We are dedicated to helping our customers achieve their financial goals.
Our Firm
Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, we have the advantage of understanding the dynamic business environment of the Pacific Northwest as well as the new technologies that affect our region. At Martin Nelson & Company, our knowledge and expertise will provide you with the best possible service.
After working for over 20 years at a large New York brokerage house, Martin Nelson Sr. decided that he could do a better job for his clients by starting a Northwest based investment firm. In May, 1954, he and Mel Scoville started Nelson, Scoville & Co in downtown Seattle. A year later, Martin Nelson bought out Scoville to form Martin Nelson & Co., Inc. (MNCO). As an independent regional broker/dealer, MNCO has been serving local municipalities, businesses and investors with the highest degree of professional and personal service.
In 1970, Martin Nelson Jr. joined the firm; he took over as president in 1982. Under his guidance and after almost 50 years in downtown Seattle, MNCO purchased a building in the South Lake Union area and moved the firm to its current location of 1500 Westlake Ave N in 2002.
Since the formation of the company in 1954, there has been a steady growth in the stock market. Our clients' wealth and financial rewards, for the most part, have come from buying carefully researched investments and exercising the patience necessary for those ideas to develop. We will continue to work hard for our clients.
Martin Nelson & Company's Seattle headquarters is located in a newly rennovated space in the iconic Marina Mart Building situated in the bustling and developing community of South Lake Union. Our street side is at 1500 Westlake Avenue North and our water side directly abuts the shores of Lake Union. From our top floor, we appreciate sweeping views of downtown, Space Needle and local boating and seaplane activities.
We are accessed easily from Aurora/Hwy 99 Dexter exit or from the I-5 Mercer exit. You may choose the more scenic route from downtown's Westlake Center via the South Lake Union Trolley to MOHAI (Museum of History and Industry), then a 5 minute walk along the lake.
At Martin Nelson & Company, Inc., we are continuously focused on attracting and retaining exceptional individuals who share our work ethic and who are committed to providing the highest level of service for our clients. Click here view our current openings.
Open Positions
Public Finance Investment Banker
As the only Seattle based municipal underwriter, all decisions that relate to the financing are made locally. Bonds are sold to retail and institutional investors through our sales force and local trading department. We are seeking highly motivated, results-oriented individuals as we continue to grow and meet the long-term needs of clients and local municipalities.
Success in this role requires a combination of strong analytical abilities and persuasive marketing and sales skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Public Finance Investment Banker is responsible for successfully managing municipal bond underwritings from the proposal stage through closing.
- Deepen existing client relationships and create new ones consistent with MNCO’s underwriting capabilities.
- Expand access to new offerings by developing relationships with MNCO’s financial advisors and other industry professional, advisory firms, law firms, bank trust companies, and other underwriters.
Position Requirements:
- Position is based in Seattle, Washington
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or Finance preferred
- FINRA Series 7 or 52 licenses preferred, but could be studied for and acquired within 6 month once in the role.
- At least four years of business experience in the financial industry is preferred.
- At least two years in investment banking, capital markets bond trading or relevant sales experience is required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Communication must be clear, concise, accurate and complete. Associate should demonstrate effective communication skills and make presentations, represent the firm at industry events, and possess the ability to handle challenging questions.
- Creativity, marketing abilities, personal initiative and strong personal skills are essential.
- Demonstrated analytical, marketing and sales ability.
- Be a team player in collaboration with others in Public Finance.
Investment Advisor
At Martin Nelson & Company, Inc., we are continuously focused on attracting and retaining exceptional individuals who share our work ethic and who are committed to providing the highest level of service for our clients.
We have a strong understanding of the dynamic business environment of the Pacific Northwest as well as the new technologies that affect our region. Our knowledge and expertise provides with the best possible service. Our Investment Advisors help customers to achieve their financial goals.
