BANKING & FINANCE
{ SPECIALTY LENDERS } TIM BRUCKNER
Regional managing director of commercial banking BMO Harris Bank bmoharris.com Bruckner is responsible for oversight of business development, credit management and client relationship activities for a team of seasoned commercial lenders. With BMO Harris since 2006, he has more than 20 years of industry experience that includes an extensive background in credit, risk management, loan restructuring, leasing and equipment finance. Bruckner serves of the board of directors for Native American Connections. Business advice: “Recognize that as a banker, we do this stuff every day. The terminology, structures, possible alternatives and roadblocks are very familiar. Our customers usually work through complex financing or treasury items far less frequently. Take time to discuss and educate. These are critical components to sound execution and lasting customer relationships.”
MICHAEL BROWN
Arizona regional president Washington Federal Brown is the first Arizona regional president in Washington Federal’s nearly 100-year history. He also serves as president of the company’s Equipment Finance Division, headquartered in Phoenix. Brown is responsible for managing the bank’s operations throughout Arizona, including commercial real estate and retail banking, as well as the company’s growing business banking division. During his tenure, the bank’s footprint in Arizona has grown from a dozen branches statewide to 35 branches and counting. Childhood aspirations: “As a child, I worked for my father at our family owned furniture business. I doubt I knew what I wanted to be but did know it would take hard work. As my father always said, ‘The harder you work, the luckier you get.’ It has proven very true.”
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RYAN EDWARDS Director Silicon Valley Bank svb.com
Edwards is director of technology banking, covering Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. Edwards provides opportunities for technology companies to grow, raise capital and elevate their business through the use of SVB’s network and decades in the industry. He works with companies off all sizes to create global entities. Tempe is now home to SVB’s largest office outside of Silicon Valley. SVB has committed to Arizona because it is increasingly becoming known as a hub for entrepreneurial activity, due to the significant state university system and the research it funds, a growing number of start-ups and a maturing ecosystem to support them, as well as significant involvement from the state in providing resources to accelerate growth.
JAKE HENDRICKSON Assistant vice president and relationship banker West Valley National Bank wvnb.net
Hendrickson was born and raised in Arizona then attended the University of Montana, where he played football and earned a degree in psychology. His role at WVNB as AVP and relationship banker focuses on SBA lending. Toughest challenge: “The biggest challenge in business that I have faced is recognition and acceptance. I was able to overcome this by staying persistent and working hard to show that I was the right person for the job and I could get the job done.” Childhood aspirations: “As a child, I wanted to be a dentist. When that no longer could happen, I looked to other things that could help people and landed on banking. In this industry, you can help people and businesses alike obtain their goals and become better.”
CRAIG ROBB Managing director Zions Energy Link (National Bank of Arizona) nbarizona.com
Robb is the managing director of Zions Energy Link, a division of Zions Bancorporation and its subsidiary, National Bank of Arizona. Under Robb’s leadership, NB|AZ has become a recognized leader of the sustainability finance sector, providing financing for Arizona’s most significant energy efficiency and renewable projects. Toughest challenge: “I have always chosen paths that have not been blazed before. Making the transition from chief financial officer to starting a new division of banking within Zions, focused on financing for sustainable energy solutions, I found a significant challenge. Creating a strong business model, using prior concepts to take innovative approaches and aligning myself with the correct people has been the means to my success.”