Patrick Cooper

Director of Underwriting, FSW Funding

40 Under 40 Category: Underwriting

Patrick Cooper is the director of underwriting at FSW Funding, a national ABL/factoring lender specialized in supporting the financing needs of today’s small and mid-sized businesses. 

Patrick has 15+ years of banking/lending experience, primarily in underwriting, portfolio management, and collections.  Patrick joined FSW Funding in 2019, overseeing the build-out and implementation of revamped underwriting and portfolio management functions.  Patrick oversees the credit worthiness and risk profile of both new and existing clients.

Prior to joining FSW Funding, Patrick held positions at Bankers Trust Company as credit officer and special assets officer at Meridian Bank.  Patrick holds a bachelor degree in business management from Arizona State University and is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado.  

What is your definition of success?

Early in my career, I viewed success as reaching a certain title, earning a certain pay rate, and getting that corner office with a view.  However, after years of pursuing these accolades and rarely feeling “successful”, I realized that my definition of success was different than that which we have been taught.  I now believe my success comes from making the environment around me a better place.  That comes from both the atmosphere and tasks I create at work, to the life I create outside of work.  If we focus on supporting others, we not only facilitate success for future generations, but we also feel a greater sense of success within ourselves.  I believe success is relative to each person and that being successful is a mentality that we manifest in our mind.  The most powerful thing is seeing someone who doubted their ability, overcome obstacles, and become the greatest version of themselves that they can.

How do you define a good leader?

Leaders come from all facets of life; they do not need to only be considered people from the workplace.  Leaders are people that inspire you and guide you, people that not only help build confidence, but who also facilitate and promote the power that we all have from within.  Over my career, I have been privileged to have leaders, both professionally and personally, that have challenged me and have guided me to look within to determine how I can not only better the company, but also better myself.  A true leader helps you discover that spark within each of us and accelerates a way for that fire to grow.

What advice do you normally give to the junior talent you mentor?

Learn as much as you can!  Early in your career, there are ample opportunities to grow and develop, if you seek out learning.  The key is being vocal with your company about areas that interest you and be active in finding and suggesting seminars or courses.  There are a ton of free webinars, podcasts, panels that are available and provide great learning opportunities.

It is very easy to become content and comfortable in the role that you have, but soon your motivation will fade.  Career development is an active endeavor, and it requires persistency and stepping out of your comfort zone.  It takes place by consistently going above and beyond the standards, and energetically initiating your own opportunities.  Focus on getting involved with peer groups or networking events.  Share your experiences with others and open yourself to learn from others as well.

I would also encourage young professionals to set goals, not just long-term goals, but short-term goals that you can revisit periodically to help you stay on track and to keep you accountable.

What advice would you give on how to self-advocate?

Finding the right mentor, someone that you respect and trust, is the first step to self-advocating.  Establishing a connection with someone that can be a trusted resource will help you bounce ideas off and help you see the bigger picture.  This will help you gain confidence and build a foundation for future success.  Once this groundwork has been laid, you can start to be the creator of your own success.  Advocate for what you desire, be clear with others on what goals you have and what your aspirations are.  Be clear with what your intentions are and help direct others to how you are going to get to where you want to be…do not rely on others paving the road for you.