Carlos Felipe Garcia: Have a game plan with right people
Carlos Felipe Garcia is the new corporate banking relationship manager for PNC Bank, in Fort Lauderdale. Garcia most recently worked at the bank’s corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, gaining significant leadership experience, he says. He began his finance career at 1st Mariner Bank, after retiring as a professional soccer player with the Baltimore Blast, for whom he played between 2003 and 2012. His career transition bridged the sporting and financial worlds, he says. The owner of the Blast was the chairman of 1st Mariner and their professional relationship grew on and off the field. Garcia received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the College of William and Mary.
Why my job is important: A relationship manager is usually the first and last impression the client has on behalf of how we conduct business.
On the Job
Mindful strategy: The soccer field and team concept left a lasting impression: understanding the proposal, planning ahead, having the right support system and colleagues around you, will help you and the team land or close the deal. As a professional athlete, if I didn’t show up on time, or practice, or pass the ball, or pay attention to the competition, it
showed in the game and the bottom line.
Engage: The amount of interest business owners and finance folks have to meet with a banker face-toface is significant. From that point on, it is all about delivering.
Know your competition: But work to develop partnerships. Most of my successful middle market deals are comprised of multiple banks working together to deliver much needed capital for our client.
Professional development: It’s imperative to be part of a credit training program.