Forecasting
•
• Risk Management
• Distribution Planning
• Trust & Estate Planning
• Tax Planning
Insurance Review
• Charitable Giving
•
• Education Planning
• Next Generation Family
• Retirement Plan Consulting and Employee
• Business Planning
Benefits Analysis
• Retirement Planning
Liability Management
•
In performing these services as a stand-alone offering, BKM is not required to verify any information
received from the client or from the client's other professionals (e.g., attorneys, accountants, etc.), and
is expressly authorized to rely on such information. BKM may recommend clients engage the firm for
additional related services, such as investment management services. While included in the firms
Wealth Management offering, these additional services are provided at an additional cost to you, which
is based on the nature, extent, complexity, and other characteristics of the services. This creates a
conflict of interest because we will have an incentive to recommend additional advisory services based
on the compensation received, rather than solely based on your needs.
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Implementation of financial planning recommendations is entirely at your discretion. You have complete
freedom in selecting a financial advisor to assist you with implementing the recommendations made in
your financial plan and are under no obligation to act on the advice of BKM. Financial planning
recommendations are of a generic nature and are not limited to any specific product or service offered
by a broker dealer or insurance company. Should you choose to implement the recommendations
contained in the plan, BKM suggests you work closely with your attorney, accountant and/or insurance
agent.
BKM will act solely in the capacity as a registered investment advisor and does not provide any legal,
accounting or tax advice. You should seek the counsel of a qualified accountant and/or attorney when
necessary. As part of BKM’s advisory services, we may assist clients with tax loss harvesting and will
work with the client’s tax specialist to answer any questions related to the client’s portfolio. Any
incidental tax discussions on topics such as required minimum distributions, retirement plan
contributions, etc., should be verified with your tax advisor.
Investment and Portfolio Management Services
BKM manages clients’ portfolios on a discretionary and non-discretionary basis; integrated with the
Wealth Management offering or as a stand-alone service. Investment and portfolio management
services are included in the Wealth Management offering at no additional cost. Investment and portfolio
management services are tailored to the needs of clients and are based on a comprehensive
understanding of each client’s current situation, past experiences, and future goals. With this acquired
knowledge BKM will create, analyze, strategize for, and implement goal-oriented investment solutions.
These solutions become the clients’ investment policy.
Client assets are primarily allocated among individual equity and debt securities, exchange-traded funds
("ETFs"), mutual funds, and independent investment managers (“Investment Managers”) in accordance
with the client's stated investment objective and risk/volatility parameters. Where appropriate, BKM
may also provide advice about many types of legacy positions or other investments held in client
portfolios. Clients may also engage BKM to manage and/or advise on certain investment products that
are not maintained at their primary custodian, such as variable life insurance and annuity contracts, and
assets held in employer sponsored retirement plans and qualified tuition plans (i.e., 529 plans). In these
situations, typically BKM will direct or make recommendations on a non-discretionary basis for the
allocation of client assets among the various investment options available with the product. These
assets are generally maintained at the underwriting insurance company or custodian for the plan trustee
or administrator and clients retain responsibility for effecting trades in these accounts.
BKM consults with clients on an initial and ongoing basis to assess their specific risk tolerance, time
horizon, liquidity constraints and other related factors relevant to the management of their portfolios.
You should promptly notify BKM if there are changes in your financial situation or if you wish to place
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any limitations on the management of your account. You may impose reasonable restrictions or
mandates on the management of your account if BKM determines, at their sole discretion, the
conditions would not materially impact the performance of a management strategy or prove overly
burdensome to the firm's management efforts.
BKM makes available to certain eligible clients the FICA® | For Advisors cash management program
sponsored by StoneCastle Network, LLC (‘StoneCastle’), an affiliate of StoneCastle Cash Management,
LLC. The Federally Insured Cash Account (“FICA”) program offered by StoneCastle allows customers the
ability to place their money in deposit accounts at banks, savings institutions and credit unions in a
manner that maintains full insurance of the funds by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”)
or National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”), whichever is applicable. Funds will be deposited
within StoneCastle’s network of insured depositories (“Deposit Network”). StoneCastle requires a
$100,000 minimum deposit to open a FICA Program account. BKM will receive between 0-15bps on
participating client assets in this program. BKM will assist clients in signing up for this program and
facilitating the transfer of funds between the client’s like-named accounts. Clients participating in this
program will receive a copy of the StoneCastle Form ADV. Directing client assets into the FICA Program
is a conflict of interest for BKM since BKM, at times, earns a fee from participating client assets in the
program.
To the extent a client’s assets are managed by an Independent Manager or are invested in a particular
fund, those managers and funds will have their own investment practices. Those investment practices
are described in each manager’s Form ADV or fund’s prospectus, or in its offering or other disclosure
documents. In addition, selected money managers or funds typically have discretion to determine the
type, and amount, of securities to be purchased or sold for the portion of the assets managed by the
money manager or fund.
Pontera
We utilize a third-party platform to facilitate the management of held-away assets in which we will have
discretionary authority to implement tax-efficient asset allocation and opportunistic rebalancing
strategies on behalf of the client. These are primarily 401(k) accounts, 529 Plans, HSAs and other assets
which are held at third-party custodians. We regularly review the available investment options in these
accounts, monitor and rebalance and implement our strategies in the same way we do other accounts,
though using different tools as necessary. BKM is limited by the universe of investments offered by the
custodian(s) for these held-away accounts.
