Business Details
39 Years
experience
Your Trusted Investment Advisory Partner in Costa Mesa, CA
Founded in 1987 by Steven Check, Check Capital Management is an award-winning asset management firm headquartered in Southern California. We specialize in value-oriented investment strategies, focusing on acquiring stocks of exceptional businesses at bargain prices while prioritizing capital preservation. Our profit-based fee structure ensures we only earn compensation when clients realize gains, aligning our interests with theirs. With over $2.2 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2025, we serve more than 1,200 clients across 46 U.S. states. Our approach emphasizes long-term investments in undervalued companies with durable competitive advantages, guided by a team with decades of collective experience.We maintain a concentrated portfolio of 12-20 holdings, leveraging rigorous fundamental analysis and a business-owner mindset. Our independently verified track record and commitment to transparency have earned recognition in Barrons and CNBC rankings. We prioritize personalized service, offering tailored retirement planning and the Two-Bucket Approach to balance risk and reward. Our culture of accountability ensures clients financial well-being remains our foremost priority.
Services
Quality Growth Program
Private Program
Berkshire Covered Calls
Two-Bucket Approach
Portfolio Management
Retirement Planning
Value Investing
Asset Allocation
Financial Consulting
Wealth Preservation
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer a profit-based fee structure that aligns our success with client profitability.
- Our investment philosophy focuses on undervalued, high-quality companies with durable competitive advantages.
- We maintain a concentrated portfolio of 12-20 thoroughly researched holdings for focused growth.
- Our Two-Bucket Approach balances short-term stability with long-term stock market growth.
- Our team includes CFP professionals and portfolio managers with decades of industry experience.
What people say
Excellent long-term growth
Profit-based fee model
Personalized service
Professional expertise
Peace of mind
Services
Quality Growth Program
Our flagship strategy focuses on 12-20 high-quality stocks of industry-leading companies purchased at bargain valuations. We maintain long-term holdings, typically over five years, emphasizing fundamental analysis and capital preservation. This approach targets companies with durable competitive advantages and consistent earnings growth.
Private Program
A higher-risk strategy utilizing stock options for leverage without borrowed capital. Designed for investors who can withstand volatility, this program targets exceptional returns through concentrated positions in undervalued equities. It appeals to clients seeking amplified growth potential beyond traditional investment approaches.
Berkshire Covered Calls
This low-risk approach generates income through Berkshire Hathaway covered call options. We employ conservative options strategies to enhance returns while maintaining downside protection. Ideal for investors seeking stable income streams with reduced volatility compared to traditional equity investments.
Two-Bucket Approach
Our risk-balancing strategy separates investments into short-term (Bucket #1) and long-term (Bucket #2) allocations. Bucket #1 holds stable assets for immediate needs while Bucket #2 captures market growth through stocks. Annual rebalancing ensures disciplined capital preservation and growth optimization.
Portfolio Management
Customized investment solutions combining rigorous fundamental analysis with personalized financial planning. We offer tailored retirement strategies, estate planning guidance, and comprehensive portfolio oversight. Our approach emphasizes client education and transparent communication throughout the investment lifecycle.
People
Steven Check
President and Chief Investment Officer
Founder of Check Capital Management with over 35 years of experience. Holds engineering degrees from Iowa State and UC Irvine. Specializes in value investing principles learned from Benjamin Graham and Warren Buffett. Manages overall investment policy and portfolio strategy.
Christopher Ballard
Managing Director
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER with 12 years of industry experience. Former Morgan Stanley advisor and Green Thumb Financial CIO. Provides retirement planning and goal-setting guidance. Holds a BA from UC Santa Barbara. Featured in multiple financial media outlets.
Ryan Kinney
Research Director / Portfolio Manager
Joined CCM in 2013, became Research Director in 2016. Conducts value-oriented equity research and portfolio management. Authors company reports for client education. Holds a BS in Finance from San Diego State University. Focuses on bottom-up stock analysis.
Jock Meeks
Client Services Director
40-year financial services veteran with NYSE Branch Manager license. Oversees client service operations. Earned Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation in 2008. Holds BA from University of Wyoming. Ensures exceptional client experience and service delivery.
Jeremy Saltzberg
Senior Investment Officer
Former Portfolio Manager at Avondale Asset Management. Provides personalized financial counsel to clients. Holds BA in Business Economics from UC Santa Barbara. Brings extensive portfolio management experience to client advisory services.
Questions
What investment philosophy does Check Capital follow?
We practice value investing by acquiring stocks of exceptional businesses at bargain prices with long-term holding periods.
How does your profit-based fee structure work?
We charge 10% of account profits only when clients realize gains, with no minimum fees or asset-based charges.
What services do you offer?
We provide portfolio management, retirement planning, and specialized programs including Quality Growth, Private Program, and Berkshire Covered Calls.
How do you manage investment risk?
We use the Two-Bucket Approach separating short-term needs from long-term growth investments while maintaining concentrated portfolios of high-quality stocks.
What are your minimum investment requirements?
Our minimum for managing assets is $500,000. Qualified clients can access our profit-based fee structure with $1.1M+ in assets.
How are client assets protected?
Client funds are held at independent brokerage firms, with full online access maintained by clients at all times.
