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Tyson Place, Suite 180
2607 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 330-2525
(423) 424-2299
www.councilmark.com
SEC Form ADV Part 2A
Firm Brochure
March 25, 2025
Item 1 – Cover Page
This Brochure, commonly referred to as Form ADV Part 2A, provides information about the qualifications
and business practices of Councilmark Asset Management, LLC (“Councilmark”). If you have any
questions about the contents of this Brochure, please contact us at (865) 330-2525 or (423) 424-2299.
The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.
Councilmark is a Registered Investment Adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Registration of an Investment Adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. The oral
and written communications of an Adviser provide you with information with which you determine to
hire or retain an Adviser.
information about Councilmark also
is available on
the SEC’s website at
Additional
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
i
Item 2 – Material Changes
No material changes have been made to this Brochure dated March 25, 2025, as
compared to our previous Brochure dated March 20, 2024, other than the update in Item
4 regarding the assets under management of the firm. This document constitutes our
annual update of our Brochure.
The purpose of this Item is to discuss specific material changes that are made to the Brochure and provide
clients with a summary of such changes. We will also reference the date of our last annual update of our
brochure.
In the past we have offered or delivered information about our qualifications and business practices to
clients on at least an annual basis. Pursuant to new SEC Rules, we will ensure that you receive a summary
of any material changes to this and subsequent Brochures within 120 days of the close of our business’
fiscal year. We may further provide other ongoing disclosure information about material changes as
necessary.
We will further provide you with a new Brochure as necessary based on changes or new information.
Currently, our Brochure may be requested by contacting Daniel Pettway, Managing Partner at (865) 330-
2525, x103 or dpettway@councilmark.com.
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Item 3 -Table of Contents
Item 1 – Cover Page
i
Item 2 – Material Changes
ii
Item 3 - Table of Contents
iiii
Item 4 – Advisory Business
iv
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
iv
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
v
Item 7 – Types of Clients
v
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
vi
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
vv
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
vi
Item 11 – Code of Ethics
vvi
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
vvii
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
vii
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
ix
Item 15 – Custody
ix
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
ix
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
x
Item 18 – Financial Information
x
Brochure Supplement
xi
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Item 4 – Advisory Business
Councilmark Asset Management was founded in 1999 as an independent, service-oriented investment
management firm. It is designed for those individuals and organizations seeking focused attention in the
structure of long-term investment programs. We provide investment supervisory services on a
discretionary and non-discretionary basis to individuals, trusts, corporations, charitable organizations,
foundations, financial institutions, and retirement plans. Investments are specifically chosen to meet
each client's particular needs and include, among other things, corporate and government bonds, tax-
exempt bonds, and various equity securities. Client communication is frequent, and an investment report
is furnished on a quarterly basis.
Councilmark has a presence in Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Councilmark’s philosophy of
service and performance is predicated on open and frequent communications with its clients.
Councilmark’s only business is managing money for its clients. The only revenue source for the company
is the fee paid by clients based on a percentage of the market value of assets under management.
Councilmark does not take custody of any assets or provide brokerage services. Clients of Councilmark
select a financial institution to provide custodial, brokerage, and other services that may be required in
connection with the portfolio. Through extensive discussions with each client, we work together to
establish the client’s Investment Objectives and Policy Guidelines by which Councilmark manages client
assets. Since all client relationships are different and each portfolio is unique, clients may establish
restrictions on certain securities or types of securities if desired.
Councilmark’s management team consists of Wayne Erwin, Ralph Herbert, and Daniel Pettway. Mr.
Pettway and Mr. Erwin control the ownership of the firm.
As of December 31, 2024, Councilmark had assets under management as follows:
Discretionary Assets
Non-Discretionary Assets
Total Assets Under Management:
$ 249,170,833
$ 0
$ 249,170,833
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
Councilmark’s only source of revenue is the advisory fees paid by clients based on a percentage of the
market value of assets under management. Advisory fees are billed and payable at the end of each
calendar quarter based on the then current value of the account assets under management. Generally,
quarterly billings are delivered to the client’s custodian for payment from the client’s account under
management with a contemporaneous copy submitted to the client for their records. Fees may be
negotiable, depending on the particular requirements and circumstances of an account. In certain
circumstances, Councilmark may charge a fixed fee for its advisory services.
Our standard fee schedule for advisory services, on an annual basis, is as follows:
1.00% - First $2 million
0.70% - Next $3 million
0.50% - Next $5 million
0.30% - Amount over $10 million
Minimum Annual Fee - $20,000
Advisory contracts are subject to cancellation by either party upon 30 days prior written notice with fees
prorated through the date of cancellation.
