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Item 1
Cover Page
Steigerwald, Gordon & Koch Inc.
SEC File Number: 801 – 55694
ADV Part 2A, Brochure
Dated: June 26, 2025
Contact: Jennifer L. Wiggins, Chief Compliance Officer
893-A Harrison Street, S.E.
Leesburg, Virginia 20175
www.sgkwealthadvisors.com
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Steigerwald, Gordon
& Koch Inc. If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact us at (703) 777-
8826 or Jennifer@SGKWealthAdvisors.com. The information in this Brochure has not been approved or
verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about Steigerwald, Gordon & Koch Inc. also is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
References herein to Steigerwald, Gordon & Koch Inc. as a “registered investment adviser” or any reference
to being “registered” does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
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Item 2
Material Changes
There have been material changes made to Steigerwald, Gordon & Koch Inc.’s ADV Part 2A Brochure since
its March 19, 2025 Annual Amendment filing.
Jennifer Wiggins has been named Chief Compliance Officer, effective June 25, 2025.
Effective June 13, 2025, SGK no longer participates in the Schwab Advisor Network referral
program.
The Firm has made disclosure changes, enhancements and additions at Items 12 and 14 below.
ANY QUESTIONS: Steigerwald, Gordon & Koch Inc.’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jennifer L. Wiggins,
remains available to address any questions that an existing or prospective client may have about this
Brochure.
Item 3
Table of Contents
Item 1 Cover Page ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2 Material Changes ............................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3 Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................... 2
Item 4 Advisory Business .............................................................................................................................. 3
Item 5 Fees and Compensation ...................................................................................................................... 8
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management .................................................................. 9
Item 7 Types of Clients ................................................................................................................................. 9
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ......................................................... 10
Item 9 Disciplinary Information .................................................................................................................. 12
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .................................................................... 13
Item 10
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ................ 13
Item 11
Brokerage Practices ..................................................................................................................... 14
Item 12
Review of Accounts ..................................................................................................................... 16
Item 13
Client Referrals and Other Compensation .................................................................................... 16
Item 14
Custody ........................................................................................................................................ 16
Item 15
Investment Discretion .................................................................................................................. 17
Item 16
Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................... 17
Item 17
Financial Information .................................................................................................................. 18
Item 18
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Item 4
Advisory Business
A. Steigerwald, Gordon & Koch Inc. (“SGK”) is a Virginia corporation formed on June 17,
1996. SGK became registered as an investment adviser in June 1996. John S. Steigerwald
is SGK’s principal owner. SGK’s officers are John S. Steigerwald, Chief Executive Officer;
Jeffrey A. Gordon, President; Darren A. Koch, Vice President; and Jennifer Wiggins,
Secretary/Treasurer.
B. As discussed below, SGK offers to its clients (generally: individuals, high net worth
individuals, business entities, trusts, estates and charitable organizations, etc.) investment
advisory services, and, to the extent specifically requested by a client, financial planning
and related consulting services.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
Clients can engage SGK to provide discretionary investment advisory services on a fee-
only basis. SGK’s annual investment advisory fee is based upon a percentage (%) of the
market value of the assets placed under SGK’s management. Before engaging SGK to
provide investment advisory services, clients are required to enter into an Investment
Advisory Agreement with SGK setting forth the terms and conditions of the engagement
(including termination), describing the scope of the services to be provided, and the fee that
is due from the client.
SGK’s annual investment advisory fee compensates for investment advisory services, and,
to the extent specifically requested by the client, financial planning and consulting services.
While SGK believes that it is important for the client to address financial planning issues
on an ongoing basis, SGK’s fee, as set forth at Item 5 below, will remain the same
regardless of whether the client determines to address those issues with SGK. If SGK
determines in its sole discretion that the client requires extraordinary planning and/or
consultation services, SGK may seek to charge for those services under the terms and
conditions of a stand-alone Financial Planning and Consulting Agreement.
Before SGK provides such investment advisory services, an investment adviser
representative will coordinate with each client to develop their investment objectives. Then,
SGK will allocate client investment assets consistent with the designated investment
objectives. Once allocated, SGK provides ongoing monitoring and review of account
performance and asset allocation as compared to client investment objectives and may
execute account transactions based on those reviews or other triggering events.
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND CONSULTING SERVICES (STAND-ALONE)
To the extent requested by a client, SGK may determine to provide financial planning
and/or related consulting services regarding matters such as tax and estate planning,
insurance, etc. on a stand-alone basis per the terms and conditions of a separate written
agreement and fee, the fee for which shall generally be based upon the individual providing
the service and the scope of the services to be provided. Prior to engaging SGK to provide
planning or consulting services, clients are generally required to enter into a Financial
Planning and Consulting Agreement with SGK setting forth the terms and conditions of the
engagement (including termination), describing the scope of the services to be provided,
and the portion of the fee that is due from the client prior to SGK commencing services.
