Jeff
Hoelzel '85
Lawyer Brings Historical
View to Brokerage
Armed with a degree in history
from Trinity and a law degree from Northwestern University, Jeff Hoelzel
'85 found the ideal position to apply skills gleaned from both disciplines.
Hoelzel now leads MTL Equity Products, Inc., as president of the securities
brokerage.
The one-time lawyer worked
in Chicago for Continental-National-American Group (CNA) and the law firm
Lord, Bissell and Brook, before becoming president of MTL in 2002. His
career transition allowed him to use his legal expertise in a highly regulated
industry.
"We sell stocks, bonds, and
mutual funds, so we are subject to strict regulations within the securities
industry," Hoelzel said. "Having worked as an attorney, I was aware of
the issues that securities brokers/dealers face. I enjoy finding solutions
to any regulatory challenges that arise and ensuring that our clients receive
good products the right way."
During his years at the College,
Hoelzel developed a deep appreciation for history and his professor, Dr.
Robert Rice, whom he describes as a "brilliant person with a tremendous
intellectual capacity." He served with Dr. Rice's wife, Gail, at PACE,
a ministry in which students and professors tutor inmates of Cook County
Jail in Chicago.
"I loved learning history
from Dr. Rice. He lives his faith openly everyday and sets a good example
for Christian service for his students," he said about choosing history
as his major at Trinity. "I was curious about the similarities and the
differences in resolutions over time. I had a longstanding interest in
seeing how people in the past handled some of the issues that we face now."
In 1988, Hoelzel, a Chicago
native, graduated from Northwestern University's School of Law. He then
embarked on his law career, and he credits his time at Trinity for setting
the stage for his subsequent academic and professional achievements.
"Trinity prepared me for
law school and my career by improving my critical thinking skills and my
ability to write," he said. "Also, the College provided a very strong foundation
of a Christian perspective that I found to be vital in law. I saw the importance
of bringing Christian morality and ethics into law and allowing those values
to guide me. It was evident to me as a student that what I did after leaving
Trinity should have a positive impact for God's kingdom."
Hoelzel likes to play golf
in his leisure time. He and his wife, Diane, have two children and live
in Orland Park, Illinois. They attend Elizabeth Seton Church in Orland
Park.
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