# David Stone

> David A. Stone, known professionally as Dave Stone, is the CEO and co-founder of First Rate, the Arlington, Texas wealth technology company he established with Trina Stone in April 1991. His career spans banking, software development and product management. Their company combines investment performance and reporting technology with employee-directed charitable giving funded by a commitment of 10% of revenue.

- **Role:** CEO and Co-Founder at First Rate
- **Organizations:** First Rate, Eleazar Wheelock Society
- **Education:** Dartmouth College
- **Known for:** Co-founded First Rate in 1991 and continues to serve as CEO., Built a wealth technology business with a presence on four continents., Established with Trina a commitment to charitable giving equal to 10% of company revenue.

## Career timeline

- **1979** — Began his career in the management training program at Banker's Trust of South Carolina, later working as an investment officer.
- **Before 1991** — Worked at National FSI and SEI Investments as a programmer, developer and product manager; also worked as an application consultant at ComShare.
- **1991-04** — Co-founded First Rate with Trina Stone in Arlington, Texas.
- **1992-01** — First Rate signed its first client, PNC Bank, on a $28,000 contract.
- **2002** — Visited Afghanistan and established a partnership involving First Rate, Crosslink Development International and The Women's Council.
- **2009** — Dave and Trina spoke at the Tuck School Founder's Forum.
- **2026-09** — Appeared with Trina on the Bigger Than Business podcast to discuss their founding story, marriage and long-term governance.

## Achievements

- Co-founded First Rate in 1991 and continues to serve as CEO.
- Built a wealth technology business with a presence on four continents.
- Established with Trina a commitment to charitable giving equal to 10% of company revenue.
- Earned varsity letters in football and track at Dartmouth.
- Received the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Tom Landry Award, as recorded in an archival Wheelock Society biography.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — Dave and Trina appeared on the Bigger Than Business podcast, published September 21, discussing 35 years of First Rate and employee-led governance.
- **2026-09** — A September 18 NCF feature revisited their revenue-giving commitment and international work.
- **2026-05** — A company-contributed Wealth Mosaic feature described First Rate’s long-term trust ownership and four-continent operations.

## Links

- Website: https://firstrate.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidastone/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/david-stone
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23