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MISCELLANEOUS
Limitations of Financial Planning and Non-Investment Consulting/Implementation
Services. To the extent requested by a client, SGK may provide financial planning and
related consulting services regarding non-investment related matters, such as estate
planning, tax planning, insurance, etc. as part of the investment advisory engagement or
according to the terms and conditions of a stand-alone Financial Planning and Consulting
Agreement. SGK does not serve as an attorney, accountant, or insurance agency, and no
portion of its services should be construed as legal, accounting, or insurance
implementation services. Accordingly, SGK does not prepare estate planning documents,
tax returns or sell insurance products. Unless specifically agreed in writing, neither SGK
nor its representatives are responsible to implement any financial plans or financial
planning advice; provide ongoing financial planning services; or provide ongoing
monitoring of financial plans or financial planning advice. The client is solely responsible
to revisit the financial plan or financial planning advice with SGK, if desired. SGK’s
financial planning and consulting services are completed upon communicating its
recommendations to the client. Upon client request, SGK may recommend the services of
other professionals for certain non-investment implementation purposes (i.e. attorneys,
accountants, insurance agents, etc.). Clients are under no obligation to engage the services
of any recommended professional, who shall be solely responsible for the quality and
competency of the services they provide. If the client engages any unaffiliated
recommended professional, and a dispute arises related to the engagement, the client should
seek recourse exclusively from and against the engaged professional.
Retirement Plan Rollovers – No Obligation / Potential for Conflict of Interest: A client or
prospective client leaving an employer typically has four options regarding an existing
retirement plan (and may engage in a combination of these options): (i) leave the money in
the former employer’s plan, if permitted, (ii) roll over the assets to the new employer’s
plan, if one is available and rollovers are permitted, (iii) roll over to an Individual
Retirement Account (“IRA”), or (iv) cash out the account value (which could, depending
upon the client’s age, result in adverse tax consequences). If SGK recommends that a client
roll over their retirement plan assets into an account to be managed by SGK, such a
recommendation creates a conflict of interest if SGK will earn new (or increase its current)
compensation an advisory fee on the rolled over assets. Whether SGK provides a
recommendation as to whether a client should engage in a rollover or not, SGK is acting as
a fiduciary within the meaning of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, which are laws governing retirement
accounts. No client is under any obligation to roll over plan assets to an IRA managed by
SGK or to engage SGK to monitor and/or manage the account while maintained at the
client’s employer’s plan or an existing IRA. SGK’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jennifer
L. Wiggins, remains available to address any questions that a client or prospective
client may have regarding the potential for conflict of interest presented by such
rollover recommendation.
fund manager
tenure,
Portfolio Activity. SGK has a fiduciary duty to provide services consistent with the client’s
best interest. SGK will review client portfolios on an ongoing basis to determine if any
changes are necessary based upon various factors, including, but not limited to, investment
performance, market conditions,
style drift, account
additions/withdrawals, and/or a change in the client’s investment objective. Based upon
these factors, there may be extended periods of time when SGK determines that changes to
a client’s portfolio are unnecessary. Clients remain subject to the fees described in Item
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5 below during periods of portfolio inactivity. Of course, as indicated below, there can be
no assurance that investment decisions made by SGK will be profitable or equal any
specific performance level(s).
Other Assets. A client may:
hold securities that were purchased at the request of the client or acquired prior to
the client’s engagement of SGK. Generally, with potential exceptions, SGK does
not/would not recommend nor follow such securities, and absent mitigating tax
consequences or client direction to the contrary, would prefer to liquidate
such securities. Please Note: If/when liquidated, it should not be assumed that the
replacement securities purchased by SGK will outperform the liquidated positions.
To the contrary, different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and
there can be no assurance that future performance of any specific investment or
investment strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies
recommended or undertaken by SGK) will be profitable or equal any specific
performance level(s)In addition, there may be other securities and/or accounts
owned by the client for which SGK does not maintain custodian access and/or
trading authority; and,
hold other securities and/or own accounts for which SGK does not maintain
custodian access and/or trading authority.
Corresponding Services/Fees. When agreed to by SGK, SGK shall: (1) remain available
to discuss these securities/accounts on an ongoing basis at the request of the client; (2)
monitor these securities/accounts on a regular basis, including, where applicable,
rebalancing with client consent;(3) shall generally consider these securities as part of the
client’s overall asset allocation; and, (4) report on such securities/accounts as part of regular
reports that may be provided by SGK; and, (5) include the market value of all such
securities for purposes of calculating advisory fee.
Cash Positions. SGK continues to treat cash as an asset class. As such, unless determined
to the contrary by SGK, all cash positions (money markets, etc.) shall continue to be
included as part of assets under management for purposes of calculating SGK’s advisory
fee. At any specific point in time, depending upon perceived or anticipated market
conditions/events (there being no guarantee that such anticipated market conditions/events
will occur), SGK may maintain cash positions for defensive purposes. In addition, while
assets are maintained in cash, such amounts could miss market advances. Depending upon
current yields, at any point in time, SGK’s advisory fee could exceed the interest paid by
the client’s money market fund.
Cash Sweep Accounts. Account custodians generally require that cash proceeds from
account transactions or cash deposits be swept into and/or initially maintained in the
custodian’s sweep account. The yield on the sweep account is generally lower than those
available in money market accounts. To help mitigate this issue, SGK shall generally
purchase a higher yielding money market fund available on the custodian’s platform with
cash proceeds or deposits, unless SGK reasonably anticipates that it will utilize the cash
proceeds during the subsequent 30-day period to purchase additional investments for the
client’s account. Exceptions and/or modifications can and will occur with respect to all or
a portion of the cash balances for various reasons, including, but not limited to, the amount
of dispersion between the sweep account and a money market fund, an indication from the
client of an imminent need for such cash, or the client has a demonstrated history of writing
checks from the account. ANY QUESTIONS: SGK’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jennifer
L. Wiggins, remains available to address any questions that a client or prospective client
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may have regarding the above.
