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Dual-Concentrated Strategies for the Long-Term Investor

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About Oak

Company Overview

At Oak Associates, we focus on one thing: managing concentrated portfolios built around our best investment ideas. Our mission: uncover exceptional growth opportunities that constantly rise above market expectations. To meet the diverse needs of investors, we offer Mutual Funds, SMAs and Institutional Accounts designed for individual investors, financial advisors and institutions.

1985

Company Founded

$1.7 Billion*

Assets Under Management

7

Oak Associates Funds

4

SMA Strategies

4

Institutional Account Strategies

*As of 12/31/24

Oak’s Approach

Throughout our history, Oak has remained committed to the same investment philosophy and process. We employ a dual-concentrated approach, focusing on both sector and stock level opportunities, and invest with a long-term view.

Top-Down

We identify favorable sectors poised for growth.

Bottom-Up

Within those sectors, we pinpoint high-conviction stocks
supported by strong, multi-cycle growth drivers.

In an increasingly short-term oriented investment environment, we believe investing for the long term better allows our clients to build wealth. Oak is dedicated to discovering and investing in companies with the potential to grow throughout market cycles and over time.

Learn More About Our Philosophy

A Legacy You Can Trust

Since 1985, we have been committed to delivering the expertise of a large fund manager while maintaining the accessibility of a boutique firm. Specializing in U.S. equity investing, we are focused on concentrated, low-turnover and long-term holds—managing portfolios for foundations, endowments, pension plans, private clients, and shareholders of the Oak Associates Funds. Our dedication to consistency, prudence and service has fueled our growth, from launching our first two mutual funds in 1992 to expanding our offerings with five additional funds and strategies, all built around our disciplined investment philosophy.

Focus on U.S. Equity Portfolios

Designed to achieve exceptional results through discipline and expertise.

Thoughtful Expansion

Beginning with two mutual funds in 1992, we’ve grown strategically while maintaining our principles.

Trusted Partnerships

Proudly serving foundations, endowments, pension plans, private clients and mutual fund shareholders for over three decades.

Oak Timeline

 

Oak Associates was founded in 1985 by Jim Oelschlager after 15 years as Director of Pension Investments and Assistant Treasurer at Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. Under Jim’s leadership, Firestone’s pension fund grew from $250 million—initially underfunded by another $250 million—to $1.2 billion, with a $330 million surplus by 1984. Firestone then chose to terminate the plan, allowing Jim to establish Oak Associates, with Firestone as its first client.

Since its founding, Oak Associates has remained committed to its core investment principles: long-term focus, low turnover, concentrated holdings, and fully invested portfolio management.

 

1985

Oak Associates was founded by Jim Oelschlager, Margaret Ballinger, and two other colleagues from Firestone Tire & Rubber Company

1990

Oak moved offices to its current location in Bath, Ohio

1992

The first two mutual funds – White Oak and Pin Oak – were launched to make Oak’s strategies available to a wider shareholder base

1998

Oak launched its first sector fund – Red Oak Technology Select

2000

Black Oak Emerging Technology launched as a complement to Red Oak

2001

Robert Stimpson joined the Investment Team as a Research Analyst

2001

Live Oak Health Sciences, Oak’s healthcare sector fund, launched

2004

Rock Oak Core Growth launched in December

2005

River Oak Discovery, Oak’s small-cap fund, launched in June

2019

Jim Oelschlager transitioned ownership to Oak’s Management Team of Co-CIO Robert Stimpson, Chief Compliance Officer Margaret Ballinger, and Chief Financial Officer Carol Zollars

2025

Oak Associates celebrated its 40th anniversary, maintaining a tradition of concentrated, low-turnover, long-term investing

Meet the Team

Our Oak Team

Oak’s Commitment

A Reliable Partner

With Oak Associates, you gain more than an investment manager—you gain a steadfast partner. Our experienced portfolio managers bring conviction to every decision, concentrating investments in our best ideas. Through independent research and a disciplined, low-turnover strategy, we stay focused on what matters most: generating superior long-term performance.

This philosophy, established more than 40 years ago, continues to guide every portfolio we manage.

A Dedicated Team

Trust is at the core of everything we do. Oak Associates’ employees, along with their friends and families, are significant investors in our funds. As fellow shareholders, we are deeply invested in upholding the highest standards and aligning our interests with yours.

This shared commitment ensures that every decision we make is driven by a dedication to future growth and success for all our stakeholders.

A Fresh Perspective

Managing your investments is both a privilege and a responsibility we approach with humility and care. Our Akron, Ohio roots keep us grounded and our discipline to focus on the long-term sets us apart.

Our independent thinking is core to our identity—confident in our belief that thoughtful contrarianism often leads to the greatest opportunities.