How Veterans Go From Combat to Wall Street

TL;DR

Veterans find new careers on Wall Street with Drexel Hamilton.

Transcript

broker dealer Drexel Hamilton is one of several Wall Street firms helping former military service men and women reenter the workforce I went down and spoke with drexell Hamilton and some vets who just a couple of years ago were in combat and are now working on trading desks Kim Alonzo spent four years on the aircraft carrier Harry S Truman supporti... Read More

Key Insights

• Drexel Hamilton, a Wall Street firm, is dedicated to helping veterans transition into civilian careers, with half of its employees being combat veterans.
• The firm was founded by Vietnam veteran Lawrence Doll, emphasizing the importance of providing veterans with opportunities to achieve the American dream.
• Veterans like Kim Alonzo and Preston Carlson have found new careers at Drexel Hamilton after serving in combat roles, highlighting the firm's commitment to supporting veterans' career transitions.
• Jim Cahill, a former managing director at major financial firms, runs Drexel Hamilton, focusing on helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life and the workforce.
• Preston Carlson, an Air Force veteran, emphasizes the value of having fellow veterans in the workplace, providing a unique support system and shared experiences.
• John Martinko, a West Point graduate and veteran, transitioned from leading ground forces in combat to becoming a managing director at Drexel Hamilton.
• The firm faces challenges in balancing its mission to support veterans with the need to remain profitable, highlighting the complexity of its operations.
• Veterans at Drexel Hamilton advocate for other businesses to start by hiring one veteran, demonstrating the value veterans bring to the workforce.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Drexel Hamilton support veterans transitioning to civilian careers?

Drexel Hamilton supports veterans transitioning to civilian careers by providing employment opportunities in finance and creating a supportive environment where veterans can connect with others who share similar experiences. The firm, founded by a Vietnam veteran, employs a significant number of combat veterans, helping them reintegrate into society and achieve the American dream.

Q: What challenges do veterans face when transitioning to civilian life?

Veterans face numerous challenges when transitioning to civilian life, including finding employment, adapting to a new work environment, and dealing with the psychological impact of combat. Many struggle with the lack of campus recruiting opportunities while serving abroad, making it difficult to compete in the civilian job market. Support from firms like Drexel Hamilton can ease this transition.

Q: What role does Jim Cahill play at Drexel Hamilton?

Jim Cahill, a former managing director at major financial firms, plays a crucial role at Drexel Hamilton by leading the firm and focusing on its mission to support veterans. He emphasizes the importance of helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life and the workforce, acknowledging the challenges of balancing this mission with the need to maintain profitability.

Q: Why is having fellow veterans in the workplace important for veterans?

Having fellow veterans in the workplace is important because it provides a unique support system and a sense of camaraderie. Veterans share similar experiences and challenges, which can be comforting and encouraging. This environment helps them navigate the transition from military to civilian life more effectively, as seen at Drexel Hamilton.

Q: What is John Martinko's background before joining Drexel Hamilton?

Before joining Drexel Hamilton, John Martinko was a West Point graduate who served in the military, completing seven deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan with the 75th Ranger Regiment. He led ground forces in combat and received three Bronze Stars, one for valor. His military experience has been invaluable in his current role as a managing director for capital markets at Drexel Hamilton.

Q: How does Drexel Hamilton balance its mission with profitability?

Drexel Hamilton balances its mission to support veterans with the need for profitability by carefully managing its operations and resources. While committed to helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life, the firm must also ensure financial sustainability. This involves making strategic decisions about hiring and managing costs while maintaining its core mission.

Q: What advice do veterans at Drexel Hamilton offer to other businesses?

Veterans at Drexel Hamilton advise other businesses to start by hiring one veteran, emphasizing that the value veterans bring to the workforce will become evident. This approach can help businesses recognize the skills and dedication veterans possess, ultimately encouraging more veteran hiring and fostering a supportive work environment for those transitioning from military service.

Q: What impact does Drexel Hamilton have on veterans' lives?

Drexel Hamilton has a significant impact on veterans' lives by providing them with career opportunities and a supportive work environment. The firm helps veterans transition from military to civilian life, offering a sense of purpose and community. This support can heal wounds from their service and enable them to achieve personal and professional growth in civilian careers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Drexel Hamilton is a Wall Street firm dedicated to helping veterans transition from military service to civilian careers. Founded by Vietnam veteran Lawrence Doll, the firm employs a significant number of combat veterans, providing them with opportunities to achieve the American dream and reintegrate into society.

• Kim Alonzo and Preston Carlson are among the veterans who have successfully transitioned to careers at Drexel Hamilton. The firm offers a supportive environment where veterans can connect with others who share similar experiences, helping them navigate the challenges of civilian life.

• Jim Cahill, who leads Drexel Hamilton, emphasizes the importance of supporting veterans who have served the country. The firm faces the challenge of balancing its mission to help veterans with the necessity of turning a profit, while veterans advocate for businesses to hire and recognize the value of veteran employees.