Please Note: Socially Responsible (ESG) Investing Limitations. Socially Responsible
Investing involves the incorporation of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”)
considerations into the investment due diligence process. ESG investing incorporates a set
of criteria/factors used in evaluating potential investments: Environmental (i.e., considers
how a company safeguards the environment); Social (i.e., the manner in which a company
manages relationships with its employees, customers, and the communities in which it
operates); and Governance (i.e., company management considerations). The number of
companies that meet an acceptable ESG mandate can be limited when compared to those
that do not, and could underperform broad market indices. Investors must accept these
limitations, including potential for underperformance. As with any type of investment
(including any investment and/or investment strategies recommended and/or undertaken
by SGK), there can be no assurance that investment in ESG securities or funds will be
profitable, or prove successful. SGK does not maintain or advocate an ESG investment
strategy, but will seek to employ ESG if directed by a client to do so. If implemented, SGK
shall rely upon the assessments undertaken by the unaffiliated mutual fund, exchange
traded fund or separate account manager to determine that the fund’s or portfolio’s
underlying company securities meet a socially responsible mandate.
WE DON’T RECOMMEND Cryptocurrency: For clients who want exposure to
cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, SGK, will advise the client to consider a potential
investment in corresponding exchange traded securities, or an allocation to separate
account managers and/or private funds that provide cryptocurrency exposure. Crypto is a
digital currency that can be used to buy goods and services, but uses an online ledger with
strong cryptography (i.e., a method of protecting information and communications through
the use of codes) to secure online transactions. Unlike conventional currencies issued by a
monetary authority, cryptocurrencies are generally not controlled or regulated and their
price is determined by the supply and demand of their market. Because cryptocurrency is
currently considered to be a speculative investment, SGK will not exercise discretionary
authority to purchase a cryptocurrency investment for client accounts. Rather, a client must
expressly authorize the purchase of the cryptocurrency investment. Please Note: SGK does
not recommend or advocate the purchase of, or investment in, cryptocurrencies. SGK
considers such an investment to be speculative. Please Also Note: Clients who authorize
the purchase of a cryptocurrency investment must be prepared for the potential for liquidity
constraints, extreme price volatility and complete loss of principal.
Client Obligations. In performing its services, SGK will not be required to verify any
information received from the client or from other designated professionals who provide
services to the client, and SGK is expressly authorized to rely thereon. Clients maintain
responsibility to promptly notify SGK if there is ever any change in their financial situation
or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating, or revising SGK’s
previous recommendations or services.
Reporting Services. SGK can also provide, for a separate fee (delete if no additional fee),
account reporting services, which can incorporate client investment assets that are not part
of the assets that SGK manages (the “Excluded Assets”). Unless agreed to otherwise, the
client and/or his/her/its other advisors that maintain trading authority, and not SGK,
shall be exclusively responsible for the investment performance of the Excluded
Assets. Unless also agreed to otherwise, SGK does not provide investment management,
monitoring or implementation services for the Excluded Assets. If SGK is asked to make a
recommendation as to any Excluded Assets, the client is under absolutely no obligation to
accept the recommendation, and SGK shall not be responsible for any implementation error
(timing, trading, etc.) relative to the Excluded Assets. The client can engage SGK to
6
provide investment management services for the Excluded Assets pursuant to the terms and
conditions of the Investment Advisory Agreement between SGK and the client.
emoney. In the event that SGK provides the client with access to an unaffiliated
vendor’s website such as emoney (change if a different vendor), and the site provides
access to information and/or concepts, including financial planning, the client, should
not, in any manner whatsoever, infer that such access is a substitute for services
provided by SGK. Rather, if the client utilizes any such content, the client does so
separate and independent of SGK.
Cybersecurity Risk. The information technology systems and networks that SGK and its
third-party service providers use to provide services to SGK’s clients employ various
controls, which are designed to prevent cybersecurity incidents stemming from intentional
or unintentional actions that could cause significant interruptions in SGK’s operations and
result in the unauthorized acquisition or use of clients’ confidential or non-public personal
information. Clients and SGK are nonetheless subject to the risk of cybersecurity incidents
that could ultimately cause them to incur losses, including for example: financial losses,
cost and reputational damage to respond to regulatory obligations, other costs associated
with corrective measures, and loss from damage or interruption to systems. Although SGK
has established its systems to reduce the risk of cybersecurity incidents from coming to
fruition, there is no guarantee that these efforts will always be successful, especially
considering that SGK does not directly control the cybersecurity measures and policies
employed by third-party service providers. Clients could incur similar adverse
consequences resulting from cybersecurity incidents that more directly affect issuers of
securities in which those clients invest, broker-dealers, qualified custodians, governmental
and other regulatory authorities, exchange and other financial market operators, or other financial
institutions.
Investment Risk. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it
should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment
strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or
undertaken by SGK) will be profitable or equal any specific performance level(s).
Disclosure Statement. A copy of SGK’s written Brochure as set forth on Part 2 of Form
ADV and Form CRS (Client Relationship Summary) shall be provided to each client prior
to, or contemporaneously with, the execution of the Investment Advisory Agreement or
Financial Planning and Consulting Agreement.
Availability Exchange Traded Funds. SGK utilizes exchange traded funds for certain client
portfolios. In addition to SGK’s investment advisory fee described below, clients will also
incur, relative to exchange traded fund purchases, charges imposed at the fund level (e.g.
management fees and other fund expenses).
Custodian Charges-Additional Fees. As discussed below at Item 12 below, when requested
to recommend a broker-dealer/custodian for client accounts, SGK generally recommends
that Schwab serve as the broker-dealer/custodian for client investment management assets.
