SVP / Director of Commercial Banking
Pacific Premier Bank
Type of Business: Banking
Based In: Las Vegas, Nevada
Hails From: Las Vegas, Nevada
Years Co. has been in Nevada: 04
Years with Company in Nevada: 03
Employees with Company: 10
What was your first job?
My first job was as a bus boy for a local burger restaurant here in Las Vegas when I was in high school.
Who in your life has been instrumental to your success?
Many people have been instrumental to my success, but my mother was the most influential of them all. My mother worked as a grocery store clerk for her entire career. What sticks out to me to this day is the fact that she took her role very seriously and always worked hard. It taught me from a very early age that no matter what you do, be sure to do it well and do not let opportunities pass you by that others wish they had—seize every single one of them.
What career advice would you give to your teenage self?
Be willing to work outside of your comfort zone whether that be having difficult conversations, networking with people you are unfamiliar with, or even public speaking.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
“Double or Nothing” — as an ode to my hometown and to capture my belief in being bold enough to take chances in life.
What is an issue currently facing your industry an outside observer might not be aware of?
One thing that is overlooked is that banking is changing almost daily. New laws are being enacted that impact banking; new technology is emerging that changes the way we transact, and new competitors are emerging. All of this makes for a very exciting time to be in banking and I am glad to be working at an organization that is considered to be an industry leader and one that is taking these challenges head on.
What was the toughest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Overcoming fear. Fear can hold us back or result in acting outside our norm, but I have come to learn that facing fear is liberating and a key to success.
What is your motto?
“Per angusta ad augusta.” This has been my personal motto for over a decade now. When translated it essentially means, “through trial to triumph.”
What is your favorite thing about living in Nevada?
It is hard to narrow it down just to one thing, but what I appreciate the most is my fellow Nevadans. We are resilient. Whether it be recessions or the aftermath of October 1, we persevere. It is also incredible that, for a growing state like ours, we are becoming more and more community oriented when the opposite is happening in other states and cities across the U.S. Honestly, I could not think of any other place I would rather live.
