Alumnus Brian Brady Reflects on His Time at NAF

What an honor it is to receive this award from NAF.

Let me take you back to ’96 when I first entered through the doors of Northport High School on Long Island.  I was an introverted, musical theater guy.  I was terrible at sports, didn’t have many friends, and I didn’t have any idea how I was going to find my way for the next 4 years in this new, massive environment called high school.  It was through a part time job at the school store that I met a business teacher who saw something in me.  His name was Tony Asplin and he became one of my greatest mentors.  I know many of you know Tony very well.  I got involved in the Academy of Finance through Mr. Asplin, and it changed my life.  I found a terrific group of friends, many of whom I’m still close with to this day.  I felt a part of something, and I enjoyed every class and experience I had with the Academy of Finance.   No matter what area of business one ventures into, or majors in college, knowledge of finance is critical.  The knowledge I gained in high school as a result of NAF put me steps ahead not only in college, but in my professional career as well.

Today, I am a National Director at Henry Schein, a Fortune 200 company, because of an internship I got in 1999 as a result of networking through the Academy of Finance.  I have been with Henry Schein ever since, and 18 years after my first internship, I can absolutely say I wouldn’t be where I am today in  terms of my career success had it not been for my academy and for NAF.  Thank you again to all of you for this award, and thank you Allison Schwabish for the nomination.  It’s very touching to receive an award from an organization that has had such an immensely positive impact on my life. Thank you.