The specific broker-dealer/custodian recommended could depend upon the scope and
nature of the services required by the client. Broker-dealers such as Schwab charge
brokerage commissions, transaction, and/or other type fees for effecting certain types of
securities transactions (i.e., including transaction fees for certain mutual funds, and mark-
ups and mark-downs charged for fixed income transactions, etc.). The types of securities
for which transaction fees, commissions, and/or other type fees (as well as the amount of
those fees) shall differ depending upon the broker-dealer/custodian (while certain
custodians, including Schwab, do not currently charge fees on individual equity transactions
7
[including ETFs], others do). These fees/charges are in addition to SGK’s investment
advisory fee at Item 5 below. SGK does not receive any portion of these fees/charges.
C. SGK provides investment advisory services specifically tailored to the needs of each client.
Prior to providing investment advisory services, an investment adviser representative will
ascertain each client’s investment objectives. Thereafter, SGK will allocate and/or
recommend that the client allocate investment assets consistent with the designated
investment objectives. The client may, at any time, impose reasonable restrictions, in
writing, on SGK’s services.
D. SGK does not participate in a wrap fee program.
E. As of December 31, 2024, SGK had $1,214,846,098 in assets under management on a discretionary
basis.
Item 5
Fees and Compensation
A.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
If a client determines to engage SGK to provide discretionary investment advisory services
on a fee-only basis, SGK’s annual investment advisory fee is generally based upon a
percentage (%) of the market value and type of assets placed under SGK’s management
(between negotiable and 1.00%) as follows:
Market Value of Portfolio
First $1,000,000
Next $1,000,001 to $2,000,000
Next $2,000,001 to $5,000,000
Next $5,000,001 to $10,000,000
Next $10,000,001 +
% of Assets
1.00%*
0.75%
0.50%
0.40%
0.30%
While SGK believes that it is important for the client to address financial planning issues on
an ongoing basis, the investment advisory fee will remain the same regardless of whether the
client determines to address those issues with SGK.
SGK’s policy is to treat intra-quarter account additions and withdrawals equally. SGK will
not charge for intra-quarter additions or withdrawals unless indicated to the contrary on the
Investment Advisory Agreement executed by the client.
Fee Dispersion. SGK, in its discretion, may charge a lesser investment advisory fee, charge
a flat fee, waive its fee entirely, or charge a fee on a different interval, based upon certain
criteria (i.e. anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar
amount of assets to be managed, related accounts, account composition, complexity of the
engagement, anticipated services to be rendered, grandfathered fee schedules, employees
and family members, courtesy accounts, competition, negotiations with client, etc.). Please
Note: As result of the above, similarly situated clients could pay different fees. In addition,
similar advisory services may be available from other investment advisers for similar or
lower fees. ANY QUESTIONS: SGK’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jennifer L. Wiggins,
remains available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have
regarding advisory fees.
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND CONSULTING SERVICES (STAND-ALONE)
To the extent specifically requested by a client, SGK may determine to provide financial
8
planning and/or consulting services (including investment and non-investment related
matters, including estate planning, insurance planning, etc.) on a stand-alone fee basis.
SGK’s planning and consulting fees are negotiable, but generally are $75 to $300 on an
hourly rate basis depending upon the level and scope of the service required and the
professionals rendering the service.
B. Clients may elect to have SGK’s advisory fees deducted from their custodial account.
SGK’s Investment Advisory Agreement and the custodial/clearing agreement may
authorize the custodian to debit the account for the amount of SGK’s investment advisory
fee and to directly remit that management fee to SGK in compliance with regulatory
procedures. In the limited event that SGK bills the client directly, payment is due upon
receipt of SGK’s invoice. SGK deducts fees or bills clients quarterly in advance, based
upon the market value of the assets on the last business day of the previous quarter.
C. Unless a client’s circumstances dictate otherwise, SGK generally recommends that Charles
Schwab and Co., Inc. and its affiliates (“Schwab”) serve as the broker-dealer/custodian for
client investment management assets. Broker-dealers such as Schwab charge brokerage
commissions, transaction, and/or other type fees for effecting certain types of securities
transactions (i.e., including transaction fees for certain mutual funds, and mark-ups and
mark-downs charged for fixed income transactions, etc.). The types of securities for which
transaction fees, commissions, and/or other type fees (as well as the amount of those fees)
shall differ depending upon the broker-dealer/custodian (while certain custodians,
including Schwab, do not currently charge fees on individual equity transactions [including
ETFs], others do).The fees charged by the applicable broker- dealer/custodian, and the
charges imposed by ETFs, are separate from and in addition to SGK’s advisory fee
referenced in this Item 5. SGK does not share in any portion of those fees or expenses.
D. SGK’s annual investment advisory fee shall be prorated and paid quarterly, in advance,
based upon the market value of the assets on the last business day of the previous quarter.
The Investment Advisory Agreement between SGK and the client will continue in effect
until terminated by either party by written notice in accordance with the terms of the
Investment Advisory Agreement. SGK shall refund the pro-rated portion of the advanced
advisory fee paid based upon the number of months remaining in the billing quarter.
E. Neither SGK, nor its representatives, accepts compensation from the sale of securities or
other investment products.
Item 6
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
SGK is not a party to any performance or incentive-related compensation arrangements
with its clients.
