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Bancroft Capital’s Veteran Training Program introduces 2024 Candidates

Posted: January 16, 2024

Bancroft Capital, a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) specializing in Institutional Brokerage and Capital Markets services, announced that it has accepted five exceptional, service-disabled military veteran candidates into its Veteran Training Program (VTP) for 2024.

Launched in 2019 and fully funded by Bancroft Capital, the VTP puts disabled veterans and first responders in a position to develop a skill set capable of supporting a new career as Institutional Traders and Investment Bankers. Bancroft aims to offer paid opportunities to new candidates each year. Candidate training includes a rotation among the five business units Bancroft operates and an introduction to back office and operations functions, sales trading, and compliance while participating in the VTP. Through their own hard work and diligence, each candidate can rewrite their futures as they develop skill sets that last through not one job, but for the life of a career.

VTP Candidate Sergeant Patrick Doherty is a former Sergeant in the U.S. Army and Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. While on deployment in Iraq, Doherty earned his Combat Infantryman Badge (“CIB”) as well as several unit and personal citations for outstanding achievement. After completing his service, Doherty enrolled in York College of PA where he received a bachelor’s degree in finance. While attending York College he continued to serve his country in the Army National Guard as a squad leader. In December 2022 he received an MBA from West Chester University.

While attending graduate school Doherty began working as an analyst for PFM Financial Advisors, LLC, where he was recently promoted to Senior Analyst. His experience at PFM developed a desire to work toward a career as an investment banker. Doherty  has entered Bancroft’s Veteran Training Program to pursue a career in banking. He currently holds the SIE and FINRA Series 50 license.

“I am looking forward to the new challenge and the doors Bancroft will open. This is a great opportunity to work hard and learn from the industry experts,” said Doherty,

VTP Candidate SrA Andrew Flath is a former Senior Airman in the United States Air Force, dedicated to serving his country and community. From his tenure maintaining engines for the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter, to his current trajectory in finance, Flath’s path underscores a commitment to excellence, integrity, and service guided by principles learned in the military. His knack for streamlining complex systems emerged from his work on the F-22 Raptor, where precision and strategy are paramount. The transition to finance was a deliberate choice, driven by the belief that his skill set could translate. Service before self guides his dedication to leadership and prioritizing the needs of clients above all else.

“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to help others while simultaneously advancing my own career and to work alongside and learn from the incredible men and women at Bancroft Capital,” Flath said.

VTP Candidate Sergeant Jonathan Huang is a former United States Marine Corps Infantry Assaultman and recently obtained a degree in Marketing from Kean University. Jonathan enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves during the summer of 2017. Having a desire to pursue higher education immediately upon completion of training, Huang enrolled himself as a student at Kean University for the following spring semester, where he successfully completed one full semester before being called to serve overseas in Afghanistan.

While deployed, Huang served as base defense and supported outside the wire patrols as a driver and machine gunner in active combat. When he arrived home, Huang finished out his undergraduate at Kean University and has developed an interest in finance. He obtained his SIE and will work on his Series 7 licensing as a VTP at Bancroft Capital.

“I am excited to work with – and learn and grow from – the experts at Bancroft Capital, and will be forever grateful for this extraordinary opportunity,” he said.

VTP Candidate Corporal Cody Lester left the Marine Corps in 2016 as a Corporal and leader of a network help desk for his unit at Camp Lejeune, NC. During his time in service, Corporal Lester was afforded the opportunity to pursue extra courses and perform community service.

Building on those experiences, Lester has worked for companies such as AT&T, Camping World, and Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co., doing everything from farming to project management. Always striving to find meaning and challenge, he is actively pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree at Missouri State University, studying Finance and Investments. With a graduation date of December 2024, Lester has begun studying and preparing to take his FINRA licensing exams in order to leave school with a head start in the industry.

“Everything happens for a reason. I have taken a long road to where I am now and have gained an excellent perspective and focus. I have found Bancroft Capital at a pivotal moment in my life and am beyond grateful,” Lester said.

VTP Candidate Officer Matt Rees is a former United States Navy Officer and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a B.S. in Economics. While serving in the Navy, Rees was stationed in Norfolk, VA where he served as the Tactical Action Officer (TAO) on the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). While meeting his military commitments, he pursued his passion for lacrosse at a professional level. For the past 7 years Rees has played in the Major Lacrosse League (MLL) and then Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) for the Bayhawks, Cannons, and Chaos. During that period he was named an All-Star and won a World Championship.

Rees is currently serving as an Instructor at the United States Naval academy as he prepares for a transition into finance. Recognizing the importance of financial literacy and the dynamic nature of the global economy, Rees dedicated time to understanding market trends and investment strategies during his military service. As he embarks on his journey in finance, Rees continues to embody the values of dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth.

“The transition from the military brings change and I am truly excited to continue to network and gain exposure to the financial industry with Bancroft Capital,” Rees said.

To qualify for the VTP, which is funded by Bancroft Capital’s for-profit income, military applicants must meet the following criteria:

Bancroft Capital Founder CEO Cauldon D. Quinn, a service-disabled Navy veteran himself, understands the value of the sacrifices made by members of the military and their families. He remarked that the restoration of military service members into their civilian lives is not only in the best interest of America and its veterans, but also a profitable equation for business.

“Our company’s success is due to the confidence shown in us by our clients, and this allows us to carry on our mission of training disabled vets through our VTP. We are deeply grateful,” he said, adding, “Bancroft is proud to play a role in assisting veterans in establishing new careers and restoring them as leaders in their communities and society.”

Bancroft holds certifications and affiliations which illustrate its national significance in the veteran, higher education and business sectors, including: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB); Elite SDVOB Network, Veterans in Business Networking for Success (VIB Network), National Veteran Business Development Council, (NVBDC); Disability: IN; NaVOBA Service- Disabled Veteran’s Business Enterprise; Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses; Merck Drexel Advanced Leadership Program for Diverse Suppliers; Villanova University; and DeSales University.