We are seeking highly motivated, results-oriented individuals as we continue to grow and meet the long-term needs of clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Building relationships with clients beyond a financial transaction basis
- Discuss financial concerns and needs of individuals
- Closing and executing sales transactions
- Servicing existing clients
- Prospecting for clients through networking and referrals
- Developing and maintaining long-term relationships with clients
- Providing financial solutions for clients through fact gathering and needs analyses
Position Requirements:
- Position is based in Seattle, Washington and Lake Oswego, Oregon
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or Finance preferred
- At least four years of business experience in the financial industry is preferred
- Excellent communication, presentation, listening, and analytical skills
- FINRA Series 65, Series 7, Series 63
- Outgoing personality with the ability to develop relationships
Our Leadership
Martin O. Nelson Jr. is President and Chairman of the Board of MNCO. Mr. Nelson is a graduate of the University of Washington and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration Degree with an emphasis in Finance. He began his career at MNCO in 1970 as a director, and in 1972 joined the firm as a registered representative; he became a principal in 1979.
Mr. Nelson has served on numerous regulatory and industry committees including being Treasurer of the Seattle Security Traders Assn 1980 to 1983, Expert Witness in Securities Criminal Litigation and Civil Arbitration 1984 to 1994, member of the NASD and MSRB Board of Arbitrators starting in 1989, member of the NASD District 3 DBCC 1991 to 1993, Chairman of the Board NASD District 3 in 1993, member of the NASD District 3 Surveillance Committee 1994 to 1996, member of the NASD nominating committee for District 3 1994 to 1996 and 1998 to 2000, member of Securities Industry Assn Board of Directors 1994 to 1996, and member of the NASD Small Firms Advisory Board in Washington DC 2003 to 2005. Mr. Nelson has also served on the Board of Trustees of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center from 1993 to 2009, serving as Chairman of the Foundation Board from 1995 to 1999. He is currently on their Board of Ambassadors. Mr. Nelson is also managing director of MON LLC, a family real estate LLC that owns two buildings and a marina on Lake Union.
Frederic Roebke is the Vice President of Investment Securities and a principal of the firm. He joined Martin Nelson & Co., Inc in 1999 as a registered representative. In 2000, Mr. Roebke became a principal of the firm. He helps his clients build portfolios of investments that are appropriate for their individual investment needs and goals. Mr. Roebke is experienced in the analysis of equities, municipal bonds and investment products for his clients.
Mr. Roebke is a lifelong resident of Seattle, WA where he resides with his wife Kristina and their two children, William and Lydia. He currently serves on the board of the David McKinlay Trust, a trust that supports nonprofit organizations in King County that serve homeless youth in the region.
Sabine Koenig ("Sasha"), Secretary/Treasurer, is the Chief Compliance Officer and Operations Manager for Martin Nelson & Company. Sasha was born and raised in Germany and graduated from college in Germany with a degree in business and economics. After working several years in business in Europe, she came to Seattle and completed an internship with Martin Nelson & Company in 2000, where she passed the series 7, 24, 27, 53, 63, and 65 exams and became a Registered Investment Advisor.
She returned to Europe and became the operations manager and compliance associate for Hornblower Fischer & Co., a NYSE member broker/dealer with headquarters in Frankfurt and multiple branch offices, including New York, Zurich, Hamburg, Munich and Berlin.Sasha returned to Seattle in 2002 and started to work full time for Martin Nelson & Co. and is now our chief compliance officer and operations manager. Sasha is fluent in four languages (German, English, French and Italian).
Key Staff
Peggy Burton, Operations, processes daily trades, opens new accounts and handles ongoing maintenance of client accounts and helps resolve client questions/problems. Peggy has experience in all phases of operations including front, middle and back office as well as cash management experience. Prior to joining Martin Nelson, Peggy worked at Washington Mutual and USBank.
Jim Blumenthal, Vice President/Senior Municipal Underwriter, serves as the Lead Investment Banker and primary contact for firm clients. Mr. Blumenthal serves as the financing manager and is responsible for assisting clients with any long-term financing objectives and conducts workshops and presentations as needed.
