Everything is Cumulative – Interns 2010 to Present
By Julien B. Booth
December 30, 2022
Several years after starting Forest Capital (2004) I began a paid internship program. It did not start off with any particular structure, nor has it evolved in such a structured way.
Subconsciously, I believe the intent was to provide a vehicle that I wanted and needed in early adulthood – to get tangible experience and a real understanding of how business works. It needed to be real.
Trying to reconcile the linear approach of traditional education vs. the reality of a constantly varied and dynamic system (the world) and largely missing a strong father figure* (child of divorce) created a healthy, yet painful struggle. It took me a while to figure it out.
FYI – The intent was not to exclude women, but as Forest Capital grew, and we started Rowan Rock (construction/development co. post-2009 implosion), the “internship” became a very hands-on, and often physical, program. The morning would bring finance, bond math, and spreadsheet joy, the afternoon building demolition, checking cows, and operating heavy equipment.
Net, net our approach teaches: Be Prepared – the Boy Scout motto.
The framework became quite simple: respect, expectations, appreciation, performance, and stewardship (REAPS).
In life, these factors seem to be incredibly relevant.
Below you will find a list of the young men who we have employed/still employ. I believe their accomplishments speak for themselves. I could not be more proud to know each of these young men. If anything, they have made me better.
Thank you for your interest.
JBB
Houston McCurry
– UNC-Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School (2014)
– Principal, Private Equity at Apollo Global Management
– Current Board Member of Cox Media Group, 25Madison
– Previously Private Equity, Veritas Capital
Weston McCurry
– UNC-Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School (2014)
– Principal, Private Equity at Apollo Global Management
– Current Board Member of Invited Clubs
– Previously Vice President in Private Equity at HIG Capital
– Previous Board Member at BIOVECTRA, Pixelle
Davis Dawson
– UNC-Chapel Hill, B.A. Economics (2020)
– Senior Financial Analyst at LPL Financial
– Eagle Scout
Austin Krum
– UNC-Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School (2023)
– Financial Analyst at LPL Financial
– Eagle Scout
Nick Velardo
– University of Richmond, Robins School of Business (2016)
– Leveraged Finance Associate at Truist Securities
– Expecting Father, May 2023
Cameron McClure
– Auburn, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering (2021)
– Engineering Staff, pursuing Professional Engineer License (PE)
– Eagle Scout
Brad Velardo
– UNC-Chapel Hill, Kenan-Flagler Business School (2021)
– Investment Banking Analyst at Ernst & Young
Chase “Sleepy” Overpeck
– UNC-Chapel Hill, B.A. Exercise & Sports Science with Highest Honors (2022)
– Strength and Conditioning Professional, pursuing Master’s & PhD
– 2x Olympic Weightlifting State Champion (2021, 2022)
Matthew Bledsoe
– UNC-Charlotte, Belk College of Business (2022)
– Renewal Sales at SolarWinds
– Videographer: https://www.carolinascanruckforautism.com/
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Tanner Mazzocchi
– UNC-Charlotte, Belk College of Business (2025)
*My father passed when I was 25. Russell Ranson is the most amazing “stepfather” ever. It took me a while to properly appreciate him
Julien B. Booth
Chief Investment Officer – Fixed Income & Real Assets
BRC Wealth Management
704-608-3100