Title: Vice President of Commercial Banking
Company: First National Bank
Length of FEI sponsorship: 3 years
FEI leadership involvement: Chapter Board Member for 3 Years
Work email: [email protected]
Work phone number: (443) 454-0722
Tell us a little bit about your career, educational/professional background and how you got to where you are today.
After graduating from the University of Colorado, I returned home to Maryland and started my career in the audit practice of a very large public accounting firm. My experience in public accounting was a great one in that it gave me a front-row seat to how companies operate and drive growth and profitability. Although I loved the topic of accounting, I knew within a few years that a career in public accounting was not for me.
Through a friend, I was introduced to the city president of a super-regional bank. When he learned about my skillset and interests, I was offered an opportunity to join the bank team as a relationship manager. In many ways he has turned out to be a mentor to me and I am grateful he gave me the opportunity. As it turns out, my accounting background/skillset was very helpful in my new role as a commercial banking relationship manager.
With that said, there were many soft and business development skillsets that needed attention. With hard work, some great coaching, and a great support team I was able to develop additional skills that have helped me be successful.
Have you ever done anything out of the ordinary to apply for and/or get a job?
Not for a job opportunity, but I have certainly gotten creative when it comes requesting time on a prospective client’s calendar.
What is one piece of information you wish someone had told you when you first started your career?
It’s not about work/life balance…. it’s just LIFE and
work is a part of it.
What do you love most about working in the finance profession?
I really enjoy working with entrepreneurs and management teams that view their bank as a value-added resource available to help them grow their business and protect their assets. I feel most fulfilled when I’m able to tie the work my colleagues and I do to economic success and stability for our client’s employees and their families. The feel-good part of my job is knowing I was a small piece of the success puzzle not just for the equity holders but also the employees.
Why does your company sponsor FEI Baltimore Chapter?
It’s a great opportunity for our team to network with business leaders in the Baltimore area. Furthermore, because most FEI events are set up to be a mini-case study, it is a great opportunity for our team to continue to learn. Lastly, it’s a great opportunity for FNB to invite clients to receive some valuable content and to learn as well.
What are some of your personal hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy spending time and traveling with my wife Dana who is an Associate Principal at an architecture firm and my son Galen who is currently an 11-month old freeloader. Since he was born, we’ve had Galen on 16 flights … He’s an impressive traveler. I love them both, as they both make me a better person. I also enjoy running and exercise. When I really need to decompress, I turn to golf. I love the game and I am completely addicted. Ironically, its usually on about the 15
th hole that I begin to realize I’ll never make a career out of golf and that I need to get back to work...baby has got to eat!