Mr. Blumenthal has issued or supported more than $4.5 billion in tax-exempt financings over the last nineteen years. His achievements include organizing and leading efforts to utilize multiple cost effective capital funding sources for selected financing needs at a large national investment bank in addition to the acquisition of high inaugural ratings for several local governments. Prior to joining Martin Nelson & Company, Inc., Mr. Blumenthal served in the Municipal Securities Divisions of UBS Securities LLC and Bank of America Securities LLC. Mr. Blumenthal received a B.A. in Finance from Seattle Pacific University and currently holds the FINRA series 7, series 52, series 63 and 79 securities licenses.
Robert Edwards, Registered Representative, Since 1978, Bob has developed personalized investment portfolios using tax free municipal bonds and diverse stock holdings targeting a long term investment horizon. Prior to joining Martin Nelson & Company in 1989, he had worked through National Securities. Bob graduated from the University of Washington in 1973 with both a degree in physics and a degree in aeronautical engineering which he put to work at Boeing Aerospace as a staff propulsion engineer prior to working on investments.
Bob’s civic activities include terms on the Renton City Council and the Port of Seattle Commission while also serving as the president of the Association of Washington Cities and president of the Washington Public Ports Association.
Robert Kollack, Registered Representative, started in the brokerage business over 45 years ago. First at Foster& Marshall for about five years then at National Securities for over 34 years in which he became shareholder, President and Chairman at different times. In 2005 he started to work with Martin Nelson. He is specializing in income ideas for his clients, and enjoys his Independence.
Peter MacKintosh, Bond Trader, joined Martin Nelson and Co in 2006. He entered the securities industry in 1975 moving to the municipal bond sector in 1976. His past associations include Lehman Brothers, Shearson, Dain Rauscher and Foster & Marshall Company. His extensive experience allows him to provide continuous information on changing conditions in the tax exempt market. Peter is a graduate of the University of Washington.
Bung Le, Registered Representative, has been with Martin Nelson & Company since 2005. Bung was born and raised in Vietnam. He has been a registered representative since 1983. He specializes in equities and options and provides a high level of personalized service to all clients.
Our Services
A wide range of investment products and services are offered by Martin Nelson & Company. Recommendations are based on the understanding of our customer's needs. Trust and quality service are what we value most. In addition to nationally traded stocks, we serve as a market maker of closely held issues, many based in the Pacific Northwest.
Whether planning for retirement, a child's education or any other specific purpose, we provide personalized investment services utilizing:
- Stocks
- Mutual Funds
- Municipal Bonds
- Corporate Bonds
- U.S. Government Securities
- Options
Investments for retirement are among the most important financial choices individuals make. The best way to start planning for retirement is selecting a retirement program that fits your investment goals and needs.
Martin Nelson & Company offers individual and corporate clients:
- Regular IRAs
- Roth IRAs
- Fixed and Variable Annuities
- Simplified Employee Pensions (SEP)
- 401K Plans
- Profit-Sharing Plans
- Money Purchase Pension Plans
A Martin Nelson & Company Investment Executive will help you choose an investment program that meets your long-term financial goals.
Public Finance
Specializing in Washington State municipal bond issues, the Public Finance Department has been serving local governments and special districts for over 45 years. Our investment bankers are recognized for their experience and technical expertise and have extensive knowledge in all types of debt instruments, including:
- General Obligation Bonds
- Revenue Bonds
- Local Improvement District Bonds
- Bond Anticipation Notes
We support our customers through each phase of the bond financing process providing the best possible results for your community.
Martin Nelson & Company is locally owned and managed. All decisions affecting the municipalities’ access to the markeplace—such as adjusting to market conditions—are made in Seattle. The municipal bonds that we underwrite and market to our Washington customers provide tax-free income and “ownership” in local municipal projects.