We are not affiliated with the platform in any way and receive no compensation from them for using
their platform. A link will be provided to the client allowing them to connect a held-away account(s) to
the platform. Once the client’s account is connected to the platform, BKM will review the current
account allocations. We seek to align the client’s held-away account(s) with their overall investment
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time horizon, risk tolerance, and investment goals. When deemed necessary, BKM will rebalance the
account considering client’s investment profile, as well as changes in economic and market trends.
Selection of Independent Managers
As part of investment and portfolio management services, BKM uses a multitude of criteria in selecting
Independent Managers, including:
• Manager due diligence
• Manager search and recommendations
• Monitoring of manager risk and performance
BKM may select certain Independent Managers to actively manage all or a portion of its clients' assets.
Pursuant to the terms of the investment advisory agreement, BKM shall have the discretion to appoint
and terminate these third-party advisors. The specific terms and conditions under which a client
engages an Independent Manager may also be set forth in a separate written agreement with the
designated Independent Manager. In addition to this brochure, clients will also receive the written
disclosure documents of the respective Independent Managers engaged to manage their assets. Certain
Independent Managers require a separate investment advisory agreement with the Independent
Manager, while others do not.
BKM evaluates a variety of information about Independent Managers, which may include the
Independent Managers' public disclosure documents, materials supplied by the Independent Managers
themselves and other third-party analyses it believes are reputable. To the extent possible, BKM seeks
to assess the Independent Managers' investment strategies, past performance, and risk profile in
relation to its clients' individual portfolio allocations and desired risk exposure. BKM also takes into
consideration each Independent Manager's management style, returns, reputation, financial strength,
reporting, pricing and research capabilities, among other factors. Currently, BKM utilizes the Unified
Managed Account managers and mutual fund advisory program available through Wells Faro Advisors.
BKM provides services relating to the selection of Investment Managers in discretionary and non-
discretionary relationships. On an ongoing basis, BKM monitors the performance of those accounts
being managed by Independent Managers. BKM seeks to ensure the Independent Managers' strategies
and target allocations remain aligned with clients' investment objectives and overall best interest.
Portfolio Management Services for Wrap Fee Program
BKM offers portfolio management services through a wrap fee program. A bundled or “wrap fee”
program is an advisory fee program under which you pay one bundled fee to compensate BKM for
portfolio management, transaction costs and custodial services. A wrap fee program may not be the
lowest cost option if you would like to restrict your investments to open-end mutual funds or other
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long-term investment products. See form ADV Part 2A Appendix 1: Wrap Fee Brochure for further
information regarding BKM’s Wrap Fee Program
Fiduciary and Non-Fiduciary Services for Plan Sponsors
Retirement plan sponsors may retain BKM to provide advisory and consulting services for plan assets.
Fiduciary services available to plan sponsors include:
• Reviewing and assisting in the establishment of investment policies and objectives on behalf of
the plan
• Assistance with development of an Investment Policy Statement
• Recommending core investments to be offered to plan participants for selection by the plan
sponsor
• Monitoring of the plan’s investments or investment managers in accordance with the plan’s
Investment Policy Statement or other relevant guidelines
• Assistance with plan design strategies and implementation of new plan design capabilities and
their potential impact on the plan and plan participants
Non-fiduciary consulting services available to plan sponsors include:
• Educating plan participants on investment options available within the plan
• Preparation of periodic performance reports for the plan’s investments
• Assistance with monitoring the reasonableness of the fees and expenses of the plan’s
investments or investment managers in accordance with the plan’s Investment Policy Statement
or other relevant guidelines
• Benchmarking existing plan service providers to industry peers, and, where appropriate,
conducting a search for new providers for the plan sponsor’s consideration and providing BKM’s
recommendation
Insurance Consulting
BKM has a relationship with DPL Financial Partners, LLC (“DPL”). By working with DPL, BKM may provide
insurance reviews/analyses, education, and insurance solutions in a conflict free manner. DPL is a third-
party provider of a platform of insurance consultancy services to SEC-registered investment advisers
(“RIAs”) that have clients with a current or future need for insurance products.
BKM
DPL offers RIAs memberships to its platform for a fixed annual fee and, through its licensed insurance
agents who are also registered representatives of The Leaders Group, Inc. (“The Leaders Group”), an
unaffiliated SEC-registered broker-dealer and FINRA member, offers members a variety of services
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relating to fee-based insurance products. These services include, among others, providing members with
analyses of their current methodology for evaluating client insurance needs, educating and acting as a
resource to members regarding insurance products generally and specific insurance products owned by
their clients or that their clients are considering purchasing, and providing members access to and
product marketing support regarding fee-based products that insurers have agreed to offer to members’
clients through DPL’s platform.
DPL is licensed as an insurance producer in Kentucky and other jurisdictions where required to perform
the platform services. Its representatives are also licensed as insurance producers, appointed as
insurance agents of the insurers offering their products through the platform, and registered
representatives of The Leaders Group.
Amount of Assets We Manage
As of December 31, 2023, BKM Wealth Management managers $582,015,571 in regulatory assets under
management with $467,564,597 in discretionary assets under management and $114,450,974 in non-
discretionary assets under management.
