The firm started with Jim Pinney and George Kinder as partners in 1984. Dean Scofield joined them in 1986. They prepared taxes and provided financial planning and investment management services to individuals.

When the markets crashed in 1987, they advised clients to go to cash, only to have them still in cash when the markets started to recover. Not pleased with their advice, they sought out a better solution.

Referencing academic studies, historical data, and basic investment principles, Jim and Dean created a passive approach to investing that embraces the volatility of the markets and removes emotions from the decision-making process. That same approach is used today.