Tell us about your business and what kind of clients you work with.
I work in the banking industry at Huntingdon Valley Bank. HVB is a small community bank with 4 offices that was established in 1871. I am a Market Leader which includes leading the main office team in Huntingdon Valley, being involved with the surrounding communities and working on special projects. The longevity of the company and working out of the main office allows me to do a lot of private banking. I work with decision makers from small businesses, medium sized businesses, professional services, non-profits, and municipalities.
What did you do before you started your business?
I broke in to the banking industry in February of 2004 with the now defunct Fox Chase Bank. I had just moved to Northeast Philadelphia in December and knew I would not be able to find a job in the niche industry I was working in previously in Los Angeles. I was working in a family run document warehouse converting hard copy military and aerospace specification documents that manufacturers use in to electronic format so the documents could be accessed through an e-commerce website.
Where are you from (section of city if Phila.) and where did you go to school?
I was born in Los Angeles, California. I grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles named the Santa Clarita Valley. I graduated from Saugus High School in the Santa Clarita Valley. I moved to the Parkwood/Rambler Park area of Northeast Philadelphia in December of 2003 to be with my significant other.
Why did you decide to join/be associated with GNPCC and what excites you about being a member?
I joined the GNPCC as an Assistant Manager of an affiliated bank between 5-10 years ago. I became a much more active member around the time Pam Henshall came aboard. There has been a whole new look and energy about the Chamber that offers something for everybody. Involvement is encouraged by the GNPCC leadership to cultivate the relationships that will help you grow your business.
Any other information about you or your business that you think would be relevant to other chamber members?
Do you remember the good old days when your bank knew you by your name? Those days never went away at HVB. We are a mid-tech, high-touch local bank. Huntingdon Valley Bank is the better experience bank.
What do you think is the most important key to professional success, given the current economic climate?
I think this is really industry specific. In a general sense, people do business with people they like. If you aren’t putting yourself in a position to meet the right people, those people are referring business to somebody else. Be consistently active with the chamber of commerce and in the community.