Early adopters to VIX options, Brian Stutland and Joe Tigay were active pit traders who grew the firm into the largest electronic market makers of VIX options at a time when VIX popularity was second only to the SPX. The team identified a knowledge gap for advisors wanting to hedge for their customers versus experienced traders. Using their expertise, the team forged Equity Armor Investments into an advisory firm in 2011, developing strategies and supporting advisors with access to professional VIX hedging knowledge that few industry professionals possess.