Item 7
Types of Clients
SGK’s clients generally include individuals, high net worth individuals, business entities,
trusts, estates and charitable organizations. For new client relationships, SGK generally
prefers a minimum asset level of $500,000 for investment advisory services. SGK, in its sole
discretion, may reduce or waive its minimum asset preference or reduce its investment
advisory fee based upon certain criteria including but not limited to: the amount of assets
to be managed; portfolio composition; the scope and complexity of the engagement; the
anticipated number of meetings and servicing needs; related accounts; future earning
capacity; anticipated future additional assets; the professionals rendering the service; prior
relationships with SGK and/or its representatives, employees/family members, courtesy
accounts, competition, and negotiations with the client. Additionally, clients referred by
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Schwab will be billed at 0.75% on the first $1M. See Item 12 below. As result, similarly
situated clients could pay different fees and similar advisory services may be available from
other investment advisers for similar or lower fees. SGK’s Chief Compliance Officer,
Jennifer L. Wiggins, remains available to address any questions regarding advisory fees.
Item 8
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
A. SGK may utilize the following methods of security analysis:
Fundamental - (analysis performed on historical and present data, with the goal of
making financial forecasts)
Technical – (analysis performed on historical and present data, focusing on price
and trade volume, to forecast the direction of prices)
Cyclical – (analysis performed on historical relationships between price and
market trends, to forecast the direction of prices)
SGK may utilize the following investment strategies when implementing investment
advice given to clients:
Long Term Purchases (securities held at least a year)
Short Term Purchases (securities sold within a year)
Investment Risk. Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared
to bear, including the loss of principal investment. Past performance does not guarantee
future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it should
not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy
(including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by
SGK) will be profitable or equal any specific performance level. Investment strategies such
as asset allocation, diversification, or rebalancing do not assure or guarantee better
performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses. There is no guarantee that
a portfolio employing these or any other strategy will outperform a portfolio that does not
engage in such strategies. While asset values may increase and client account values could
benefit as a result, it is also possible that asset values may decrease and client account
values could suffer a loss.
B. SGK’s methods of analysis and investment strategies do not present any significant or
unusual risks. However, every method of analysis has its own inherent risks. To perform
an accurate market analysis SGK must have access to current/new market information.
SGK has no control over the dissemination rate of market information; therefore,
unbeknownst to SGK, certain analyses may be compiled with outdated market information,
severely limiting the value of SGK’s analysis. Furthermore, an accurate market analysis
can only produce a forecast of the direction of market values. There can be no assurances
that a forecasted change in market value will materialize into actionable and/or profitable
investment opportunities.
SGK’s primary investment strategies - Long Term Purchases and Short Term Purchases -
are fundamental investment strategies. However, every investment strategy has its own
inherent risks and limitations. For example, longer term investment strategies require a
longer investment time period to allow for the strategy to potentially develop. Shorter term
investment strategies require a shorter investment time period to potentially develop but,
as a result of more frequent trading, may incur higher transactional costs when compared
to a longer term investment strategy.
Currently, SGK primarily allocates client investment assets among various individual
equity (stocks), debt (bonds), mutual funds, ETFs, and other fixed income securities on a
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discretionary basis in accordance with the client’s designated investment objectives. Each
type of investment has its own unique set of risks associated with it. The following provides
a short description of some of the underlying risks associated with the types of investments
to which SGK allocates investment assets:
Market Risk. The price of a security may drop in reaction to tangible and intangible events
and conditions. This type of risk may be caused by external factors (such as economic or
political factors) but may also be incurred because of a security’s specific underlying
investments. Additionally, each security’s price can fluctuate based on market movement,
which may or may not be due to the security’s operations or changes in its true value. For
example, political, economic and social conditions may trigger market events which are
temporarily negative, or temporarily positive.
Unsystematic Risk. Unsystematic risk is the company-specific or industry-specific risk in
a portfolio that the investor bears. Unsystematic risk is typically addressed through
diversification. However, as indicated above, diversification does not guarantee better
performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses.
Value Investment Risk. Value stocks may perform differently from the market as a whole
and following a value-oriented investment strategy may cause a portfolio to underperform
growth stocks.
Growth Investment Risk. Prices of growth stocks tend to be higher in relation to their
companies’ earnings and may be more sensitive to market, political and economic
developments than other stocks, making their prices more volatile.
Small Company Risk. Securities of small companies are often less liquid than those of large
companies and this could make it difficult to sell a small company security at a desired time
or price. As a result, small company stocks may fluctuate relatively more in price. In
general, small capitalization companies are more vulnerable than larger companies to
adverse business or economic developments and they may have more limited resources.
Commodity Risk. The value of commodity-linked derivative instruments may be affected
by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest
rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods,
weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political, and
regulatory developments.
Foreign Securities and Currencies Risk. Foreign securities prices may decline or fluctuate
because of: (i) economic or political actions of foreign governments, and/or (ii) less
regulated or liquid securities markets. Investors holding these securities are also exposed
to foreign currency risk (the possibility that foreign currency will fluctuate in value against
the U.S. dollar).
Interest Rate Risk. Fixed income securities and fixed income-based securities are subject
to interest rate risk because the prices of fixed income securities tend to move in the
opposite direction of interest rates. When interest rates rise, fixed income security prices
tend to fall. When interest rates fall, fixed income security prices tend to rise. In general,
fixed income securities with longer maturities are more sensitive to these price changes.
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Inflation Risk. When any type of inflation is present, a dollar at present value will not carry
the same purchasing power as a dollar in the future, because that purchasing power erodes
at the rate of inflation.
Reinvestment Risk. Future proceeds from investments may have to be reinvested at a
potentially lower rate of return (i.e. interest rate), which primarily relates to fixed income
securities.
