Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Montgomery.
Mark, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My father was a banker who eventually ran First City National Bank’s Trust Division here in Houston. Early on, he recognized and nurtured my knack for math. As a college student I held internships each summer with First International Bank and upon graduating was invited into Allied Bank’s Analyst Training Program.
At Allied, I was trained in Credit Analysis and rotated through various departments including Workout and Loan Review. Over a 5 year period, I reviewed some 10,000 credit files and had some idea of what kind of structures worked and what didn’t, what a bad loan looks like and how to add value for clients by structuring more appropriately. I eventually made my way to First City in Loan Review and was fortunate to review every area of the bank (Energy, International, Commercial, Small Business, Wealth etc.)
I eventually became a Loan Officer in 1990 after 6 years in banking. In 1993, I moved to Southwest Bank of Texas after First City failed and learned how to network. This coupled with the desire to Add value and all of the Loan Review and Workout experience helped me begin to grow an appreciative client base. Over time I found that learning about a clients’ company goals, personal goals and business model helped me to see the entire picture so that value could be added in multiple areas.
From Southwest, I moved to Bank of America where I spent 15 years as a Relationship Manager and finally as the Sales Performance Executive for the Midwest Region, helping other Relationship Managers win business by adding value.
In 2008, a friend at BBVA Compass called to ask if I ever thought about managing a team. I had not given it much thought but wanted to give it a shot. Over the past 10 years I have been fortunate to have been asked to be the CEO for the Houston Market, and during my time here, we have moved from the 7th largest bank in Houston to the 4th Largest.
This growth happened as a result of teammates who put the client first, understand their needs and help them excel towards their goals.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In banking, it does not seem to have ever been smooth. The 80’s presented the Energy downturn with the Real Estate downturn closely behind. We transitioned from branch banking and with the recent recession transitioned through increased regulation.
There always seems to be something to deal with and that makes it challenging and fun at the same time.
Please tell us about BBVA Compass.
BBVA Compass is all about the client and creating opportunities, understanding them and putting ourselves in their shoes relative to the outcomes they are looking for. We are here to understand and serve. What I am most proud of as a company is that we have a Global culture that creates those opportunities for everyone every day. It is wonderful to work for a company where we get paid to help others with their success. The end results are rewarding for us individually and collectively as a team.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My big plans are around insuring that all of our teammates never lose sight of client service. Our culture of client first is what I think about every morning and most of the day, each day.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2200 Post Oak Blvd.
- Website: bbvacompass.com
- Phone: 713 966 2377
- Instagram: @BBVACompass
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbvacompass/
- Twitter: @BBVACompass
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