Our Culture
We created Bison with a vision that families benefit from 3 simple concepts. Plan, Protect, and Prosper. Bison was founded by The Terry and Kim Pegula Family Office known as East Asset Management in conjunction with operating partner Teton Capital Partners founded by Brad Ball and his team of executives.
As Terry Pegula rose from petroleum engineer to Billionaire Oil and Gas Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Professional Sports Team Owner the family was amazed to see all the products, services, and capabilities that became available to them. Bison seeks to make these family office tools available to Bison clients.
View Our Leadership
Elio has over 12 years of experience with client servicing, investment fiduciary guidance for plan sponsors, investment management, and portfolio construction. He has a significant background in agricultural education and economics, and he has earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation through the Center for Fiduciary Studies. He has also received the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) credential from the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), demonstrating the experience required to act as a plan fiduciary and help plan fiduciaries manage their roles and responsibilities.
Elio received his BS in Agricultural Education from Penn State. He received his MS in Agricultural Education and Food & Resource Economics as well as his Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship from the University of Florida. Prior to joining Capital Defender Advisors, Inc. Elio served as the Chief Investment Officer and Chair of the Investment Committee at Kidder Advisers, Inc. for 5 years. He is also active in the community through his service with the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, the First Baptist Church of Alachua, the Latin American Discipleship Outreach Mission Board, and the Gainesville Ducks Unlimited Chapter.
*Capital Defender Advisors is an affiliated investment advisor.