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
How We Are Compensated for Advisory Services
Fees vary among the different types of advisory services we offer and may be negotiated at BKM’s sole
discretion. The specific fees and manner in which fees are charged and calculated are described in your
investment advisory agreement. You should carefully review the investment advisory agreement prior to
signing it.
Fees for advisory services may be higher than fees charged by other advisors who offer similar services.
You may be charged different fees than similarly situated clients for the same services. You should
carefully review this, and any other brochure to understand the fees and other sources of compensation
that exist among BKM’s services prior to entering into an investment advisory contract with BKM. In
certain circumstances, all fees are negotiable.
Wealth Management
Fees for Wealth Management services include investment and portfolio management with financial
planning and consulting, assets held away and sub-advisory services to insurance products. Wealth
Management services are generally billed in advance each calendar quarter based on the market value
of the assets under management/advisement on the last day of the previous calendar quarter. The
graduated fee schedule is as follows:
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Assets Under Management
Maximum Annual Advisory Fee
$0 - $1,000,000
1.50%
$1,000,000 - $3,000,000
1.25%
Above $3,000,000
Negotiable
Fees may be based on cumulative household assets under management. However, certain ERISA rules
prevent householding corporate plans with personal assets for fee reductions. Existing clients will be
grandfathered and charged according to their existing fee rate. You should refer to your advisory
agreement for your specific fee rate(s).
Fees for stand-alone Investment and Portfolio Management are not to exceed 1.50%. For investment
and portfolio management services BKM provides to certain clients or for specific client holdings (e.g.,
held-away assets, 529 plans, etc.), we may negotiate a fee rate that differs from the standard fee.
For client accounts held at a custodian that is not directly accessible by BKM, such as held-away assets,
BKM can manage those assets via a third-party platform which allows BKM to view and manage these
assets in a discretionary manner. Held-away assets will be included in the client’s total assets subject to
the fee in their agreement with BKM. However, as it might not be possible to directly debit the fees
from held-away accounts, those fees will be deducted from the client’s non-qualified accounts, pursuant
to the client’s authorization, or the client will be billed directly . The advisory fee calculation for held-
away assets, including insurance products, is assessed on the value of the account at the end of the
calendar quarter.
Insurance Consulting
BKM offers access to its Insurance Consulting services through DPL as part of the annual Wealth
Management fee. No additional fee is charged by BKM for access to these services. Annuity and
insurance products obtained through the insurance consulting service that have sub-accounts managed
by BKM will be included in the overall value of the relationship under your Wealth Management fee
structure.
Selection of Other Independent Managers
Fees for other Independent Managers used to manage all or a portion of a client’s account are set forth
by the Independent Manager and may be included or in addition to BKM’s fees. You should refer to the
Independent Manager’s Form ADV Part 2A Brochure for information on their fees and compensation.
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Programs Offered Through Wells Fargo Advisors
Fees for advisory programs offered through Wells Fargo Advisors are inclusive of BKM’s and Wells Fargo
Advisors’ advisory fees and are as follows:
Program
Private Advisor Network
Program Type
Separately Managed
Account
Maximum Annual Advisory Fee
$0 - $500,000: 1.75%
Next $500,000: 1.50%
Next $4,000,000: 1.25%
Above $5,000,000: Negotiable
Unified Managed Account
1.75%
Personalized Unified Managed
Account
FundSource®
1.25%
Mutual Fund Advisory
Program
You should refer to your advisory agreement for your specific fee rate(s).
Wells Fargo Advisors will calculate and directly debit advisory fees from the clients’ accounts for assets
within their programs. The value of assets held in any Wells Fargo Advisor program are included in the
amount of total household assets used to determine BKM’s advisory fees for other assets of a client that
are managed by BKM.
Financial Planning and Consulting Services
We will occasionally offer financial planning and/or consulting services which do not include plan
implementation, investment management or ongoing monitoring. In such instances there is typically a
$3,500 minimum fee for financial planning or consulting services; however financial planning and
consulting fees can be higher or lower based on individual factors and shall generally not exceed
$25,000 annually. Fees are billed on a fixed rate in advance and are due and payable as incurred. Fees
for financial planning and consulting services are due and payable as incurred. While financial planning
and consulting services are available on a stand-alone basis, certain services may also be rendered in
conjunction with investment portfolio management services at no additional cost as part of a
comprehensive portfolio management engagement.
Factors we consider when determining the financial planning and consulting fees include, but are not
limited to:
• The amount of time we expect to spend completing the financial planning or consulting services
and providing related advice;
• The complexity of your goals, issues and/or needs;
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• The extensiveness and complexity of the data needed regarding your personal financial
information;
• Your net worth or the value of your investment accounts and/or other assets that are the
subject of the financial planning or consulting services; and/or
• Special circumstances related to life changes, marital status, health or special income needs, or
growth or decline of a personal business.
BKM may request a retainer to initiate financial planning and consulting services; however, we will not
request the prepayment of advisory fees more than $1,200 further than six months in advance.
You may engage BKM for additional investment management services to assist with implementing one
or more financial planning recommendations. You will incur additional fees if you retain BKM for such
services. You have complete freedom in selecting an investment advisor to assist you in implementing
any recommendations by BKM and are under no obligation to act upon the advice we provide.
