What has kept you at First National this long?
BS: I have always had great colleagues and managers. I started in Customer Service. All the managers were so approachable and willing to help. They knew I aspired to grow into an underwriting position. Everyone helped me get to that next level. And it wasn’t just me. Anyone who had potential was encouraged to grow and advance.
Which growth opportunities have you taken advantage of?
BS: Originally, I was hired as a Funder for Excalibur two months into the launch of the department. I completed the two-week Funder training, but there was more need for me in a Fulfillment Specialist (now AMU) role. I reached out to my manager at the time about my underwriting aspirations. I wanted to know what I could do to make that happen. He suggested I do job shadowing. I ended up doing it on the prime side to learn what they do on a daily basis and the critical thinking required for the job.
What are you most proud to have helped build or shape, and why was it meaningful?
BS: I played a small part in helping to start the Excalibur department and cement First National in the alternative lending space. I started two months after launch when we were a team of 10 -- three or four Underwriters, a few Fulfillment Specialists and a Manager. Now we have five teams in Ontario alone, as well as teams out west. We are up to 85 employees. Being part of that original team was special. At the beginning, we were trying to figure out policies and policy guidelines. When I was doing documentation reviews and came across a grey area in process, I would call it out to my manager. Our manager took our feedback to leadership to amend the policies and make them more concrete. Our policy now is up to 95 pages and outlines exactly what we need for accurate documentation with no grey areas. It’s nice to help create something and know I was part its growth. First National is now a leader in alternative lending, and I’m proud to have contributed to that success.
When did you know you found your place at First National?
BS: When I was younger, I thought success was about titles and money. My opinion on that has changed drastically since working at First National. I don’t concern myself with title or level. I understand the importance of being heard and how rewarding it is to have your manager and colleagues value your input and opinion. As our team has grown, my managers have always looked to me for feedback and have taken what I had to say seriously. That’s what made First National the place for me.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself on your first day?
BS: Ask as many questions as you possibly can. When I was training in Customer Service, there was so much information to learn and retain. But I asked questions and learned from all the experienced people around me. It’s also important to get different perspectives on how others would do the job you have. Take on additional responsibilities. I knew I wanted to be an Underwriter. When I was a Fulfillment Specialist, I would do my best to go through deals and come up with possible solutions. I would then take those suggestions to the Underwriter so I could learn what does and doesn’t work. And most importantly, be transparent with your manager about how you want to grow your career. A good manager will help you get there.
