August 13, 2007

Exploring finance
Local students meet businesspeople for real-world lessons.
By Paul Clinton and Shelly Leachman
Staff Writers

Harry Davidow tried to provide a practical as well as theoretical education in his classroom at California State University, Dominguez Hills.

As part of a summer business institute, Davidow took his 40 students on field trips to a Merrill Lynch branch, Playa Capital and other companies for real-world business lessons. He also required them to prepare 30-page plans about what makes a successful business.

“They got a real legitimate exposure to how you start a business,” said Davidow, a Marina del Rey telemarketing entrepreneur. “The idea is to teach them research, so they can apply it.”

The program, which ends this week, was organized by the Academy of Business Leadership — a nonprofit group that provides opportunities to high-school-age students in low-income communities.

Davidow said his students came from Carson, Gardena, Compton and areas of Los Angeles.

The visit to Merrill Lynch in Costa Mesa coincided with a lesson about the stock market, and students met with representatives from Playa Capital in Playa Vista to learn about marketing and advertising.

The Merrill Lynch branch in El Segundo also hosted students from California State University, Fullerton.

Eric Chow of Rowland Heights and Phillip Shifflet of Fullerton spent time with Jesse Rodriguez, one of Merrill Lynch’s financial advisers.

Rodriguez explained that he isn’t a traditional stockbroker, but instead offers broader advice to help his clients plan for retirement.

Most of his clients arrive after a cash windfall from the lottery, inheritance or sale of a business.

He also emphasized the importance of etiquette to the two boys, who both wore suits.

“Just by wearing a suit and tie you have a head start,” Rodriguez said. “You’re handling their money. You have to make them feel important.” Financial adviser Shaquawn Schasa said students should aim for the stars when looking for a job or salary.

“You can make whatever (salary) you put your mind to,” Schasa said, adding that she didn’t pigeonhole herself in sales.

“I don’t see myself as a salesperson,” she said. “I see myself as a people person. I find out what they need and I give it to them.”