Credit Risk. The issuer of a security may be unable to make interest payments and/or repay
principal when due. A downgrade to an issuer’s credit rating or a perceived change in an
issuer’s financial strength may affect a security’s value and impact performance. Credit
risk is considered greater for fixed income securities with ratings below investment grade.
Fixed income securities that are below investment grade involve higher credit risk and are
considered speculative.
Call Risk. During periods of falling interest rates, a bond issuer will call or repay a higher-
yielding bond before its maturity date, forcing the investment to reinvest in bonds with
lower interest rates than the original obligations.
Regulatory Risk. Changes in laws and regulations from any government can change the
market value of companies subject to such regulations. Certain industries are more
susceptible to government regulation. For example, changes in zoning, tax structure or laws
may impact the return on investments.
Mutual Fund Risk. Mutual funds are operated by investment companies that raise money
from shareholders and invests it in stocks, bonds, and/or other types of securities. Each
fund will have a manager that trades the fund’s investments in accordance with the fund’s
investment objective. Mutual funds charge a separate management fee for their services,
so the returns on mutual funds are reduced by the costs to manage the funds. While mutual
funds generally provide diversification, risks can be significantly increased if the fund is
concentrated in a particular sector of the market. Mutual funds come in many varieties.
Some invest aggressively for capital appreciation, while others are conservative and are
designed to generate income for shareholders. In addition, the client’s overall portfolio may
be affected by losses of an underlying fund and the level of risk arising from the investment
practices of an underlying fund (such as the use of derivatives).
Exchange Traded Fund Risk. ETFs are marketable securities that are designed to track,
before fees and expenses, the performance or returns of a relevant index, commodity, bonds
or basket of assets, like an index fund. Unlike mutual funds, ETFs trade like common stock
on a stock exchange. ETFs experience price changes throughout the day as they are bought
and sold. In addition to the general risks of investing, there are specific risks to consider
with respect to an investment in ETFs, including, but not limited to: (i) an ETF’s shares
may trade at a market price that is above or below its net asset value; (ii) the ETF may
employ an investment strategy that utilizes high leverage ratios; or (iii) trading of an ETF’s
shares may be halted if the listing exchange’s officials deem such action appropriate, the
shares are de-listed from the exchange, or the activation of market-wide “circuit breakers”
(which are tied to large decreases in stock prices) halts stock trading generally.
Item 9
Disciplinary Information
SGK has not been the subject of any disciplinary actions.
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Item 10
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Neither SGK, nor its representatives, are registered or have an application pending to
register, as a broker-dealer or a registered representative of a broker-dealer.
B. Neither SGK, nor its representatives, are registered or have an application pending to
register, as a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, a commodity trading
advisor, or a representative of the foregoing.
C. SGK has no other relationship or arrangement with a related person that is material to its
advisory.
D. SGK does not receive, directly or indirectly, compensation from investment advisors that
it recommends or selects for its clients.
Item 11
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
A. SGK maintains an investment policy relative to personal securities transactions. This
investment policy is part of SGK’s overall Code of Ethics, which serves to establish a
standard of business conduct for all of SGK’s Representatives that is based upon
fundamental principles of openness, integrity, honesty and trust, a copy of which is
available upon request.
In accordance with Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, SGK also
maintains and enforces written policies reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of
material non-public information by SGK or any person associated with SGK.
B. Neither SGK nor any related person of SGK recommends, buys, or sells for client accounts,
securities in which SGK or any related person of SGK has a material financial interest.
C. SGK and/or representatives of SGK may buy or sell securities that are also recommended
to clients. This practice may create a situation where SGK and/or representatives of SGK
are in a position to materially benefit from the sale or purchase of those securities.
Therefore, this situation creates a conflict of interest. Practices such as “scalping” (i.e., a
practice whereby the owner of shares of a security recommends that security for investment
and then immediately sells it at a profit upon the rise in the market price which follows the
recommendation) could take place if SGK did not have adequate policies in place to detect
such activities. In addition, this requirement can help detect insider trading, “front-running”
(i.e., personal trades executed prior to those of SGK’s clients) and other potentially abusive
practices.
SGK has a personal securities transaction policy in place to monitor the personal securities
transactions and securities holdings of each of SGK’s “Access Persons”. SGK’s securities
transaction policy requires that an Access Person of SGK must provide the Chief
Compliance Officer or their designee with a written report of their current securities
holdings within ten (10) days after becoming an Access Person. Additionally, each Access
Person must provide the Chief Compliance Officer or their designee with a written report
of the Access Person’s current securities holdings at least once each twelve (12) month
period thereafter on a date SGK selects; provided, however that at any time that SGK has
only one Access Person, he or she shall not be required to submit any securities report
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described above.
D. SGK and/or representatives of SGK may buy or sell securities, at or around the same time
as those securities are recommended to clients. This practice creates a situation where SGK
and/or representatives of SGK are in a position to materially benefit from the sale or
purchase of those securities. Therefore, this situation creates a conflict of interest. As
indicated above in Item 11.C, SGK has a personal securities transaction policy in place to
monitor the personal securities transaction and securities holdings of each of SGK’s Access
Persons.