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Councilmark’s fees are exclusive of brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related costs and
expenses which may be incurred by the client. Clients may incur certain charges imposed by custodians,
brokers, third party investments and other third parties such as fees charged by managers, custodial fees,
deferred sales charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and
other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions. Mutual funds and exchange
traded funds also charge internal management fees, which are disclosed in a fund’s prospectus. Such
charges, fees and commissions are exclusive of and in addition to Councilmark’s fee, and Councilmark
shall not receive any portion of these commissions, fees, and costs.
Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Generally, Councilmark does not have accounts for which it charges performance-based fees (fees based
on a share of capital gains on or capital appreciation of the assets of a client). However, in certain
circumstances, Councilmark may enter performance-based fee arrangements with qualified clients with
such fees subject to individualized negotiation. In measuring clients' assets for the calculation of
performance-based fees, Councilmark shall include realized and unrealized capital gains and losses.
Performance-based fee arrangements could create an incentive for an adviser to recommend investments
which may be riskier or more speculative than those which would be recommended under a different fee
arrangement. Also, such fee arrangements could create an incentive to favor higher fee-paying accounts
over other accounts in the allocation of investment opportunities. In the event performance-based fees
are charged on any account, Councilmark shall have procedures designed and implemented to ensure that
all clients are treated fairly and equally, and to prevent this conflict from influencing the allocation of
investment opportunities among clients.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
Councilmark provides investment supervisory services on a discretionary and non-discretionary basis to
individuals, trusts, corporations, charitable organizations, foundations, financial institutions, and
retirement plans.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Councilmark applies a fundamental and quantitative approach to selecting and managing investments. We
screen public companies for several factors including returns on capital, cash flow growth, revenue growth,
improving earnings, and a reasonable relative P/E to earnings growth ratio. Once that process is complete, our
search is narrowed to a collection of prospective investments. We are then able to apply a more subjective
screening to the remaining universe. Additionally, we get a clear picture of the broad areas of the market that
are attractive. This serves as a guide as to where we place our investment emphasis and research efforts.
At the next level of analysis, we are looking for companies that possess two or more of the following qualities:
Companies generating positive or improving returns on invested capital (over and above their cost
of capital)
Management that acts in the interests of shareholders (share buybacks or opportunistically
managing the balance sheet)
History of solid capital allocation skills
A competitive advantage (be it low-cost operator, market share dominance, or patent protection)
We realize that no company is perfect and that all companies run into trouble. That is usually where
opportunity can be found. The companies that survive our screening typically possess significant
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risk/reward characteristics that will serve our clients well in most market environments and provide the
foundation for significant future compounding.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that clients should be prepared to bear.
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
Registered Investment Advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or
disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of Councilmark or the integrity of
Councilmark’s management. Councilmark has no information applicable to this item.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Registered Investment Advisers are required to disclose all relationships, arrangements, or affiliations
material to its advisory business or its clients. Councilmark has no information applicable to this item.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics
Councilmark has established and maintains a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Standards of
Professional Conduct (“Code of Ethics”) to capture and communicate the standard of conduct and
integrity expected of all partners, officers, and employees. In addition, the Code of Ethics highlights our
fiduciary duty to our clients. All employees must acknowledge the terms of the Code of Ethics annually, or
as amended. Upon request, we are glad to provide clients and prospective clients a copy of this Code of
Ethics for your review.
Councilmark and its related persons may, from time to time, purchase or sell securities that are
recommended to clients (“common securities”). Any such transactions by its related persons are subject
to Councilmark’s Code of Ethics, which is based upon general fiduciary principles, including that at all
times the interests of clients will take precedence over personal interests. This policy applies to the
purchase and sale of stocks or other securities that are also owned, purchased, or sold by the advisory
accounts of clients of Councilmark. The trading accounts of Councilmark’s related persons are
continually monitored under the Code of Ethics to reasonably prevent conflicts of interest between
Councilmark and its clients.
A conflict may emerge if an adviser does not place the interest of its clients before its own, including the
trading of common securities. For example, a practice known as “front running” can occur if an adviser
places trades in advance of client trades to obtain more favorable market prices. Councilmark does not
partake in such practices and has specific policies and procedures in place to govern the trading of assets
by the firm and its related persons with the objective of protecting the interests of the firm’s clients.
