Phil Ruden

CFA, Managing Partner

Phil Ruden
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In 1982, Phil launched his professional career in the investment industry by joining the Investment Department of Boys Town, a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for children and families for over 100 years. Phil stepped into the role of managing Boys Town’s investment program in 1986, prior to co-founding Prodigy Asset Management in 1993 alongside his partner Mike Eglseder. In his role, Phil oversaw a restructuring of Boys Town’s portfolio to broadly diversify the asset allocation and retain managers for each asset class. Phil has helped develop investment programs that serve the unique needs of various clients and continues to guide Prodigy’s overall investment strategy today. He leads research in hedge funds and private equity.

Phil earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Creighton University and is a CFA charter holder. He has served on the boards and key committees for several not-for-profit organizations, and as an adjunct professor teaching investments courses at Creighton University. Phil is also a guest speaker at industry conferences discussing various topics relevant to investors of all types.

Mike Eglseder

CFA, Managing Partner

Mike Eglseder
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Mike co-founded Prodigy Asset Management in 1993 after working alongside Phil at Boys Town, a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for children and families. Mike plays a key role in the research, development, and evolution of investment strategies on behalf of Prodigy’s clients. He was an early advocate of the benefits of introducing alternative asset classes into portfolios, and he continues to lead the investment research in global equities and real assets, which includes real estate and natural resources.

 

Mike earned his Master’s degree at Creighton University and is a CFA charter holder. He has taught Investment and Financial Analysis courses at his alma mater and has served on several boards and committees throughout his career.

Todd Trautman

CFA, Partner

Todd Trautman
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Todd first joined the Prodigy team in 1996 as an intern while completing his undergraduate studies. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree, Todd spent the next 10 years as a portfolio manager and analyst focused on publicly traded U.S. equities. He was drawn back to Prodigy in 2007 to manage assets and client relationships for not-for-profit institutions and Prodigy’s high net worth clients. Todd continues to lead research over various asset classes and currently oversees Prodigy’s private equity and venture capital program.

 

Todd is a CFA charter holder and earned his Master’s degree at Creighton University. He has been a guest speaker in classroom settings and at industry conferences, and he taught the alternative investments section of a master’s level CFA review course. When he’s not helping clients, Todd enjoys spending time with his wife and six children. He loves the outdoors, coaching/attending his children’s sports and extracurricular activities, and is actively involved in his parish and local community.

Arnie Ovalles

CFA, Partner

Arnie ovalles
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Arnie Ovalles is a Partner at Prodigy, bringing almost two decades of experience in institutional and alternative investments. With an MS in Economics from the University of Nebraska Omaha, a BS from Wayne State College, and as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Arnie’s expertise lies in managing complex portfolios, providing tailored solutions, and building strong client relationships. He has been with Prodigy since 2008, advancing from an intern to partner and owner of the firm, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to client service and expertise in institutional and alternative investments. Immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager, Arnie worked hard to contribute meaningfully to his new country. Arnie and his wife have four children. He enjoys coaching youth sports, playing tennis, reading, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

 

Community Involvement:

  • Appointed to the Investment Committee by the Archbishop of Omaha
  • Foundation Board Member for the Iowa Western Community Foundation
  • Advisory Board Member at the University of Nebraska Omaha College of Business
  • Former adjunct professor in UNO’s MBA program

Melissa Reiner

Partner

Melissa Reiner
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Melissa Reiner is a Partner at Prodigy, bringing over a decade of experience in accounting, finance, and asset management. With a BSBA in Accounting and Finance from Doane University and a background as a CPA at KPMG LLP, Melissa’s expertise lies in creating streamlined and efficient processes, integrating new technology, and overseeing compliance programs. At Prodigy, she has been instrumental in the formation and ongoing management of the Prodigy Absolute Return Fund, LLC, demonstrating her strategic vision and leadership.


Melissa and her husband, Chris, have two daughters. While she is not busy at work, she enjoys attending her daughters many sporting events, playing golf, working out, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.