About Us
At BufferLABS, we’re all about supporting advisors as they guide their clients through the world of buffered ETFs. Our story began with Erik Ogard, CFA, who, while managing a portfolio of buffered ETFs starting in late 2021, saw how challenging it could be to sort through the options. With so many providers offering different buffers—each with unique caps, floors, and payoff details, often described in confusing ways—he thought advisors could use a little support. It wasn’t easy to compare options or see what really worked best, and we thought, “There’s got to be a better way to help.”
That’s why, in the fall of 2024, Erik’s son, Grant Ogard, got together with two friends to create the BufferLABS research platform. We wanted to build something friendly and practical, a place where all buffered ETFs could sit side by side, described in plain language everyone could understand. At the heart of it is our proprietary ADOPT model—Applied Dynamic Options Pricing Theory—a screening tool that scores and ranks buffered ETFs to help advisors quickly find the best solutions for their clients. With ADOPT, advisors can confidently pinpoint the right options, save time, and deliver real value—building stronger relationships along the way. We’re not here to tell anyone what to do. We’re here to walk alongside advisors, offering a hand to sort through the complexity and find what fits. At BufferLABS, it’s all about supporting you, so you can focus on what matters most.
Erik Ogard, CFA – Founder
Erik Ogard, CFA, is the driving force behind BufferLABS, drawing on his extensive experience as a portfolio manager and investment professional. Starting in late 2021, while managing a portfolio of buffered ETFs, he saw how tricky it could be for advisors to navigate their complexity. With a career spent in senior investment roles, Erik thought advisors could benefit from a clearer way to evaluate these products. Holding an MBA from Willamette University, he’s passionate about supporting advisors—not by overwhelming them with expertise, but by providing tools like BufferLABS to simplify their work and strengthen client relationships. For Erik, it’s about making the complex feel approachable, so advisors can focus on serving their clients.
Grant Ogard – Co-Founder & Platform Architect
Grant Ogard is the creative and technical mind behind the BufferLABS research platform. A recent graduate of the University of Washington with a BS in Physics and a BBA in Finance, Grant’s knack for quantitative systems—from financial markets to orbital mechanics—shapes his work. In the fall of 2024, he teamed up with two friends to bring his father Erik’s idea to life, designing a platform that’s both practical and user-friendly. With past experience as a junior trader until May 2024, Grant now focuses on making BufferLABS, powered by the ADOPT model, a helpful tool for advisors. His aim is to simplify their research and boost their impact, all with a collaborative, down-to-earth approach.
Peter Ballasiotes – Web Development
Peter Ballasiotes serves as the leading web developer for BufferLABS, where he is responsible for the design, development of the company’s website. With over 13 years of experience in web development, Peter brings a deep understanding of front-end architecture, responsive design, and user experience. His background includes both freelance and in-house roles, with a strong focus on building custom, high-performance websites. At BufferLABS, he works closely with the founding team to implement new features, refine functionality, and ensure the platform remains accessible, scalable, and visually engaging.