Michael Warecki

Michael Warecki is an Associate Portfolio Manager at Heartland Advisors, Inc., based in Milwaukee, WI. In this role, he co-manages the Heartland Value and Value Plus Funds, as well as the firm’s Small Cap Value Plus and Small Cap Value strategies, focusing primarily on small-cap equities within the value investing framework. His core responsibilities include investment research, portfolio construction, and supporting the implementation of the firm's 10 Principles of Value Investing™ for client portfolios.

Warecki specializes in small-cap value stocks, with a focus on U.S.-listed companies aligned with the Russell 2000 Value Index, and places particular emphasis on identifying firms with disciplined capital allocation—such as active share repurchasing, dividend growth, and cost management. He has discussed sector-level strength in industrials (e.g., workplace safety products, data center infrastructure, aerospace), and his recent commentary highlights his expertise in uncovering self-help catalysts and turnaround stories for portfolio companies. Notable investment casework includes deep analysis of industrial and manufacturing names like Brady Corp.

Since joining Heartland Advisors as a Research Analyst Intern in 2018, Warecki advanced through the firm, serving as a full-time Research Analyst before his current associate portfolio manager appointment in 2025. He holds an MBA from the University of Wisconsin’s Applied Security Analysis Program, completed international finance studies at Queensland University of Technology, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, underpinning a strong analytical and global perspective on asset selection.