Our History

BPU Investment Management:  A history of expanding capabilities

In 1986 William R. Berkowitz and Rick E. Pierchalski founded the firm Berkowitz Pierchalski, Inc., in Pittsburgh, PA, to provide investment advisory services and guidance to credit unions.  By 1988, the firm had expanded to include institutional bond sales.  In the subsequent 11 years the firm grew to include institutional equity trading for money managers, worksite personal financial education and guidance, and comprehensive financial planning services.

By 1998, the firm had added asset allocation and investment management to its ever growing portfolio of financial and wealth management services.  Over the next few years, the firm developed venture capital investment opportunities through Stage 1 Angel financing,  capabilities were further extended into private wealth management and investment services for retirement plans and eleemosynaries, including endowments and foundations, and opportunities for middle market investment banking were introduced through our affiliate, Strategic Advisors. 

In 2003, the firm became BPU Investment Group, Inc, and added investment fiduciary consulting services to its repertoire, as well as income tax planning and preparation, and estate planning services.  In 2006, BPU Investment Management, Inc, as it is known today, was recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as one of Pittsburgh’s 30 largest money managers.  In February 2010, the Pittsburgh Business Times published an update of the Largest Pittsburgh-Area Regional Money Managers, in which BPU was listed as one of the top 20.