The larger the portfolio loss the more time is needed to break even. Ballast SMidCap Equity is an all-weather strategy for investors seeking protection in down markets while being positioned to earn equity-like returns in small and midsize companies over the long-term. We strive to achieve this objective by investing in companies that present attractive financial strength and are positioned to defend their intrinsic value in market downturns. These companies exhibit strong free cash flow providing a path of greater flexibility to execute and grow earnings. We utilize a forward-looking internal risk model which serves as our lens to evaluate fundamental factors and to adjust when needed in order to reduce risk due to changes we detect in the environment.