Ultimately, the applicable test is this: does the trade of a common security in the account of a related
person in any way negatively impact a client account? If so, the transaction is prohibited. Generally,
given the nature of the securities in which we invest client capital, including the significant market
capitalization of such securities, it is extremely unlikely that the trading of common securities by persons
related to Councilmark would impact the valuation or the price of securities for a client account.
Nonetheless, policies and procedures exist to monitor and govern this matter.
Daniel Pettway, a principal of Councilmark, is president and owner of Highpoint Management Company,
LLC (“Highpoint”). Highpoint was established in 1997 as a private investment management company.
Highpoint often acts as general partner or organizer of limited partnerships and/or limited liability
companies for the purpose of affecting investments in private companies or private investment
opportunities. Historically, Highpoint has not solicited Councilmark clients for participation in its
investments. However, Councilmark, Highpoint, and its principals, may from time to time solicit or
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make available to Councilmark clients private investment opportunities where and when appropriate for
specific qualified clients. Such clients shall qualify as accredited investors under Regulation D of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and such investment opportunities must, in the opinion of
Councilmark, be appropriate for such clients. In addition, client education and approval would always
precede any such investment made with client funds managed by Councilmark. Councilmark’s Code of
Ethics guides such matters with the emphasis always being on the interests of its clients.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
Councilmark does not provide brokerage services, nor does it economically benefit, directly or indirectly,
from the brokerage activities of its clients. Many clients have established relationships with particular
brokers or brokerage firms when they become advisory clients. Clients may use the investment consulting
services of brokers and brokerage firms for the purpose of manager evaluation, asset allocation advice,
establishment of objectives and risk parameters, performance monitoring, participation in account review
meetings and other similar services. In addition, the brokerage firm may also provide custody of client
assets. In these circumstances, the negotiation of brokerage fees is typically a matter of negotiation
between the client and its broker. The execution costs in such client-directed accounts may be higher
than would be the case absent client direction.
If a client chooses to direct its brokerage to a broker other than brokers through which Councilmark
executes orders for its other clients, the client will forego any benefit from savings on execution costs that
Councilmark could obtain for its other clients through, for example, negotiating volume discounts on
batched orders. Upon the request of a client, Councilmark will negotiate on behalf of the client, with
brokers used by client directed accounts.
If a client or prospective client has no established relationship with a broker, Councilmark may, at the
request of the client, recommend a broker to act as custodian of the client's account assets and negotiate a
level of brokerage fees based on the services rendered to the client.
Councilmark does employ the aggregation of transactions in its trading practices. The aggregation of
transactions is the combination of contemporaneous purchases or sales of securities of several persons for
the purpose of execution. It shall be the policy of Councilmark to allocate all aggregated trades to clients
at an average price and, if not completely filled, on a pro rata basis.
In the absence of directions from clients, Councilmark endeavors to obtain the best overall execution for
each client in each trade. In addition to the level of commissions, factors considered include, among
others, the actual handling of the order by the broker, the ability of the broker to settle the trade promptly
and accurately, the financial standing of the broker, the ability of the broker dealer to position stock to
facilitate execution and other factors that may be unique to a particular broker.
While a lower "per share" commission might be available for any given trade, Councilmark believes that
all relevant factors must be considered, rather than just the level of the per share commission. In certain
cases, brokerage commissions may also vary with the size of the transaction executed on behalf of
particular accounts.
If the foregoing criteria for best execution are met, then a broker's provision of useful research services is
viewed as a "plus" factor. Brokers provide research services in the form of research reports on economic
trends, industries, and individual firms. Councilmark may pay a broker who provides research services
commissions that are higher than another broker might have charged, but that ordinarily will not be
higher than the generally prevailing rates, if Councilmark determines in good faith that the commissions
are reasonable in relation to the research services provided. Any research services provided typically
benefit several accounts, rather than only the account for which the order is being executed.
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In the absence of instructions to the contrary from the client, Councilmark directs trades through the
referring broker. Because a potential for conflict of interest may arise in connection with referrals and
directed brokerage practices, Councilmark believes that the best protection it can offer its clients is its
basic commitment to the best interests of its clients and its consideration of the factors described in
response to Item 12 in directing trades to brokers.
