Investment Team
Originally developed by our founders, Clarkston Capital’s Quality Value investment philosophy still drives our Investment Team today. We emphasize the team over individuals, working together to achieve a sum greater than its parts. The success of the team derives from our focus on long-term investment results, the patience required to deliver said results, and our relentless intellectual curiosity.
Brandon Brooks
Research Analyst
Brandon W. Brooks joined the firm in 2020 as a Research Analyst. In that role, Brandon supports the Senior Research Analysts with analyzing equity securities for the firm’s strategies and monitoring current strategy holdings.
Prior to joining Clarkston, Brandon served as a Senior Associate for Ironwood Investment Counsel.
Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a major in Finance from the University of Arizona.
Cole Chewins
Research Analyst
Cole R. Chewins joined the firm in 2020 as a Research Analyst. In that role, Cole supports the Senior Research Analysts with analyzing equity securities for the firm’s strategies and monitoring current strategy holdings.
Previously, Cole served as a Junior Analyst Intern for Clarkston while pursuing his educational studies.
Cole holds a Bachelor of Arts, Finance and a Master of Science, Finance from Michigan State University.
Dan Coble
Senior Research Analyst
Daniel J. Coble joined the firm in 2014 as a Research Analyst. In his current role, Dan analyzes equity securities for the firm’s strategies, monitors current holdings and assists the Co-CIOs with the maintenance of the firm’s models.
Prior to joining Clarkston, Dan served as a Consultant with FactSet Research Systems.
Dan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Tippie School of Business at the University of Iowa.
Domenic Curtis
Research Analyst
Domenic L. Curtis joined the firm in 2017 as a Research Analyst. In that role, Domenic supports the Senior Research Analysts with analyzing equity securities for the firm’s strategies and monitoring current strategy holdings.
Prior to joining Clarkston, Domenic served as a Junior Analyst Intern for Blackford Capital.
Domenic holds a Bachelor of Arts, Finance from Grand Valley State University Siedman School of Business.
Jeff Hakala
CEO & Co-CIO
Jeffrey A. Hakala is a co-founder of the firm. Jeff and his brother Jerry, also a co-founder, developed the “Quality Value” investment philosophy utilized by the firm today.
Prior to forming Clarkston, Jeff served as a portfolio manager for Seger-Elvekrog, Inc. and Investment Counsel, Inc. Jeff served as a member of the Audit and Advisory Services Group of Arthur Andersen, LLP prior to his roles in portfolio management. In addition, Jeff has held other roles as an associate adjunct professor for studies in financial statement analysis and as a seminar leader.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University.
Jerry Hakala
Co-CIO
Gerald W. Hakala is a co-founder of the firm. Jerry and his brother Jeff, also a co-founder, developed the “Quality Value” investment philosophy utilized by the firm today. Jerry leads the firm’s research activities and the execution of Clarkston’s investment philosophy.
Prior to forming Clarkston, Jerry served in finance and accounting positions at Ford Motor Company and as a portfolio manager for Investment Counsel, Inc.
Jerry holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University.
Will Kassab
Associate, Data Governance
Will Kassab joined the firm in 2019 as an Intern. In his current role, he assists the Research team with information tracking and reporting, and helps curate the Clarkston Library.
Will holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Oakland University.
Jake Powers
Senior Research Analyst
Jake M. Powers joined the firm in 2014 as a Research Analyst. In his current role, Jake analyzes equity securities for the firm's strategies, monitors current holdings and assists the Co-CIOs with the maintenance of the firm’s models.
Prior to joining Clarkston, Jake served as a Senior Analyst for Stout Risius Ross.
Jake holds a Bachelor of Arts - Commerce, Organizations and Entrepreneurship from Brown University.
