Bryan Courcier

SVP, Transportation & Construction Advisory, Hilco Commercial & Industrial

40 Under 40 Category: Business Development

Message from Bryan Courcier
Biography:

Bryan Courcier is senior vice president, Transportation & Construction Advisory within Hilco Commercial & Industrial. He is responsible for business development, sourcing and relationship management within Hilco’s expanding transportation, energy services and heavy equipment sectors in both the valuation and asset acquisition/liquidation practices.

Bryan is also the chief operating officer of H19 Capital, LLC, a portfolio company of Hilco Global headquartered in Indianapolis, IN providing trucking leasing & remarketing services.  

Bryan has extensive knowledge of equipment lending and asset management functions from a valuation, liquidation, banking and finance perspective over a 14-year career in the industry.

He previously served as national account manager at Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, with a focus on insolvency, restructuring and special situations within the construction and heavy equipment industry. He is an active member of the Turnaround Management Association, the Secured Finance Network and the American Bankruptcy Institute.

What is the best professional advice you have been given and how have you implemented it? 

You cannot progress in your career until you have mastered the current role you have. Maintain a balance of patience, ambition and application to the task in front of you. Understand there is always a long-term goal in your career and make almost every business decision on a daily basis with that in mind.  

What is your definition of success?

Dictating your own career path in a manner that leads to enjoyment, cultivation of genuine lasting relationships, and material financial achievement. 

What effect has the COVID crisis had on your professional life? 

From day one I have told myself that COVID, more than anything else, presents an opportunity for those of us who are willing to lean in and continue to pursue transactions. At Hilco, we are built to see diversity and changes in our world as valuable moments where we shine and take the challenge head-on. While many of the social events of our industry have been tabled, I have been busier than ever working to generate business solutions for our partners and clients. 

How have you managed to stay in touch with colleagues and clients during this time of working remotely?

I have completely adopted the video conference. In some instances, it feels as though we speak more because so few of us have had our days cut short by conflicting travel schedules.  

How do you define a good leader?

In the traditional sense: Someone who empowers and enables colleagues and employees, and never stands in the way of talent.  

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

Say yes to every task that you are asked to handle (within reason) and never make the same mistake twice. 

What advice would you give to forthcoming generations of talent aspiring to win this award?

This award is the result of many years of hard work and dedication; likely in more than one organization. Stay consistent and persistent in the pursuit of your career aspirations and you will eventually find yourself in a position where your achievements will be recognized. 

When interviewing newcomers to the industry, what do you say to pique their interest about why they should accept a position in this industry?

No two projects are the same and there is always more to learn about one industry or another. In order to be successful within this space, you have to be on your game and strong in your approach to situations. The industry is filled with highly educated and capable people who expect a lot from one another. 

How would you encourage young professionals to become more involved in their community or volunteer? How have these activities outside of work helped shape your professional life? 

I would encourage young professionals to become educated on what community or volunteer options are out there in their local area, and pick one that has a natural appeal. If I am being frank and honest, the amount of travel and time spent on the road has limited my ability to regularly contribute as a volunteer. However, every instance I have had the opportunity to participate in any type of community or charity event has been extremely rewarding.