Item 12
Brokerage Practices
A. If the client requests that SGK recommend a broker-dealer/custodian for execution and/or
custodial services (exclusive of those clients that may direct SGK to use a specific broker-
dealer/custodian), SGK generally recommends that investment advisory accounts be
maintained at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”). Before engaging SGK to provide
investment advisory services, the client will be required to enter into a formal Investment
Advisory Agreement with SGK setting forth the terms and conditions under which SGK
will manage the client’s assets, and a separate custodial/clearing agreement with each
designated broker-dealer/custodian. Depending on which custodian clients select to
maintain their account, they may experience differences in customer service, transaction
timing, the availability of sweep account vehicles and money market funds, and other
aspects of investing. In certain instances, these differences could cause differences in
account performance.
that SGK considers
Factors
in recommending Schwab (or any other broker-
dealer/custodian) include historical relationship with SGK, financial strength, reputation,
execution capabilities, pricing, research, and service. Broker-dealers such as Schwab can
charge transaction fees for effecting certain securities transactions (See Item 4 above). To
the extent that a transaction fee will be payable by the client to Schwab, the transaction fee
shall be in addition to SGK’s investment advisory fee referenced in Item 5 above.
To the extent that a transaction fee is payable, SGK shall have a duty to obtain best
execution for such transaction. However, that does not mean that the client will not pay a
transaction fee that is higher than another qualified broker-dealer might charge to effect the
same transaction where SGK determines, in good faith, that the transaction fee is
reasonable. 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 the value of research
provided, execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness. Accordingly,
although SGK will seek competitive rates, it may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible
commission rates for client account transactions. The brokerage commissions or
transaction fees charged by the designated broker-dealer/custodian are exclusive of, and in
addition to, SGK’s investment advisory fee.
1. Research and Additional Benefits
Although not a material consideration when determining whether to recommend that a
client utilize the services of a particular broker-dealer/custodian, SGK receives from
Schwab (or could receive from other broker-dealer/custodians, unaffiliated investment
managers, vendors, investment platforms, and/or product/fund sponsors) without cost
(and/or at a discount) support services and/or products, certain of which assist SGK to
better monitor and service client accounts maintained at such institutions. The support
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services that SGK receives can include: investment-related research, pricing
information and market data, software and other technology that provide access to
client account data, compliance and/or practice management-related publications,
discounted or free consulting services, discounted and/or free travel and attendance at
conferences, meetings, and other educational and/or social events, marketing support,
computer hardware and/or software and/or other products used by SGK in furtherance
of its investment advisory business operations. However, SGK’s clients do not pay
more for investment transactions executed and/or assets maintained at Schwab as a
result of this arrangement. There is no corresponding commitment made by SGK to
Schwab or any other entity to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets
in any specific mutual funds, securities or other investment products as a result of the
above arrangements. SGK’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jennifer L. Wiggins, remains
available to address any questions regarding the above arrangements and conflict of
interest presented.
2. Directed Brokerage. SGK recommends that its clients utilize the brokerage and
custodial services provided by Schwab. SGK does not generally accept directed
brokerage arrangements (when a client requires that account transactions be executed
through a specific broker- dealer). In such client directed arrangements, the client will
negotiate terms and arrangements for their account with that broker-dealer, and SGK
will not seek better execution services or prices from other broker-dealers or be able to
“batch” the client’s transactions for execution through other broker-dealers with orders
for other accounts managed by SGK. As a result, client may pay higher commissions or
other transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net prices, on
transactions for the account than would otherwise be the case.
If the client directs SGK to execute securities transactions for the client’s accounts
through a specific broker-dealer, the client correspondingly acknowledges that such
direction may cause the accounts to incur higher commissions or transaction costs than
the accounts would otherwise incur had the client determined to execute account
transactions through alternative clearing arrangements that may be available through
SGK. Higher transaction costs adversely impact account performance. Transactions for
directed accounts will generally be executed following the execution of portfolio
transactions for non-directed accounts.
SGK’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jennifer L. Wiggins, remains available to address
any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above
arrangement.
B. Transactions for each client account generally will be effected independently unless SGK
decides to purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the same
time. SGK may (but is not obligated to) combine or “bunch” such orders to obtain best
execution, to negotiate more favorable commission rates or to allocate equitably among
SGK’s clients differences in prices and commissions or other transaction costs that might
have been obtained had such orders been placed independently. Under this procedure,
transactions will be averaged as to price and will be allocated among clients in proportion
to the purchase and sale orders placed for each client account on any given day. SGK shall
not receive any additional compensation or remuneration as a result of such aggregation.
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Item 13
Review of Accounts
A. For those clients to whom SGK provides investment supervisory services, account reviews
are conducted on an ongoing basis by SGK’s Principals and/or representatives. All
investment supervisory clients are advised that it remains their responsibility to advise SGK
of any changes in their investment objectives and/or financial situation. All clients (in
person, via telephone or email) are encouraged to review financial planning issues (to the
extent applicable), investment objectives and account performance with SGK on an annual
basis.
B. SGK may conduct account reviews on a non-periodic basis upon a triggering event, such
as a change in client investment objectives and/or financial situation, market events, or
specific client request.
C. Clients are provided, at least quarterly, with written transaction confirmation notices and
regular written summary account statements directly from the broker-dealer/custodian
and/or program sponsor for the client accounts. SGK may also provide a written periodic
report summarizing account activity and performance.
Item 14
Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. As referenced in Item 12.A.1 above, SGK receives economic benefits from Schwab without
cost (and/or at a discount) support services and/or products. SGK’s clients do not pay more
for investment transactions executed and/or assets maintained at Schwab as a result of this
arrangement. There is no corresponding commitment made by SGK to Schwab, or to any
other entity, to invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific
mutual funds, securities or other investment products as the result of the above
arrangement. SGK’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jennifer L. Wiggins, remains available to
address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above
arrangement and the conflict of interest presented.