Councilmark does not participate in any “soft dollar” arrangements with brokerage firms. Soft dollar
arrangements consist of benefits, such as research, provided to the advisory firm in exchange for trading
volume. Conflicts of interest can exist in the presence of soft dollar arrangements.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
One or more portfolio managers is assigned to each account, and it is his (their) responsibility to see that
the portfolio is invested in a manner consistent with the particular client's needs as defined by the
Statement of Objectives and Policy Guidelines approved by the client. Accounts are subject to continual
review by the assigned manager(s). Each client portfolio is also reviewed quarterly as part of our
quarterly reporting process. This will typically include a written review, oral review, or both.
Factors which will trigger portfolio review include, among others, the decision to add or eliminate a
particular investment, to balance gains and losses for tax purposes, to raise or lower cash reserves based
on market considerations, to raise cash for distribution to clients at their request, to invest new cash
contributions to a portfolio, to alter asset mix as market conditions dictate, and to make adjustments to
reflect changes in a client's personal situation or financial circumstances.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Councilmark does not pay referral fees to third parties nor does Councilmark receive fees for referrals to
third parties. Councilmark’s only source of revenue is the fee paid by its clients for services rendered.
Item 15 – Custody
Councilmark does not custody client assets. From the custodian that holds and maintains client’s
investment assets, clients generally receive monthly statements, but should receive statements at least
quarterly. Councilmark urges you to carefully review such statements and compare the official custodial
records to the account statements that we may provide to you. Our statements may vary from custodial
statements based on accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies of certain
securities.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
Councilmark generally receives discretionary authority from the client at the outset of an advisory
relationship to manage client assets, including the selection of and amount of securities to be bought or
sold. In all cases, however, such discretion is to be exercised in a manner consistent with the stated
investment objectives, investment policies, limitations and restrictions for the particular client account,
which are defined in the Statement of Objectives and Policy Guidelines.
From time to time, Councilmark may also engage in advisory services on a non-discretionary basis. Such
non-discretionary arrangements are on a case-by-case basis and depend on numerous factors to be
discussed with such prospective clients.
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Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
As part of its fiduciary duty to clients, Councilmark requires that the following procedures for the timely
and knowledgeable voting of proxies be implemented. All voting shall be in accordance with the
investment interests, stated objectives and preferences of each client and shall be within the discretion of
the Firm, unless the Client has instructed the Firm otherwise. Proxy voting shall be duly recorded and
monitored.
Item 18 – Financial Information
Registered Investment Advisers are required in this Item to provide you with certain financial information
or disclosures about Councilmark’s financial condition. Councilmark has no financial commitment that
impairs its ability to meet contractual and fiduciary commitments to clients and has not been the subject
of a bankruptcy proceeding.
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Tyson Place, Suite 180
2607 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
(865) 330-2525
(423) 424-2299
www.councilmark.com
SEC Form ADV Part 2B
Brochure Supplement on Advisory Personnel
March 25, 2025
Item 1 – Cover Page
This Brochure Supplement, commonly referred to as Form ADV Part 2B, provides information about the
advisory personnel of Councilmark Asset Management, LLC which supplements the Councilmark brochure
(Form ADV Part 2A). You should have received a copy of that brochure. Please contact Daniel Pettway,
Managing Partner at (865) 330-2525, Ext. 103 or dpettway@councilmark.com if you did not receive
Councilmark’s brochure (ADV Part 2A) or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement.
Advisory Personnel:
S. Wayne Erwin
Ralph W. Herbert
Daniel W. Pettway
information about our advisory personnel
is available on the SEC’s website at
Additional
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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Item 2 – Educational Background and Business Experience
S. Wayne Erwin, Jr., CFA
Partner and Portfolio Manager
Born: May 31, 1971
Educational Background
Hampden-Sydney College, BA Economics, 1993
University of Tennessee, MBA, 1997
Professional Designations
Chartered Financial Analyst
Business Experience
Councilmark Asset Management, LLC (2000-present)
Partner and Portfolio Manager
Martin & Company, Inc., Knoxville, TN (1998-1999)
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
Martin & Company, L.P., Knoxville, TN (1996-1998)
Senior Securities Analyst
East Tennessee Distributors West, Knoxville, TN (1995)
Sales Representative
Merrill Lynch, Richmond, VA (1994)
General Assistant
Ralph W. Herbert
Portfolio Manager
Born: September 8, 1955
Educational Background
University of Tennessee, BS Pre-Veterinary Medicine, 1977
FINRA Series 65
Business Experience
Councilmark Asset Management, LLC (2006-present)
Portfolio Manager
Martin & Company, Knoxville, TN (1998-2006)
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
First Tennessee Bank, NA., Knoxville, TN (1989-1998)
Trust Division. Vice President/ Portfolio Manager
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Culver Securities, Inc., Knoxville, TN (1987-1988)
Institutional Underwriting
Ralph W. Herbert (continued)
First American National Bank, Knoxville, TN (1979-1987)
Investment Officer-Institutional Sales
Capital Markets Division
Branch Manager, Assistant Branch Manager, Loan Collections, Teller
Daniel W. Pettway
Managing Partner
Born: May 26, 1965
Educational Background
Vanderbilt University, BA Economics, 1987
First Union Corporation, Corporate Banking Program, 1988
FINRA Series 65
Business Experience
Councilmark Asset Management, LLC, (1999-present)
Founder, Managing Partner, Chief Compliance Officer
Highpoint Management Company, LLC, Chattanooga, TN, (1997-present)
Founder and President
Capital Bank, Ft. Oglethorpe, GA, (1997-2018)
Board of Directors
Washington Manufacturing Company, LLC (2001-2007)
Chairman of the Board
4Com Communications, LLC (2000-2004)
Chairman of the Board
Pettway Petroleum, Chattanooga, TN (1993-1997)
President and Treasurer
First Tennessee Bank, N.A., Chattanooga, TN, (1990-1993)
Vice President, Corporate Banking Group
First Union National Bank (1987-1990)
Assistant Vice President, Commercial Banking Group - Columbia, S.C.
