Mr. Cripps founded EquityCompass in 2008. His prior responsibilities include Managing Director of the Portfolio Strategy Group at Stifel Research and Chief Market Strategist and Co-chairman of the investment committee at Legg Mason Wood Walker, Inc. He began his career in 1979 as a Financial Advisor with Legg Mason.

The EquityCompass investment philosophy and process were developed by Richard from his broad industry experience authoring numerous investment-related research studies, creating and monitoring portfolio models, and participating in Economic forums that include the White House on policy implications of corporate dividend taxation.

Richard has a B.B.A. in Finance from James Madison University where he was also a member of Executive Business Council. He is also a CFA charter holder and member of the Baltimore Security Analyst Society.