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Born in 1941, Travers J. Bell Jr. was a pioneer and trailblazer in the world of investing. He grew up in poverty on the south side of Chicago. Recognizing his ambition, his family encouraged him to pursue higher education at a time when most Black people were unable to do so. Bell earned attended Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and New York Institute of Finance, earning degrees from both institutions.
He began his career working as a messenger at the brokerage firm Dempsey-Tegeler and Company, where his father worked in the mailroom. Being in this environment ignited a passion in Bell. His passion and drive didn’t go unnoticed. Impressed by Bell, Dempsey-Tegeler cofounder Jerome F. Tegeler began to mentor him. At age 23, Bell was promoted to Operations Manager at Dempsey-Tegeler. Bell left Dempsey-Tegeler following his graduation and became Chief Operating Officer at Fusz Schmelzle. There, he continued honing his skills in sales and trading. During this time, Bell began to dream and strategize about owning his own firm.
Continue reading “Travers J. Bell, Jr.: Cofounder Of 1st Black-Owned Firm Accepted As A Member Of The New York Stock Exchange”
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