What made you want to do the work you do? Please share the full story.
I saw a need in the debt advisory space for businesses for a firm that could help with all aspects of financing. We do not provide only one type of financing and are not only knowledgeable to recommend one type of financing — we are well-versed across the business financing spectrum and thus, able to provide businesses with the optimal solution as a result.
Tell us 3 surprisingly easy and 3 surprisingly difficult things about your business.
Surprisingly easy:
1. Deal analysis
2. Knowing the options that will be needed for each situation
3. Looking at a deal from a business owner’s situation — it has to be done and it helps to understand their thinking
Difficult:
1. Rate expectations that a borrower has
2. Helping a business owner realize that things promised by others in terms of financing are simply not where the market is for their situation
3. Finding things in the financials that might have been left out
What are the 3 things you like best about your work and why?
1. Helping businesses get through tough times when no one else is able to help.
2. Seeing businesses come back to us for help on the next debt piece needed — showing the quality of work we do.
3. Solving problems daily for business owners.
What are your greatest 3 skills and how have they helped you succeed?
1. Hard work – allows me to stay on top of deals and things needing to be accomplished.
2. Generous with my time – I have advised lots of businesses when I know it will not have an immediate monetary effect, but it has led to many referrals later on.
3. Financial analysis – this helps me analyze a deal quickly to know if a deal is viable and how it will need to be structured to cut through deals that will not work.
Tell us about a time you were dead wrong about something.
When we first started Superior, I thought a business would not be able to get financing given its situation. After they received financing, I learned that there are many different ways to look at the assets and creative cash-flow paybacks on the debt that can help a business get through a rough patch.
How do you get yourself out of a funk? Please share the details.
I get out of a funk by reminding myself that business owners are depending on us to deliver them viable options, and that keeps us focused.
What is a habit you try to stick to and how has it helped you?
One habit that helps me be productive is to always make sure to respond to emails, texts, or calls in a very timely manner to show all involved the proper respect and urgency to keep deals moving to a hopefully successful closing.
How do you celebrate your victories?
Celebrate victories by calling the client to thank them for believing in us.
What is your favorite book and why?
Favorite book is “The Last Tycoons: The Secret History of Lazard Frères & Co.” by William Cohan. It is an excellent story and one can get lots of tips on how to interact with clients, as there are so many deals discussed.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would say to keep moving forward. There are constant setbacks in deals, but keep moving and stay active.
Who has been your biggest mentor in life (personal or professional) and how have they helped you?
My parents have been my biggest mentors. They taught me to be a good person and always do the right thing, which serves me daily in dealing with clients.
Just for fun, what is your favorite food?
Pizza