For consulting services, the investment advisory agreement between BKM and the client will continue in
effect until terminated by either party. For stand-alone financial planning services, the agreement
between BKM and the client will terminate upon delivery of the plan or completion of the service.
Fiduciary and Non-Fiduciary Services for Plan Sponsors
Fees for retirement plan sponsors are either set at a flat rate or based upon the value of the plan assets
that are the subject of the consulting services and are generally payable in advance or arrears on a
quarterly basis. Fees for one-time projects are payable either upon completion of the project or half
paid upon execution of the agreement with the balance due upon completion of the project. A
graduated fee schedule may be set by the firm for fees based on the value of plan assets, which will be
described in your services agreement.
Insurance Consulting
BKM offers access to its Insurance Consulting services through DPL as part of the annual Wealth
Management fee. No additional fee is charged by BKM for access to these services. The value of any
products purchased through DPL where BKM manage the underlying asset are included within the
Wealth Management fee.
Payment of Fees
Fees for advisory services generally require you to pay investment advisory fees in advance of receiving
services. Any pre-paid, unearned fees will be promptly refunded. Clients authorize BKM to instruct the
account custodian to directly debit fees from the client’s account or other specified taxable account.
Accounts initiated during a calendar quarter will be charged a prorated fee at the next quarter. If you
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withdraw or add more than $100,000 to your account with BKM custodians throughout the quarter,
advisory fees will be prorated based on the number of days in the quarter services were received or the
assets were under BKM’s management. Deposit/withdrawal adjustment is not available for held-away
accounts or insurance products.
• For investment and portfolio management services, refunds are calculated by taking the total
advisory fee billed for the calendar quarter, dividing that amount by the number of days in the
calendar quarter and multiplying that amount by the number of days services were not provided
during the calendar quarter.
• For Independent Managers, the Independent Manager determines the manner in which
advisory fees are billed (in advance or arrears). You should refer to the manager’s Form ADV
Part 2A Brochure for additional information on how fees are paid for their services.
• For financial planning and consulting services, refunds are calculated based on the value of the
services that were completed prior to termination of the advisory agreement.
• Fees for fiduciary and non-fiduciary consulting services for plan sponsors are generally payable
in advance or arrears. For one-time projects that are partly paid upon execution of the
agreement, the amount of the refund is calculated based on the value of the services that were
completed. Any earned, unpaid fees will be due and payable upon termination of the advisory
contract.
Other Types of Fees and Expenses You May Incur
Clients may incur certain charges imposed by custodians, brokers, third-party investments and other
third parties, such as fees charged by Independent Managers, custodial fees, odd-lot differentials,
transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts
and securities transactions. Decisions to reallocate your account assets may result in you incurring a
redemption fee imposed by one or more mutual funds held in your account. Mutual funds and exchange
traded funds also charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in a fund’s prospectus. Such
charges, fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to BKM’s fee. BKM shall not receive any
portion of these commissions, fees, and costs, including any distribution or “12b-1” fees paid by the
mutual funds in which your account assets are invested.
For providing platform services to RIAs, DPL receives service fees from the insurers that offer their fee-
based products through the platform. These service fees are based on the insurance premiums received
by the insurers. As product costs vary, services offered through DPL will independently disclose fees
associated with any product offered.
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Other Types of Compensation We Receive
BKM has contracted with Trade-PMR, Inc. (“Trade-PMR”) for brokerage services, including trade
processing, collection of management fees, marketing assistance and research. Item 12 – Brokerage
Practices further describes the factors that BKM considers in selecting or recommending broker-dealers
for client transactions and determining the reasonableness of their compensation (e.g., commissions).
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
BKM does not charge any performance-based fees or participate in side-by-side management.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
BKM provides investment advisory services to individuals, high net worth individuals, retirement plans,
trusts, estates, family entities and businesses/corporations.
BKM generally requires a minimum initial investment of $250,000 for investment management services.
The firm, in its sole discretion, will accept clients based upon each client’s particular circumstances.
Certain Independent Managers may impose more restrictive account requirements than BKM. In such
instances, BKM may alter its corresponding account requirements to accommodate those of the
Independent Managers.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies
Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
BKM carefully constructs a risk-adjusted, tax-efficient, and cost-effective asset allocation strategy based
on a client’s unique risk profile, time horizon, cash flow needs and stated return, among other
considerations. Security selection is based on qualitative, quantitative, technical, and relative strength
metrics. Portfolio holdings are constantly monitored and adjusted as market conditions and clients’
circumstances dictate. Clients may hold or retain other types of assets as well and BKM may offer advice
regarding those various assets as part of BKM’s services. Advice regarding such assets generally will not
involve asset management services.
BKM predominantly utilizes a combination of active and passive strategies to allocate client assets
primarily among publicly traded securities, such as stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds and/or separately
managed portfolios. Nevertheless, individual client circumstances may dictate the use of other types of
securities, options, or actively managed portfolios. Depending upon the client’s financial needs,
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strategies implemented might include long term purchases (securities held at least a year), short term
purchases (securities sold within a year), margin transactions, and other securities transactions.
