public finance

Who did you meet with today?

Today we met with Rob Nickell and Jessica Ward.

Where do they work? What does the company do?

Rob Nickell and Jessica Ward work at HJ Sims, a private, family-owned company founded in 1935. HJ Sims works with schools and non-profit organizations. It finds investors for a school’s campus, negotiates a deal between both parties, raises funds for the project, and, in the end, the school has its new school building.

What did you learn today? What were some highlights?

We learned that there are many different approaches to becoming an investment banker today. The greatest highlight was understanding that a school is like a business; it has to be run like a business for everyone in the school to be happy and for all students to have equal opportunities.

What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?

I learned the importance of investment bankers in school projects or any other business. Bankers help the schools tell their stories to find the best investors and help schools focus on the long-term goals they have set.

What did you find the most interesting about the field in the field after today?

The most intriguing thing I found out about investment bankers is that the process of becoming an investment banker now is such a great difference than what it was about 20 years ago. Now more licenses are required to be able to be able to do certain things whereas before those licenses were not needed.

 

Who did you meet with today?

Today, my fellow interns and I had the pleasure of meeting John Kim, Managing Director of Stifel’s Charter School Practice Group. We also got the chance to meet and connect with Tina Lin, VP of Finance at PCSD, and with John’s team of banking interns: Kenji Swun, Rachel Fox, Austin Chan, Miguel Grillo, Edric Viazon, and Arias Najmabadi.

Where do they work? What does the company do?

Stifel has a few main aspects that they are known for including Corporate Finance, which helps companies invest their money wisely to grow; Public Finance, which helps raise capital for public agencies or nonprofits; Asset Management, which helps individuals reach their financial goals; and Commercial Banking, which is financial services to corporations such as accepting deposits and lending money. Stifel’s Public Financing team helps support various nonprofits such as PCSD to create new projects/operations like schools through grants, loans, and bonds.

What did you learn today? What were some highlights?

Getting to speak with John, I learned how much of a crucial role public financing plays in everything around us. Whether it is the schools we attend, the buses that provide us transportation, or the utility infrastructure that provides essential services to our communities. Public Finance does this by helping to raise capital for governments and nonprofits primarily through selling bonds which is essentially debt. Additionally, I was able to learn how the financial system is accessible to everyone but the cost may differ. Stifel helps nonprofits such as PCSD fund the facilities needed to create these incredible charter schools. Equally important, I found it interesting to hear John talk about the high level of importance that trust and communication play in Public Finance Investment Banking. Because without these skills, people will not feel secure enough to invest their money.

Furthermore, some highlights of our conversation with John were getting to hear about his background and how he worked under his father at a young age. There he learned how to communicate with all types of people to create a welcoming environment and how to take pride in his work/service, no matter how small. John also explained how soft skills are just as important as hard skills and that they may be even more important. Lastly, my fellow interns and I enjoyed getting the opportunity to talk one-on-one with each of the interns at Stifel.

What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?

From our meeting with John, I gained several insights into how public finance is crucial for real estate development. I learned that public finance professionals, like those at Stifel, help raise capital for important community projects through bonds. These projects include things like building schools, roads, and utilities, which are essential for real estate development. For example, when a city issues bonds to build new schools or improve roads, it makes more people want to live there and attracts more businesses to invest in. This can increase the value of the area and encourage more development to occur. 

Did you become more interested in the field after today?

After our meeting today, I have grown much more interested in the financial aspects of real estate and public finance. Learning about how public finance directly supports and drives real estate projects has given me a new appreciation for the intricacies and opportunities within the industry. Understanding how bonds and other financial tools are used to fund essential infrastructure projects, like schools and roads, highlights the critical role of strategic financial planning in creating thriving communities. This knowledge has made me more eager to explore how financial strategies and public-private partnerships can shape and enhance real estate development.

In the ever-evolving landscape of finance and investment, some firms stand out for their unique approach and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. HJ Sims, a boutique investment firm founded in 1935, is one such company. Recently, our interns had the privilege of speaking with Rob Nickell, the Executive Vice President at HJ Sims. Rob shared his experiences, insights, and passion for working in the finance industry, particularly in the realm of education and non-profits. Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of a seasoned professional who finds fulfillment in transforming the educational landscape and serving the greater community.

A Legacy of Excellence

HJ Sims’ rich history spans nearly a century, and its continued success can be attributed to its commitment to personalized service and dedication to its clients. As a family-owned business, it embraces the values of integrity, trust, and long-term vision. The current CEO, the son of the founder, carries forward the legacy of the firm and its mission to create value for its clients and the community.

