Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Fee-Only Investment Management Solutions
Founded in 2002, American Trust Investment Advisors operates as a Registered Investment Advisor committed to prioritizing client interests. Our fee-only structure eliminates conflicts of interest, and we partner with Charles Schwab to ensure secure asset custody. With a focus on sustainable growth through value investing, we combine quantitative analysis and qualitative research to build diversified portfolios tailored to individual client needs. Our team brings decades of experience in institutional investment management, security analysis, and operational efficiency. We emphasize long-term global perspectives and independent thinking to deliver superior after-tax returns while mitigating risk.Socially responsible investing is central to our approach, aligning portfolios with clients' ethical values without compromising diversification. Direct access to portfolio management teams ensures personalized service for all clients, regardless of size. Our philosophy is rooted in trust, insight, and integrity, reflecting our enduring commitment to asset stewardship. We serve individuals and institutions nationwide, guided by a client-first ethos that has defined our practice since our predecessor's founding in 1991.
Services
Investment Management
Portfolio Construction
Socially Responsible Investing
Security Analysis
Financial Planning
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We operate on a fee-only structure to eliminate conflicts of interest.
- Our partnership with Charles Schwab ensures secure custody of client assets.
- We provide direct access to portfolio management teams for all clients.
- Our investment process combines quantitative analysis and qualitative research.
- We have specialized expertise in socially responsible investing since 1991.
Associations and certifications
- Registered Investment Advisor
Services
Investment Management
We provide customized investment management focused on sustainable growth through value investing. Our approach combines quantitative analysis with qualitative research to build diversified portfolios. Services include risk assessment, asset allocation, and ongoing portfolio monitoring for individuals and institutions.
Portfolio Construction
Our portfolio construction services create diversified investment strategies tailored to client goals. We incorporate liquidity needs, income requirements, and risk tolerance while using investment-grade fixed income instruments to minimize risk. Portfolios include global stocks and commodities as appropriate.
Socially Responsible Investing
We specialize in aligning investments with client values through socially responsible investing. Our team screens companies based on ethical parameters, avoiding industries that conflict with client beliefs while maintaining portfolio diversification and performance standards.
Security Analysis
Our security analysis service evaluates companies for long-term growth potential using fundamental research. We assess financial health, management quality, and industry trends to identify undervalued opportunities that align with our clients' investment objectives.
Financial Planning
We offer comprehensive financial planning services that integrate investment management with broader wealth goals. Services include retirement planning, tax-efficient investing, and multi-generational wealth transfer strategies tailored to individual client circumstances.
People
Paul H. Collins
President
Paul Collins co-founded American Trust Company in 1991 and serves as President. He has over 30 years of experience in investment management, including roles at State Street Bank and The First Church of Christ, Scientist. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a major in Economics.
Rich Erwin
Security Analysis Consultant
Rich Erwin has extensive investment management experience, including founding Investors Asset Management. He served as a portfolio manager for a major firm until 2023. He specializes in security analysis and investment strategy with global client experience across 26 states and 5 continents.
Stephanie Brill
Chief Administrative Officer
Stephanie Brill oversees administrative operations and compliance at American Trust. She manages corporate accounting and human resources while ensuring regulatory compliance. She holds a degree in Accounting/Finance from Southern New Hampshire University and serves as Chief Compliance Officer.
Tim Williams
Operations Director
Tim Williams leads operational efficiency initiatives with 30+ years of experience in manufacturing, IT, and renewable energy. He holds engineering and MBA degrees from the University of Vermont and Wake Forest University, focusing on systems development and process improvement.
Anik Mutsuddy
Financial Analyst
Anik Mutsuddy serves as Financial Analyst with expertise in data analysis and process improvement. He previously managed operations at Chewy and conducted research at Wheaton College. He holds a Biology degree with Economics minor from Wheaton College and specializes in investment analytics.
Questions
What investment approach does American Trust use?
We use a value investing approach focused on sustainable growth, combining quantitative analysis with qualitative research to identify undervalued companies with long-term potential.
Are you a fiduciary advisor?
Yes, as a Registered Investment Advisor, we operate under a fiduciary duty to act in our clients' best interests at all times.
Do you offer socially responsible investing options?
Yes, we specialize in aligning portfolios with clients' ethical values through comprehensive screening of companies based on individual parameters.
How are investment decisions made?
Decisions result from in-depth security analysis, industry expertise, and our investment process that evaluates financial health, management quality, and market trends.
What services do you provide?
We offer investment management, portfolio construction, security analysis, and financial planning services tailored to individual and institutional clients.
