Since my introduction to Odds On many years ago, I’ve always shared the book as a recommendation for people who want to better understand our industry and the way we think about investing. It feels less like a book and more like a note from a friend, or a story passed along by someone you trust. It’s one of the easiest books I’ve ever read, and it’s stuck with me in a way that not many others have.
When I learned we were doing a newsletter issue all about Odds On, I found myself saying to someone on our team, “You know, it’s funny… I hadn’t really thought about this directly, but the book is actually the reason I’m here at HIG today.”
Before Hill, I worked at Dimensional Fund Advisors, a now $1T+ money manager and the pioneer of evidence-based investing. I met Matt Hall through a new study group we were launching, a group of evidence-based advisors we brought together from around the country who all had an interest and aptitude for media and marketing. Odds On put Matt at the top of our list, and he became one of the founding members of that group.
I had read Odds On in preparation for our first meeting, so I had a sense of Hill and its mission. But it was really through getting to know Matt in that group, hearing how he talked about his purpose, the people he works with, and the way Hill cares for clients, that made both him and the firm stand out.
In my role at DFA, I worked with hundreds of advisory firms across the country. It gave me a unique lens into how firms operate; what they prioritize, how they invest, and how they show up for their clients. Hill always felt different. There was a level of care and intentionality behind each decision, a real desire for clients to feel known and taken care of, and a culture of excellence. The kinds of things every firm likely strives for, but not all are able to truly deliver.
All of that made the decision easy when the opportunity to join Hill came along. I get to do work I love, with people I genuinely enjoy, and care for clients in a way that feels meaningful and aligned with who I am (a caring nerd!).
I don’t think I’d be here today without Odds On. So thank you to Matt for writing it. I doubt finding one of your lead advisors 10 years down the road was top of mind when you sat down to write it, but I’m really glad you did.