B. SGK engages promoters to introduce new prospective clients to SGK consistent with the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, its corresponding. Rules, and applicable state regulatory
requirements. If the prospect subsequently engages SGK, the promoter shall generally be
compensated by SGK for the introduction. Because the promoter has an economic incentive
to introduce the prospect to SGK, a conflict of interest is presented. The promoter’s
introduction shall not result in the prospect’s payment of a higher investment advisory fee
to SGK (i.e., if the prospect was to engage SGK independent of the promoter’s introduction).
C. SGK no longer participates in the Schwab Advisor Network effective June 13, 2025. SGK
will continue to pay Schwab on past referrals under the program. SGK will no longer
receive new referrals from the program. Referrals made June 12, 2025, or prior are
considered in progress. SGK will have 24 months to close that business.
Item 15
Custody
SGK shall have the ability to have its advisory fee for each client debited by the custodian
on a quarterly basis. Clients are provided, at least quarterly, with written transaction
confirmation notices and regular written summary account statements directly from the
broker-dealer/custodian and/or program sponsor for the client accounts. SGK may also
provide a written periodic report summarizing account activity and performance. In
preparing this report SGK shall rely upon account/investment information provided by the
account custodian, and pricing information provided by Schwab, the primary account
custodian used by SGK’s clients.
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To the extent that SGK provides clients with periodic account statements or reports, SGK
urges clients to carefully review those statements and compare them to custodial account
statements. SGK’s statements may vary from custodial statements based on accounting
procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of certain securities. The account
custodian does not verify the accuracy of SGK’s advisory fee calculations.
In addition, certain clients have established asset transfer authorizations that permit the
qualified custodian to rely upon instructions from SGK to transfer client funds or securities
to third parties. These arrangements are disclosed at Item 9 of Part 1 of Form ADV.
However, in accordance with the guidance provided in the SEC’s February 21, 2017
Investment Adviser Association No-Action Letter, the affected accounts are not subject to
an annual surprise CPA examination.
Item 16
Investment Discretion
The client can determine to engage SGK to provide investment advisory services on a
discretionary basis. Before SGK assumes discretionary authority over a client’s account,
the client shall be required to execute an Investment Advisory Agreement, naming SGK as
the client’s attorney and agent in fact, granting SGK full authority to buy, sell, or otherwise
execute investment transactions involving the assets in the client’s name found in the
discretionary account.
Clients who engage SGK on a discretionary basis may, at any time, impose restrictions, in
writing, on SGK’s discretionary authority (i.e. limit the types/amounts of particular
securities purchased for their account, exclude the ability to purchase securities with an
inverse relationship to the market, limit or proscribe SGK’s use of margin, etc.).
Item 17
Voting Client Securities
SGK is responsible for voting client proxies, and shall do so in conjunction with the proxy
voting administrative and due diligence services provided by Proxy Edge, an unaffiliated
nationally recognized proxy voting service of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
(“Broadridge”) SGK, in conjunction with the services provided by Broadridge, shall
monitor corporate actions of individual issuers and investment companies consistent with
SGK’s fiduciary duty to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients. With respect to
individual issuers, SGK may be solicited to vote on matters including corporate
governance, adoption or amendments to compensation plans (including stock options), and
matters involving social issues and corporate responsibility. With respect to investment
companies (e.g., mutual funds), SGK may be solicited to vote on matters including the
approval of advisory contracts, distribution plans, and mergers. SGK (in conjunction with
the services provided by Broadridge) shall maintain records pertaining to proxy voting as
required under the Advisers Act. Information pertaining to how SGK voted on any specific
proxy issue is also available upon written request. Any questions regarding SGK’s proxy
voting policy shall be directed to Jennifer L. Wiggins, Chief Compliance Officer of SGK.
Please Note: No client is under any obligation to have SGK (in conjunction with
Broadridge) vote the client’s proxies per the above proxy voting process. In the event that
a client wants to vote his/her/its own proxies, the client can advise Registrant’s Chief
Compliance Officer, Jennifer L. Wiggins, in writing. With respect to investment companies
(e.g., mutual funds), SGK may be solicited to vote on matters including the approval of
advisory contracts, distribution plans, and mergers. SGK shall maintain records pertaining
to proxy voting as required pursuant to Rule 204- 2(c)(2) under the Advisers Act. Copies
of Rules 206(4)-6 and 204-2(c)(2) are available upon written request.
Class Actions: The client shall maintain exclusive responsibility for all legal proceedings
or other type events pertaining to the assets managed by SGK, including, but not limited
to, class action lawsuits. SGK has identified an unaffiliated service provider, Broadridge,
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to assist the client, for a fee (generally 20% of the recovery), with class-action matters.
SGK shall not receive any compensation from the service provider. Please Note: The client
is under no obligation to engage the service provider. Please Also Note: SGK does not
participate in class action proceedings on behalf of its clients. Thus, if the client chooses
not to engage Broadridge, the client will be exclusively responsible to monitor and pursue
all class action claims.
Item 18
Financial Information
A. SGK does not solicit fees of more than $1,200, per client, six months or more in advance.
B. SGK is unaware of any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability to
meet its contractual commitments relating to its discretionary authority over certain client
accounts.
C. SGK has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
ANY QUESTIONS: SGK’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jennifer L. Wiggins, remains
available to address any questions regarding the above disclosures and arrangements.
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