Commercial Banking Officer - Charleston, S.C., Hilton Head, S.C.
Corporate Associate - Charlotte, N.C.
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Item 3 – Disciplinary Information
Registered Investment Advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or disciplinary
events that would be material to your evaluation of Councilmark or the integrity of Councilmark’s advisory
personnel. Councilmark and its advisory personnel have no information applicable to this item.
Item 4 – Other Business Activities
Daniel Pettway, a principal of Councilmark, is president and owner of Highpoint Management Company,
LLC (“Highpoint”). Highpoint was established in 1997 as a private investment management company.
Highpoint often acts as general partner or organizer of limited partnerships and/or limited liability
companies for the purpose of affecting investments in private companies or private investment
opportunities. Historically, Highpoint has not solicited Councilmark clients for participation in its
investments. However, Councilmark, Highpoint, and its principals, may from time to time solicit or make
available to Councilmark clients private investment opportunities where and when appropriate for specific
qualified clients. Such clients shall qualify as accredited investors under Regulation D of the Securities and
Exchange Commission and such investment opportunities must, in the opinion of Councilmark, be
appropriate for such clients. In addition, client education and approval would always precede any such
investment made with client funds managed by Councilmark. Councilmark’s Code of Ethics guides such
matters with the emphasis always being on the interests of its clients.
Item 5 – Additional Compensation
Councilmark’s advisory personnel are prohibited from receiving and do not receive sales awards, prizes,
commissions, bonuses, additional compensation or economic benefit of any kind from third parties. If an
exception to this policy should occur, it would be fully disclosed to the client in advance and such client’s
acknowledgment and approval would be obtained in writing.
Item 6 – Supervision
Given the small size of our firm, Councilmark does not have layers of management bureaucracy. Each
advisory personnel is accountable to each other and has committed to and is responsible for conducting
himself in a manner consistent with the principals and ethics captured in Councilmark’s Code of Ethics and
Standards of Professional Conduct (a copy of which is available to you upon request). Daniel Pettway acts
as the firm’s Managing Partner and Chief Compliance Officer. If you have any questions, comments, or
complaints along these
lines, please contact Daniel Pettway at 865-330-2525, Ext. 103 or
dpettway@councilmark.com or Wayne Erwin at 865-330-2525, Ext. 201 or werwin@councilmark.com.
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Definitions
Chartered Financial Analyst
This designation is awarded by the CFA Institute. To qualify for the CFA designation, one must
have a minimum of 4 years of qualified work experience and must complete the CFA program which
includes the study of three levels of financial and analytical curricula over a three-year period and
the passing of three associated examinations to establish mastery of the material. Adherence to a
comprehensive code of ethics is also required to be a CFA charterholder. The curriculum,
examinations and designation are governed by the CFA Institute. Being a CFA charterholder
exempts one from taking the Series 65 exam and satisfies this requirement to qualify as an
Investment Advisor Representative in certain states.
FINRA Series 65 – Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination
This is an exam administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Completion
of the Series 65 Exam is required to qualify as an Investment Advisor Representative in certain
states. The exam focuses on topics such as securities laws, portfolio management strategies,
fiduciary obligations and retirement planning.
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