FROM OUR VILLAGE TO THE WORLD Wellington-Born Entrepreneur Jake Seltzer Aims To Revolutionize The Banking System STORY BY JULIE KHANNA | PHOTOS BY ABNER PEDRAZA
Jake Seltzer might be the person who changes the way the entire world banks. Born and raised in Wellington, the 26-year-old entrepreneur first realized how his extensive futuristic knowledge of blockchain, cryptocurrency and web3 could change the world during a visit to India in 2019. While there attending his best friend’s wedding, Seltzer took notice of the disparity in banking services offered abroad. He ended up extending his trip by a month to further survey the banking process, to better understand systems in low and middle-income countries and assess financial literacy. The day he returned, Seltzer got right to work on his blockchain financial technology startup company, Finance Blocks, and now the Wellington native finds himself at the forefront of worldwide impact. Seltzer and his family have longevity in the Village of Wellington. His late father, Jerry Seltzer, served as president of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and the American Heart Association, while his mother, Lisa Seltzer, spent her
time working with the PTA and Temple Beth Torah. During his own time volunteering at soup kitchens and with the Special Olympics and watching his parents serve the community, Seltzer believes that’s where he learned the importance of helping others and realized that his purpose was bigger than himself, and Wellington. Self-described as an empathetic and driven person who believes in karma, Seltzer enjoys finding ways to connect with people from all walks and places of life. He feels these traits and his experiences growing up play a key role in his business. “My greatest memories in life happened here,” he said. “Like during my senior year as runner up in Mr. Wellington, or playing roller hockey at Village Park with the lifelong friends I made. Wellington shaped who I am and how I think. No matter how far I travel, it will forever be my home.” wellington the magazine | july 2022 43