Celebrating True Heroes: Brian Rathjen & Roberts and Ryan's Mission to Serve Veterans

 In honor of Veterans Day, I turned the spotlight on someone who embodies selfless service: Brian Rathjen of Roberts and Ryan, America’s first service-disabled veteran-owned broker-dealer.

If there was a show about this Wall Street firm, it would be the opposite of the show “Billions”—highlighting generosity and patriotism instead of greed.

Brian, a proud Navy veteran and the non-executive chairman of Roberts and Ryan, has made it his mission to give back. His firm has grown impressively since we first connected, now boasting 42 employees, many of whom are military and Wall Street veterans.

The most inspiring part? Roberts and Ryan donates a significant portion of its financial transaction profits to support veteran organizations and youth programs.

To date, they’ve donated $2.3 million to over 50 initiatives, covering everything from health and wellness to career transitions for veterans.

We discussed their support for Boulder Crest Retreat, an incredible place helping veterans overcome PTSD (or PTS, as Brian prefers—removing the "D" for disorder). With serene properties and life-changing programs, they promote post-traumatic growth and empower heroes to reclaim joy and purpose.

Roberts and Ryan also partners with the Robert Irvine Foundation, funding high-tech I-Bot wheelchairs that restore independence to veterans who’ve lost mobility. Each chair is a $40,000 game-changer, and so far, they’ve donated ten!

 Beyond veterans, Brian and his team invest in uplifting underserved youth, like their recent internships and support initiatives in Harlem. Roberts and Ryan is a stellar example of business excellence fused with heart and integrity.

Here’s a company checking all the boxes: world-class financial service, diversity and inclusion, and an unwavering commitment to giving back.

So, to all the companies out there: consider joining forces with Roberts and Ryan and be part of a mission that truly changes lives.

As Brian says, “What we do for ourselves dies with us, but what we do for others, lives forever.”

Thank you, Brian, for your service and heart.  And Thank You Always and Forever to All Our Veterans.

 Let’s keep serving those who served!