Richard S. Hollander is a co-founder of Fridson Investment Advisors, and has been instrumental in gathering our team of experienced professionals at FIA. Hollander was also the founder of Metropolitan West Financial ("MetWest"), a firm he built from the ground up into a trusted and highly successful company. Four transactions and $80 billion in assets later (he started with $1.5 billion), MetWest operating companies successfully competes with the world's top tier financial institutions. Hollander was only 25 when he was recognized as one of Wall Street's top performers. By age 27, he had led Drexel Burnham Lambert's West Coast investment grade division to the firm's number one performer worldwide. A visionary in his field and an entrepreneur at heart, Hollander eventually left Wall Street to build his own enterprise. Beginning in 1988, Hollander built the first of what would eventually be a string of four asset management companies, three of which he would eventually sell to public entities. His first entrepreneurial adventure, The Signature Group, was a successful real estate investment and mortgage fund. The momentum from his Wall Street career, and the experience at The Signature Group, positioned Hollander to launch MetWest Financial in 1992. His financial track record is as spotless as it is astonishing. His career is built on integrity, and the respect he has earned in the industry makes him a mentor to many. Hollander uses his vast experience and uncanny instincts to lead teams and organizations behind the scenes, quietly establishing him as one of today's most successful business leaders. Hollander also lends his business acumen to public service. He is an influential member of both the board of trustees for the Skirball Cultural Center and the board of governors for the Cedar-Sinai Prostate Cancer Center. His work made possible the Jackie & Richard Hollander Reference Library and the Hollander Family Robotics Program (both in Los Angeles). Hollander has donated countless hours and millions of dollars to educational causes. His generous philanthropy has helped numerous schools build technology centers and sports facilities throughout California and the nation. A New York City native, Hollander earned his undergraduate degree from Ithaca College and a masters in finance from St. Johns University. Hollander's exemplary professional achievements and community service were recognized with the award of an honorary doctorate from St. Johns. Hollander is married and has three children.