About – velocitycapitalconsulting.com

Nicolas B.R. Thornton, AWMA®

Cofounder, CEO - Wealth Management Specialist

Accredited Wealth Management Advisor, AWMA® B.S. Economics, University of Maryland USCG, U.S. Coast Guard Veteran

Nicolas B R Thornton, AWMA® is a dedicated financial professional on a mission to empower clients with true financial freedom and confidence—even when life takes unexpected turns. A proud U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Nicolas began his career as an Electronics Technician before earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Maryland. It was during his military service that he discovered a passion for financial literacy, often advising his peers on retirement planning and long-term financial goals.

Now actively pursuing his CFP® certification, Nicolas leads a growing team with offices in Scarborough, Maine; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Bethesda, Maryland. His commitment to financial freedom is deeply personal, shaped by early experiences with the consequences of financial unpreparedness. Nicolas believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a future with confidence through clear, well-structured financial planning. Whether guiding a client through an unexpected life event or reallocating an investment strategy, he ensures that every client is well informed and confident in their financial decisions.

Outside of work, Nicolas calls Philadelphia home, where he lives with his wife—a dedicated and aspiring neurologist—and their two beloved dogs, Apollo and Artemis. An avid surfer, rock climber, and hiker, he often draws parallels between these pursuits and sound financial planning: both require foresight, calculated risk, and a commitment to steady progress. When not advising clients or exploring the great outdoors, Nicolas is passionate about community outreach, championing financial literacy for all.

If you're looking for a proactive, education-first approach to achieving financial confidence, Nicolas would be delighted to discuss your goals during a complimentary consultation. Even if you decide to explore other avenues, you'll walk away with valuable insights and strategies to enhance your financial freedom.

Guided by Mahatma Gandhi's words, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others," Nicolas lives by the belief that putting others first not only transforms lives but also helps us discover our true selves.

Cole McCain Draper

Cofounder, COO - Investment Analysis Specialist

B.A. Economics, UNC Chapel Hill B.A. International Relations, UNC Chapel Hill

Cole M. Draper is the co-founder of Velocity Capital Consulting. His journey into the financial industry was shaped by the profound impact of the 2008 Great Recession on his own family. This pivotal experience informed his commitment to guiding others through financial challenges and building resilience for the future.

At Velocity, Cole employs an educational approach, dedicated to enhancing the financial well-being of each client he serves. Before partnering with Nicolas Thornton, he honed his skills at a boutique registered investment advisory firm, where he learned the importance of tailoring advice to meet individual needs. Cole believes that fundamental planning is crucial for establishing a strong financial foundation—one that safeguards clients during tough times while aiming to maximize during favorable periods of the market.

In his role at Velocity, Cole focuses on achieving financial balance for the team's clients through customized investment planning. He prides himself on developing individualized strategies that align with clients' diverse goals, needs, and aspirations for pursuing optimal financial outcomes. He believes that transparency is paramount in the advisory process, which is why he is committed to helping clients fully understand their fees, performance metrics, and the inherent risks associated with various investment options. By fostering open communication and providing clear insights, Cole empowers clients to make informed decisions, ensuring they feel confident in their financial journey.

Cole holds degrees in Economics and International Relations from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Outside of his college education, Cole has always pursued experiential education. His career began under the mentorship of the lead attorney at Asheville, North Carolina's leading estate planning firm, where he gained valuable insights into the significance of comprehensive planning from a legal perspective. Once he entered the financial industry he trained under Prudential's Lead National Financial Planner in all aspects of holistic planning to ensure he can serve clients to the highest degree. Cole's experience enables him to effectively coordinate his clients' personal finances with other professionals, including attorneys and CPAs.

Residing in Washington, DC, Cole serves clients in the DMV area and across the United States. Outside of his professional commitments, he is passionate about personal growth and enjoys racing sailboats—having previously competed as a member of UNC Chapel Hill's sailing team. He also makes the most of winter skiing and has a love for traveling the world.

Financial Planning Associates

Hilary Lyons

Client Service Specialist

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

Originally from Ireland, Hilary works as a Client Service Associate, bringing prior experience in client support and financial services from her time at Laidlaw & Company in New York.

With a strong background in relationship management and a commitment to delivering excellent client experiences, she supports clients through every step of the planning process.

Russell Brooking

Financial Planner

B.A. Economics, University of Maryland

Russell Brooking joined the Velocity Capital Consulting team in 2024. Before joining the team Russell was at a boutique advisory firm.

Russell received his degree in Economics (B.A.) from the University of Maryland. A born and raised in Elkridge, MD, Russell values family above all and draws inspiration from his father's calling as a pastor—learning early on the importance of uplifting those around him and serving as a pillar in his community.

Russell's favorite quotes is, "We rise by lifting others," reflecting the team's philosophy of building success through collaboration, support, and genuine care for each client's future.

Meet Our Team

OUR TEAM

NICOLAS B.R. THORNTON, AWMA®

COLE DRAPER

HILARY LYONS

RUSSELL BROOKING

Nicolas B.R. Thornton, AWMA®

Cole McCain Draper

Financial Planning Associates

Hilary Lyons

Russell Brooking

Isaak Davis

Ready to Start Your Financial Journey?