Risk of Loss
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that you should be prepared to bear. All investments present
the risk of loss of principal – the risk that the value of securities (e.g., stocks, mutual funds, ETFs, bonds,
etc.), when sold or otherwise disposed of, may be less than the price paid for the securities. Even when
the value of the securities when sold is greater than the price paid, there is the risk that the appreciation
will be less than inflation. In other words, the purchasing power of the proceeds may be less than the
purchasing power of the original investment. There is no guarantee that investment recommendations
made by BKM will be successful. We cannot assure that your account will increase, preserve capital, or
generate income, nor can we assure that your investment objectives will be realized. Although all
investments involve risk, BKM’s investment advice seeks to limit risk through diversification among
various asset classes.
We may recommend a variety of security types for your account in an effort to achieve your individual
needs and goals. This may include, but is not limited to, stocks, bonds, ETFs, open-end and closed-end
mutual funds, options, advisory accounts or real estate investment trusts.
Described below are the material risks associated with investing in the types of securities we generally
use in client accounts:
Equity Securities
In general, prices of equity securities (common, convertible preferred stocks and other securities whose
values are tied to the price of stocks, such as rights, warrants and convertible debt securities) are more
volatile than those of fixed-income securities. The prices of equity securities could decline in value if the
issuer’s financial condition declines or in response to overall market and economic conditions.
Investments in smaller companies and mid-size companies may involve greater risk and price volatility
than investments in larger, more mature companies.
Fixed-Income Securities
The return and principal value of bonds fluctuate with changes in market conditions. Fixed-income
securities are subject to interest rate risk and credit quality risk. The market value of fixed-income
securities generally declines when interest rates rise, and an issuer of fixed-income securities could
default on its payment obligations. Changes in interest rates generally have a greater effect on bonds
with longer maturities than on those with shorter maturities. If bonds are not held to maturity, they may
be worth more or less than their original value. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a
bond will not be able to make principal and/or interest payments. High yield bonds, also known as “junk
bonds,” carry higher risk of loss of principal and income than higher rated investment grade bonds.
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Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
ETFs are typically investment companies that are legally classified as open-end mutual funds or unit
investment trusts. ETFs differ from traditional mutual funds in that ETF shares are listed on a securities
exchange. Shares can be bought and sold throughout the trading day like shares of other publicly traded
companies. ETF shares may trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value. This difference
between the bid price and ask price is often referred to as the “spread.” The spread varies over time
based on the ETF’s trading volume and market liquidity. It is generally lower if the ETF has high trading
volume and market liquidity and higher if the ETF has low trading volume and market liquidity. Liquidity
risks are higher for ETFs with a large spread. ETFs may be closed and liquidated at the discretion of the
issuing company.
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds may invest in different types of securities, such as value or growth stocks, real estate
investment trusts, corporate bonds, or U.S. government bonds. There are risks associated with each
asset class.
An investment in a money market fund is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation or any other governmental agency. Although money market funds seek to preserve the
value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it is possible to lose money by investing in the fund.
Redemption is at the current net asset value, which may be more or less than the original cost.
Aggressive growth funds are most suitable for investors willing to accept price per share volatility since
many companies that demonstrate high growth potential can also be high risk. Income from tax-free
mutual funds may be subject to local, state and/or the alternative minimum tax.
Because each mutual fund owns different types of investments, performance will be affected by a
variety of factors. The value of your investment in a mutual fund will vary from day to day as the values
of the underlying investments in a fund vary. Such variations generally reflect changes in interest rates,
market conditions and other company and economic news. These risks may become magnified
depending on how much a fund invests or uses certain strategies. A fund’s principal market segment(s),
such as large-cap, mid-cap or small-cap stocks, or growth or value stocks may underperform other
market segments or the equity markets as a whole. You can find additional information regarding these
risks in the fund’s prospectus.
Options
Certain types of options trading are utilized as appropriate, in accounts in order to generate income or
hedge a security held in the account. There are additional risks with using options. An option holder runs
the risk of losing the entire amount paid for the option in a relatively short period of time. The risks of
covered call writing include the potential for the market to rise sharply, which would likely cause the
security to be called away and no longer be held in the account. The risk of buying long puts is limited to
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the loss of the premium paid for the purchase of the put if the option is not exercised or otherwise sold.
The writer of a put option bears a risk of loss if the value of the underlying interest declines below the
exercise price, and such loss could be substantial if the decline is significant. The obligation of a writer of
a put that is not cash-secured to meet margin requirements creates additional risks. Combination
transactions, such as option spreads, are more complex than buying or writing a single option and carry
additional risks.
You can find additional information regarding the risks associated with options trading on the Options
Industry Council website, www.optionseducation.org.
