by Jason Norris, CFA
Director
Equity Research and Portfolio Management
In 1975, the founders of Ferguson Wellman saw an opportunity to manage money for workers, setting the stage for a 50-year, evolving relationship with our institutional clients.
On September 2, 1974, President Ford signed the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Our founders often reference this act as one of the catalysts for starting our firm. ERISA was designed to help Americans save for retirement and provide protections to workers regarding the funding of employer plans.
President Ford Signing ERISA, 1974. Source: Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation
Our three founders left the brokerage business to become registered investment advisers (RIAs). This business approach provided more options for retirement plans using a fee-based model, rather than commissions, to construct client portfolios. This model was thought to better align the fiduciary responsibility of investment firms by acting in the best interest of clients‘ financial needs.
In the 1970s and 1980s, retirement funds, corporate reserves, nonprofit foundations and endowments represented 75% of Ferguson Wellman’s total assets. As the firm built relationships with institutions throughout the West, trustees and their families began to hire our team to manage their personal assets. Today, Ferguson Wellman and West Bearing manage $2.2 billion for 125 institutional clients.
Our Institutional Offerings
Analysis of past market activity and economic trends
Investment policy statements development
Portfolio construction and asset allocation strategies
Plans for cash flow/operating fund contingencies
Grants and capital campaign investments and distribution
Investment education and philanthropic resources
Institutional knowledge and guidance for new trustees
The institutional side of our business is very different from how we serve individuals and families—and the institutional category is also varied. They range from union pension plans and community colleges to cemeteries, social services and stewardship organizations, to name a few.
2025 has been a unique year for many of our institutional clients. In June, our firm invited nonprofit clients and leaders from boards we serve on to discuss recent executive orders, budget cuts and Supreme Court rulings. Colleagues Jim Coats and Mary Lago, CFP®, CFTA, led discussions with Erin Zollenkopf from SM Jones & Co. and Penny Serrurier from Stoel Rives. Their work with nonprofits helped set the stage for a productive conversation with regional executives on how to navigate uncertainty and stay focused on their respective mission and long-term goals.