— “I came for knowledge. I stayed for the people.”
Ever wondered how someone with no background in finance could go from reading online stock articles to making confident investment decisions alongside Wall Street professionals?
Let’s hear from one of the thousands of members who joined Thornwell Club—and discovered not just financial knowledge, but a platform for life-changing growth.
“Joining Thornwell Club was one of the most empowering experiences of my life.”
I work in healthcare. Finance, honestly, isn’t intuitive for me. I run a medical device company focused on a condition I didn’t even know existed before I took the job.
One day, I was googling how to invest in stocks and came across an article that referenced Thornwell Club. I clicked. I read. I signed up. That’s how it all began.
At first, I felt like I had nothing to offer. Everyone else seemed smarter, faster, and way more experienced. But I kept showing up, learning, and laying the foundation to one day contribute meaningfully—just in a different way.
My First Breakthrough: Recommending a Stock to the Team
During one of the two stock-focused workshops led by Professor Benedict Thornwell and the securities division at Citi, I decided to push myself: I presented a stock idea to the team.
I built a model from scratch, including profit forecasts and valuation frameworks. I did deep-dive research to back up whether I thought the stock was a long or a short. At the end of the program, I pitched my idea to the group—and received thoughtful questions, feedback, and encouragement.
That moment was far more rewarding than I expected.
What Else Did I Learn?
Later, in a consumer goods rotation, I covered a food company for the first time. Even though the product was easy to understand, learning to analyze KPIs, understanding what investors actually care about, and building it all into a cohesive investment thesis was… hard.
Thankfully, I had an analyst and a team who were willing to invest in me—some of the best investors I’ve ever met.
Everyone, from the top down, showed incredible patience, answered every question I had, and gave me the space and autonomy to form my own ideas. They didn’t tell me what to think—they helped me think better.
Real Mentorship, Real Access
As a beginner in the Thornwell Club, I had the opportunity to meet with three heads of stock businesses. They took over an hour out of their day just to talk to us—sharing wisdom, answering questions, and even personally congratulating us when we received our extension offers.
That kind of support? You don’t find that everywhere.
What Makes Thornwell Club Different?
“I signed my agreement to work with Thornwell Club and partner on commission-based investments. That alone changed everything.”
There’s a core value here that goes beyond money: we help each other succeed.
The bonds I formed over just one summer were powerful. Simply sitting next to someone and listening to them analyze a stock, or talk through a thesis—they taught me more than any textbook ever could.
Being surrounded by incredibly talented, driven people—trying to solve problems together and create value for investors—pushes you to grow into your best self.
Why Thornwell Club, and Not Somewhere Else?
If you’re new to investing, who you work with matters the most.
When I first met members of the Club, I remember thinking:
“Wow. If I could be like that person in 10 years, that would be amazing.”
Every person in Thornwell Club is committed to investing in you, whether you’re a total beginner or growing into your career. That kind of environment helps you learn—and grow—faster.
In this highly selective program, you’re not just given tools. You’re surrounded by world-class investors who become your mentors and coaches.
Erin Gallagher — The Assistant Who Made All the Difference
One of the most impactful people in my journey was Erin Gallagher, Professor Thornwell’s assistant.
Through her rotational sessions and personalized learning modules, Erin taught us how to master the core principles of stock investing. She’s incredibly kind, authentic, and committed to helping others—something rare in the real world.
Her support gave me both the confidence and clarity I needed to grow—and grow fast.
A Word of Advice to New Members
Be ready. You’ll spend three months mastering financial analysis, stock modeling, and research processes.
With communication and leadership training built in, you’ll form long-lasting relationships with the Thornwell investment team. You’ll work directly with top investment experts, and also receive insights from communication specialists, career coaches, and industry mentors.
“Here, you don’t just trade. You build a differentiated investment process and develop the conviction to own your thesis.”
Investing in Others — A Shared Mission
Beyond investing, Thornwell Club has a bigger mission.
In 2023, the Citi Foundation, in partnership with Thornwell, committed $25 million to underserved communities and children in need across the U.S.
As a member, I was invited to participate in one of the Club’s missions in Ghana. We visited an orphanage housing 32 children in just five bedrooms.
Together, we helped raise money to build an additional wing so every child could sleep in a bed.
We also visited a women’s prison. One woman desperately needed chemotherapy.
Thanks to what I earned in Thornwell Club, I was able to pay for her full treatment.
That changed me forever.
“When you make money, you gain options.
When you give it back—you gain purpose.”
Thornwell Club even offers an online giving platform that makes donating easy and secure. It’s never been easier to do real good with real returns.
A Better Future Starts Here
When families can’t afford preventive healthcare, safe housing, or childcare, life becomes unstable. But together, with the leadership of Professor Thornwell, we’re making a difference.
This isn’t just about money—it’s about meaning.
Join Thornwell Club.
Invest with purpose.
And help us change the world.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment invitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice or trading advice. You are strongly advised to conduct due diligence before investing, including consulting a professional financial advisor.