International Investing
The risks of investing in foreign securities include loss of value as a result of political or economic
instability; nationalization, expropriation, or confiscatory taxation; changes in foreign exchange rates
and foreign exchange restrictions; settlement delays; and limited government regulation (including less
stringent reporting, accounting, and disclosure standards than are required of U.S. companies). These
risks may be greater with investments in emerging markets. Certain investments utilized by BKM may
also contain international securities.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
A portion of your assets may be invested in cash or cash equivalents to achieve your investment
objective, provide ongoing distributions, and/or take a defensive position. Cash holdings may result in a
loss of market exposure.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
As a registered investment advisor, BKM is required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of the firm or the integrity of BKM’s
management. BKM has no disciplinary information to report.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
BKM maintains a non-exclusive agreement with DPL Financial Partners, LLC to offer insurance consulting
services to BKM Clients. BKM pays an annual fee to have access to these services for clients and,
because of that fee, BKM may be more likely to recommend DPL for insurance or annuities over other
companies that offer the same products or services. BKM has executed a review of the DPL offering and
believes that the collection of products available is consistent with industry standard and DPL offers
client services that complement BKM’s fiduciary duty to clients. Clients of BKM are not required to
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choose DPL for insurance or annuity products and have the option to purchase these products through
other agents that are not affiliated with BKM.
Certain Supervised persons of BKM also independently operate a separate accounting businesses,
Scrima Kabitzke & Co S.C., which is a separate and legal entity from BKM. While these individuals may
offer accounting services through Scrima Kabitzke & Co S.C., any investment advisory services they
provide are offered exclusively through BKM. In some instances, clients of Scrima Kabitzke & Co S.C. may
be referred to BKM for advisory services. If a client engages BKM, the individual may receive
compensation in their capacity as an employee of BKM which creates a conflict of interest.
Certain Supervised persons of BKM are licensed insurance agents with the ability to receive commissions
for the sale of fixed insurance products, and in some instances, ongoing compensation called trail
commissions. This compensation gives these financial professionals incentive to recommend insurance
products in addition to advisory services. We address this conflict of interest by uploading our fiduciary
duty to provide investment advice that is in your best interest and disclosing the conflict to you before
or at the time you enter into an investment advisory contract with our firm.
Clients are advised that the fees paid to BKM for investment advisory services are separate and distinct
from any fees and compensation earned, whether directly or indirectly, in connection with the sale or
maintenance of insurance products. You have the option to purchase insurance that your investment
advisor representative recommends through other agents that are not affiliated with BKM.
Certain founders of our firm entered into a Confidential Disaffiliation Agreement and Release with Wells
Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC ("WFAFN") as part of their transition to becoming independent
investment advisers. This agreement includes licensee disaffiliation fees owed to WFAFN by our
founders, which are subject to forgiveness under certain conditions. Specifically, the fees may be
forgiven if client assets remain custodied at First Clearing, a Wells Fargo entity, for a specified period.
This arrangement creates a of interest, as our firm and its founders have a financial incentive to
recommend maintaining client assets at First Clearing to avoid paying the disaffiliation fees.
Despite this conflict, we are committed to acting in each client’s best interests. Clients with questions or
concerns regarding this matter are encouraged to contact us for further information. More information
regarding our Brokerage and Custody practices can be found in Item 12 and Item 15, respectively.
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Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading
Our Code of Ethics
BKM is committed to providing investment advice with the utmost professionalism and integrity. The
firm strives to identify, manage, and/or mitigate conflicts of interest and has adopted policies,
procedures, and oversight mechanisms to address conflicts of interest. We have adopted a Code of
Ethics that emphasizes the fiduciary obligation to put client interests first. It is designed to ensure
personal securities transactions, activities, and interests of employees will not interfere with the
responsibility to make decisions in the best interest of clients. All supervised persons of BKM must
acknowledge and comply with the Code of Ethics. We will provide a copy of the Code of Ethics to any
client or prospective client upon request by contacting BKM at the number on the cover page.
Participation in Client Transactions
BKM does not affect principal or agency cross securities transactions for client accounts. BKM also does
not cross trades between client accounts. Principal transactions are generally defined as transactions
where an advisor, acting as principal for its own account or the account of an affiliated broker-dealer,
buys from or sells a security to an advisory client. An agency cross transaction is defined as a transaction
where a person acts as an investment advisor in relation to a transaction in which the investment
advisor, or any person controlled by or under common control with the investment advisor, acts as
broker for both the advisory client and for another person on the other side of the transaction. Agency
cross transactions may arise where an advisor is dually registered as a broker-dealer or has an affiliated
broker-dealer.
Employee Personal Trading
Supervised persons of BKM may purchase or sell the same security that we recommend for investment
in client accounts. This creates a conflict of interest as there is a possibility that employees of BKM might
benefit from market activity by a client in a security held by the employee. the Code of Ethics is designed
to assure that the personal securities transactions, activities, and interests of the employees of BKM will
not interfere with making decisions in the best interest of advisory clients and implementing such
decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for their own accounts. Under the Code
of Ethics, certain classes of securities have been designated as exempt transactions, based upon a
determination that these would not materially interfere with the best interest of BKM’s clients. the Code
of Ethics also places restrictions on BKM’s employees’ personal trading activities. These restrictions
include, but are not limited to, a prohibition on trading based on non-public information and pre-
clearance requirements for certain types of transactions. Employee trading is continually monitored
under the Code of Ethics in an effort to prevent conflicts of interest between BKM and clients.
