Laidlaw Group's first priority is to meet the investment needs of our clients.  We are fiduciaries and put our clients' interests ahead of our own and others with competing goals.  We are paid solely based on our assets under management, aligning our objectives with our clients.  We have no affiliation with a larger investment house and therefore have completely independent investments.

Our People

David K. Laidlaw, Esq., CFA
Portfolio Manager/Analyst
David serves as the lead portfolio manager to the firm and implements the investment decisions in each portfolio.  He contributes research across industry groups and focuses on the sustainability of the underlying companies' business models.  David co-founded the firm after three years with Fissell, Laidlaw & Co., Inc. where he was a Portfolio Manager and member of the Investment Committee.  David Laidlaw received the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) from the CFA Institute.  He graduated with honors from Rutgers University School of Law Newark in 1994 and received a Bachelors of Arts from Reed College in Biology in 1989.  He is also an attorney admitted to the bar in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Benjamin D. Connard, CFA
Analyst/Assistant Portfolio Manager
Ben serves as lead analyst at the firm and brings strong quantitative skills to his research.  He focuses on the valuation of companies.  Ben joined the firm in March of 2004.  Prior to his current position, Ben worked as an Associate Analyst with NERA of Marsh & McLennan Companies, an economic consulting firm, where he valued intellectual property for litigation purposes.  Ben received the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) from the CFA Institute in March 2007.  He graduated from Williams College in 2002 where he was awarded a B.A. in both Mathematics/Statistics and Economics.

Robert S. Laidlaw, C.I.C.
Consultant
Mr. Laidlaw co-founded the firm following a 14-year investment advisory career with Fissell, Laidlaw & Co., Inc. where he was also a founding partner.  Previously, he was a Portfolio Manager and member of the Investment Policy Committee with E.W. Axe and Company.  Mr. Laidlaw also worked as a Portfolio Manager and Investment Supervisory Department Head for Bache and managed the Municipal Bond Department at Tilney & Co.  He started his career on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange with J.R. Williston & Beane. Robert Laidlaw graduated from Yale University in 1958 with a degree in Philosophy. 

Susan Vetere
Operations Manager
Ms. Vetere joined the firm at its inception.  She reconciles each account within the firm’s internal portfolio accounting system to the custodial data.  She also is responsible for opening custodial accounts and remitting funds as needed.  Ms. Vetere holds an Associates Degree from Berkley College

Professional Affiliations
Investment Adviser Association
New York Society of Security Analysts (NYSSA)
CFA Institute

Distinguishing Characteristics

Laidlaw Group is Registered Investment Advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We are not:

• Brokers getting paid on transactions or product sales.  We receive no financial benefit from transactional activities; we will only initiate a trade when we feel that the transaction will ultimately help the client achieve his or her goals.
• Financial Planners selling company mutual funds.  Our investment choices are completely independent.
• Insurance Agents selling products with long-term lock-ups
• A mutual fund pooling your assets.  Each account is managed individually since each client has unique financial needs and tax considerations. Separate account management enjoys a number of advantages over investments in mutual funds.
• A custodian holding your securities.  Although, we track our clients' accounts for investment management purposes, we do not hold any securities.  We work with a number of custodians and are willing to recommend those banks or brokerage firms to our clients.