Life at Dimensional: The Constant Pursuit with Dave Butler (EP.43)

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Apr 25, 2019

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ANECDOTE

From NBA Hope To Finance Pivot

Dave Butler described choosing to play in Turkey after an NBA strike disrupted his rookie camp plans.
A torn calf muscle in Turkey derailed his basketball career and sent him toward an MBA and finance.

ANECDOTE

A 24‑Hour Career Turnaround

Dave recalls a 24-hour career switch when an investment bank asked him to start Monday while he was in England.
He flew to New York, borrowed a suit from his brother, and began his Wall Street job the next day.

INSIGHT

Evidence Over Hype In Investment Roots

Dimensional's roots trace to academic research showing active managers rarely outperform after fees.
Founders like Rex and David focused on efficient, evidence-based access to markets rather than hot stock picking.

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On the show today we welcome Dave Butler, who is now the co-CEO of Dimensional Fund Advisors. We have a great conversation about a wide range of topics from the beginnings of the firm, to his earliest involvement, how he was nearly in the NBA and the importance of trust and family. Dave takes us on a personal and professional journey in science-based investing, who his biggest influences and mentors are and how he found the path of fiducial advice after a few different careers early on. We discuss leadership, small cap stocks, efficient portfolios and the building of trust with clients as we scan through the last 40 years or so with our guest. Dave shares history and memories on some of the landmark events in the field and Dimensional's story, spilling the beans on his experiences with industry giants such as Gene Fama and Merton Miller. For a great conversation with an open, honest and inspiring person, be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

How Dave describes Dimensional. [0:02:32.2]
Dave's basketball career before finance. [0:03:05.8]
A 24 hour transition from sports to business. [0:06:46.7]
Leadership, drive and team mentality. [0:09:38.6]
The founding of Dimensional and the evolution of index funds. [0:11:32.5]
The early days of small cap stocks. [0:17:40.1]
Acting in the best interests of the clients and the rise of the fiduciary. [0:21:05.6]
The first financial advisor at Dimensional! [0:23:59.0]
Dave's own 'aha moment' and joining Dimensional. [0:25:42.6]
Independent advice and always acting in the best interests of the client. [0:31:52.1]
Building efficient investment portfolios for advisors. [0:35:51.1]
Access to Dimensional funds and the indispensability of advisors. [0:37:33.5]
Developing the essential element of trust. [0:38:51.1]
The expansion of the advisor role over the last 25 years. [0:42:29.9]
Dave's relationship with co-CEO Gerard O'Reilly. [0:45:22.4]
The incredible experience of working with leading minds in finance. [0:47:50.8]
Dave's definition of success. [0:51:38.0]
And much more!