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Certain affiliated accounts may trade in the same securities with client accounts on an aggregated basis
when consistent with BKM’s obligation of best execution. In such circumstances, the affiliated and client
accounts will share commission costs equally and receive securities at a total average price. BKM will
retain records of the trade order (specifying each participating account) and its allocation, which will be
completed prior to the entry of the aggregated order. Completed orders will be allocated as specified in
the initial trade order. Partially filled orders will be allocated on a pro rata basis. Any exceptions will be
explained on the order.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Selection and Recommendation of Broker-Dealers
Though BKM recommends brokers with which we have negotiated pricing on behalf of BKM’s clients, we
do not have discretionary authority to select brokers. We endeavor to recommend broker-dealers that
will provide the best services at the lowest commission rates possible. The reasonableness of
commissions is based on the broker's ability to provide professional services, competitive commission
rates, research and other services that will help the firm provide investment management services to
clients. BKM may recommend brokers who provide useful research and securities transaction services
even though a lower commission may be charged by a broker who offers no research services and
minimal securities transaction assistance.
We have negotiated competitive pricing and services with Trade-PMR, Inc. (“Trade-PMR) for brokerage
back-office and trade execution services. Trade-PMR clears trades and custodies assets at First Clearing
Corp. (“FCC”). First Clearing Corp. is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC., a non-
bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Trade-PMR and FCC are members of SIPC and are unaffiliated
registered broker-dealers and FINRA members. The brokerage commissions and/or transaction fees
charged by the broker-dealer are included in BKM’s advisory fee. BKM regularly reviews the
reasonableness of the compensation received by the broker-dealers used for executing client
transactions in an effort to ensure that BKM’s clients receive favorable execution consistent with BKM’s
fiduciary duty. Factors which BKM considers in recommending broker-dealers to clients include, but is
not limited to, their respective financial strength, reputation, execution, pricing, research, and service.
The commissions and/or transaction fees charged by these brokers may be higher or lower than those
charged by other broker-dealers.
The commissions paid by BKM’s clients are intended to be consistent with BKM’s duty to obtain “best
execution.” However, a client may pay a commission that is higher than what another qualified broker-
dealer might charge to affect the same transaction when BKM determines, in good faith, that the
commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research services received. In
seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the
transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a
broker-dealer’s services, including among others, execution capability, commission rates, and
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responsiveness. Consistent with the foregoing, while BKM will seek competitive rates, it may not
necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client transactions.
Independent Managers selected to manage clients' assets will generally also request the discretion to
select brokers and negotiate commissions on behalf of a client. BKM will not have control over trading
execution by such managers. Clients should review the Form ADV disclosure documents of such
managers regarding their trading practices.
Products & Services Available to BKM from Broker-Dealers
The broker-dealers and custodians we recommend to clients provide BKM with access to institutional
trading and custody services, which are typically not available to retail investors. These brokerage and
custodial services include the execution of securities transactions, custody, research, and access to
mutual funds and other investments that are otherwise generally available only to institutional investors
or would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment. Other benefits we may receive
include receipt of duplicate client confirmations and bundled duplicate statements; access to a trading
desk that exclusively services its participants; access to block trading, which provides the ability to
aggregate securities transactions and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts; and access
to an electronic communication network for client order entry and account information.
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits
BKM does not participate in soft-dollar relationships.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
When recommending broker-dealers for the execution of client securities transactions, BKM does not
consider whether we will receive any client referrals from the broker-dealer or any other third-party.
Directed Brokerage
As BKM will not request the discretionary authority to determine the broker-dealer to be used or the
commission rates to be paid, clients must direct BKM as to the broker-dealer to be used. The
commissions and transaction fees charged by these broker-dealers could be higher or lower than those
charged by other custodians and broker-dealers. When directing the use of a particular broker-dealer, it
should be understood that BKM will not have authority to negotiate commissions among various broker-
dealers or obtain volume discounts. As such, best execution may not be achieved. Not all investment
advisors require clients to direct the use of specific broker-dealers
Aggregation of Orders
BKM will generally block trades where possible and when advantageous to clients. Certain trades will be
effected independently when aggregating the transaction with other client transactions is not possible
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or advantageous to clients. The blocking of trades permits the trading of aggregate blocks of securities
composed of assets from multiple client accounts where transaction costs are shared equally and on a
pro-rated basis between all accounts included in the block. Block trading allows BKM to execute equity
or fixed income trades in a timely, equitable manner and to reduce overall commission charges to
clients. Clients who do not provide BKM with discretion will not participate in block trades, and their
trades in similar securities will be placed with brokers after trades for discretionary accounts. Accounts
owned by supervised persons of BKM may participate in block trading with your accounts; however,
these individuals will not be given preferential treatment of any kind.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
Accounts at BKM are reviewed on a periodic basis. This informal review includes assessing client goals
and objectives, monitoring the account, and addressing the need to rebalance, as necessary. Individual
securities held in client accounts are periodically monitored by the firm, while any selected third-party
managers are monitored on a quarterly basis. Accounts are reviewed in the context of each client’s
stated investment objectives and guidelines. More frequent reviews may be triggered by material
changes to a client’s individual circumstances, market conditions, tax law changes or the political or
economic environment.
BKM may also review tax-planning needs, cash-flow needs, as well as charitable giving, insurance, and
estate planning as part of ongoing client reviews. Reviews are tailored to the services we provide to you,
as well as your individual needs and goals. We encourage you to discuss your needs, goals, and
objectives with BKM and keep BKM informed of any changes. If you engage BKM for ongoing investment
advisory services, we will contact you at least annually to determine whether there have been any
changes to your financial situation or investment objectives and whether you wish to impose any
reasonable restrictions on the management of your account or reasonably modify any existing
restrictions. At this time, we will advise you of any account changes we feel are necessary to help you
stay on track with meeting your financial goals and consider whether the current services provided by
BKM continue to be suitable for your needs.
