I know of several "back office" guys - people from ops, finance, legal - who are a lot more investment savvy than the frontliners - and who made a killing in the property market when the market was down. And do not assume they're badly paid. From what I know, many of these "backoffice" chaps have professional degrees (law, accounting, compliance etc)and are always in demand and paid relatively well. In fact, many times, their basic pay exceed that of the front office (sales, business development etc.). Their "upside" may be less in good times, but their downside is also protected in bad times.
I guess this group of people you describe does not include Vulcanl.