A Specialized Approach

HJ Sims proudly focuses on wealth management, investment banking, and institutional services. A unique aspect of the firm is its dedication to specialized services. An essential part of HJ Sims’ identity is their education practice, which they established 25 years ago. Through this initiative, they have made significant strides in supporting schools, especially charter, independent, and private schools, as well as higher education institutions.

Rob Nickell: A Visionary Leader

Based in Dallas, Rob Nickell spearheads HJ Sims’ endeavors across the western United States, from Texas to California. As a co-leader of the education finance practice, he plays a vital role in securing financing for schools to construct and establish permanent homes. His mission is not just about securing funding but doing so in a cost-effective manner.

Drawing from a diverse background

Rob’s journey to his current position is a testament to the importance of a well-rounded education and diverse experiences. Graduating from Emory with a degree in finance and technology and a minor in philosophy, Rob’s education laid the foundation for his future achievements. His initial foray into the finance industry led him through various roles at both large and small firms, ultimately leading him to public finance, where he found his niche in the education and nonprofit sectors.

A Passion for Impact

Rob’s dedication to his work is evident in his passion for investment banking, which he finds stimulating and rewarding. But what truly sets his career apart is his ability to leverage his expertise for the betterment of the community through his work with educational and nonprofit institutions. By facilitating financing for schools, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of countless students, ensuring they have access to quality education and resources.

Building and Nurturing Relationships

Throughout his career, Rob emphasizes the importance of relationships as the bedrock of his success. By investing time and effort in understanding the needs and aspirations of his clients, he has forged strong and enduring partnerships that have proven instrumental in achieving mutual growth and success.

In an industry where profits often take precedence, HJ Sims and its Executive VP, Rob Nickell, serve as a shining example of how finance can be a force for good. Through their specialized approach and dedication to educational and nonprofit finance, they create meaningful impact and empower communities to thrive. Rob’s journey reminds us of the significance of building diverse skills, finding a passion that aligns with our values, and prioritizing meaningful relationships.

Recently, we had the privilege of sitting down with John Kim from Stifel during a lunch and learn session. Stifel is a publicly traded firm renowned for its expertise in corporate finance, commercial banking, public finance, and asset management. Our association with Stifel revolves around the financing of various charter school facility projects, a partnership that has yielded great results.

The session began with John sharing some invaluable takeaways for our interns, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and active listening. He encouraged interns to take diligent notes and reflect on specific insights gained from their experiences in different roles during their internships.

Charting his own career

John then took us on a journey through his own career path. Hailing from Palos Verdes, he attended public school and became the second generation in his family to pursue higher education. From a young age, he learned about customer service while working at his father’s gas station. While studying at UC Berkeley, he initially aspired to attend medical school and pursued a degree in Molecular Biology and Rhetoric. However, life’s twists and turns, along with some inspiring history classes at UCLA, led him to reevaluate his career goals, ultimately majoring in History and Rhetoric at UC Berkeley.

Following his undergraduate studies, John taught high school in Berkeley and contemplated the idea of going to graduate school. However, a conversation with his sister proved pivotal as he found his calling in the world of finance. He embarked on his 26-year journey with Stifel in Los Angeles, where he has made significant contributions to the company’s success.

Stifel and the world of finance

During the session, John delved into Stifel’s expertise in four key areas and shed light on how lending works in the world of finance. He emphasized the crucial information required to secure a loan and why someone might lend to you. In his domain of public financing, and in other areas, a well-prepared prospectus (or story book) is essential when approaching potential investors. The prospectus presents all the relevant facts and information investors need to know and conveys a compelling narrative. John’s work in public finance involves raising capital for various government entities, including states, counties, cities, school districts, nonprofits, and charter schools. These entities can obtain funding by issuing bonds.

It’s worth noting that while the public finance division at Stifel comprises a relatively small team of 250 employees, the asset management division boasts a workforce of 8,000. Despite its size, the public finance division plays a crucial role in the financial ecosystem, and John actively markets to credit analysts at prominent investment management firms.

Investing in charter schools

The lunch and learn session concluded with a thought-provoking video presentation on STEM Prep, a Los Angeles-based charter school and a valued partner of PCSD. The video highlighted the positive impact of partnering with charter schools, illustrating how such collaborations can benefit the community, students, and education as a whole.

In closing, the lunch and learn with John Kim from Stifel was an eye-opening experience that shed light on the multifaceted world of finance and the importance of adaptability in one’s career journey. John’s personal story serves as a reminder that career paths are rarely linear and that the ability to seize opportunities and reevaluate goals can lead to fulfilling and successful outcomes. We are grateful for the insights shared during this session and look forward to continuing our partnership with Stifel in making a positive impact in the education sector.