As a convenience to BKM’s clients, in addition to reporting on clients’ financial assets, at a client’s
request we may prepare a performance report for the client’s accounts or a global consolidated report
that may also include certain non-financial assets (e.g., real assets). In such instances, BKM relies on the
client to provide current and accurate price or other valuation information for those assets to be
included in the client’s consolidated account report. In no instance are non-financial assets included in
any performance reporting. BKM does not independently verify, and expressly disclaims responsibility
for, the accuracy of any non-financial asset values clients provided to BKM to include in their reporting.
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Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Other Compensation Arrangements
BKM receives compensation from the broker-dealer used for your account and your account custodian
in the form of access to electronic systems that assist BKM in the management of client accounts, as
well as research, software and other technology that provide access to client account data (such as
trade confirmations and account statements), pricing information and other market data, facilitate trade
execution (and allocation of aggregated trade orders for multiple client accounts), and client reporting
capabilities. Your account custodian also offers BKM discounts for products and services offered by
vendors and third-party service providers, such as software and technology solutions. These economic
benefits create a conflict of interest in that it gives BKM an incentive to recommend one broker-dealer
or custodian over another that does not provide similar electronic systems, support, or services. We
address this conflict of interest by disclosing to BKM’s clients the types of compensation that BKM
receives so clients can consider this when evaluating BKM. It is important that you consider the fees,
level of service and investment strategies, among other factors, when selecting an investment manager.
Client Referrals
BKM does not pay any referral fees to other individuals for referring clients to BKM.
Item 15 – Custody
When you establish a relationship with BKM for investment management services, your assets will be
maintained by a bank, broker -dealer, mutual fund transfer agent or other such institution deemed a
‘qualified custodian’ by the SEC. We rely on the custodian to price and value assets, execute and clear
transactions, maintain custody of assets in your account and perform other custodial functions. BKM
does not maintain physical possession of any client account assets. Because BKM has the ability to
directly debit client account fees, and due to certain third-party standing letters of authorization, BKM is
deemed to have custody. Clients’ assets must be held by a bank, broker dealer, mutual fund transfer
agent or other such institution deemed a qualified custodian. We utilize FCC as the qualified custodian
for client accounts and fees are directly debited from those accounts.
You will receive monthly and/or quarterly account statements directly from the qualified custodian.
BKM may also provide you with written quarterly performance reports for your account. We urge you to
carefully review your account statements and compare the account balances with the balances reflected
on any performance report you may receive from BKM for accuracy. Balances on BKM’s reports may
vary slightly from custodial statements due to differences in accounting procedures, reporting dates,
valuation methodologies of certain securities or other operational factors. You should promptly notify
BKM if you do not receive account statements from your custodian at least quarterly or if you believe
the information on your account statements is inaccurate.
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Item 16 – Investment Discretion
BKM typically has investment discretion over clients’ securities accounts. Investment discretion is the
authority to determine the securities or other assets to purchase or sell on behalf of an account.
Investment discretion may also include the authority to select or terminate a third-party asset manager.
This authority is exercised in a manner consistent with your stated investment objective for the
particular account. You must provide written authorization to BKM before we can assume discretionary
authority over your account. Any investment guidelines or restrictions you would like to place on your
account must be provided to BKM in writing.
Clients that wish to maintain discretion over their accounts should understand that BKM cannot effect
any account transactions without first obtaining your consent.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
As a matter of firm policy and practice BKM does not accept the authority to and does not vote proxies
on behalf of advisory clients. Clients retain the responsibility for receiving and voting proxies for any and
all securities maintained in client portfolios. Clients will receive applicable proxies directly from the
issuer of securities held in clients’ investment portfolios. BKM, however, may provide advice to clients
regarding the clients’ voting of proxies.
In limited circumstances, BKM has retained proxy voting authority by direction of the client. In such
cases, BKM will follow the proxy voting guidelines outlined in our Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.
You may request a copy of these procedures and/or a record of ballots voted upon by emailing
steven.je.manders@bkmwm.com. In certain situations, the Independent Manager is responsible for
the voting of client proxies. In certain situations, the Independent Manager is responsible for the voting
of client proxies.
Class Actions, Bankruptcies and Other Legal Proceedings: Clients should note that BKM will neither
advise nor act on behalf of the client in legal proceedings involving companies whose securities are held
or previously were held in the client’s account(s), including, but not limited to, the filing of “Proofs of
Claim” in class action settlements. If desired, clients may direct BKM to transmit copies of class action
notices to the client or a third party. Upon such direction, BKM will make commercially reasonable
efforts to forward such notices in a timely manner.
Item 18 – Financial Information
As a registered investment advisor, BKM is required to provide you with certain financial information
about the firm.
Prepayment of Fees
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We do not require or solicit prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees per client, six months or more in
advance.
Our Financial Condition
We do not have any financial commitment that is reasonably likely to impair BKM’s contractual
commitments to BKM’s clients, nor has BKM ever been the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
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