Daniel Bolger

Vice President - Originations, Citizens Business Capital

40 Under 40 Category: Business Development

Biography:

Since joining Citizens Business Capital in 2015, Dan has been a member of the Originations Team responsible for sourcing and structuring ABL transactions for new C&I and retail clients.  The originations effort within Citizens Business Capital focuses on attracting lead relationships by providing thoughtful, holistic solutions in coordination with Citizens Commercial Banking Coverage and Product teams.

Before joining Citizens, Dan worked at Wells Fargo Capital Finance as a portfolio manager in the ABL Division. In addition to managing a number of relationships, he managed several non-performing loans, workouts, and turnarounds.  Dan began his banking career in 2005 at TD Bank as a credit analyst in their ABL Group.

 In 2016, Dan was President of SFNET’s New England Chapter and this year served as Chairman of the Chapter’s Annual Charity Golf Event.  He is a two-time member of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge, a former Special Olympics basketball coach and volunteer with Big Brother of Massachusetts Bay.  Dan and his wife Meaghan are the proud parents of two children, Braden and Brooke.  

Is there a piece of professional advice that you would give yourself if you could go back in time?

Outside of working hard and putting in the effort: Be adaptable, be approachable, be patient, and always communicate.

Be adaptable; in time, all organizations evolve to gain competitive advantages.  Changes can be painful in terms of new processes and changing teammates.  That said, change is to be expected.  Try to understand the institutional rationale for change, but to the best of your ability, never let change impact the customer.  Never allow change to take your eye off the ball in terms of protecting and preserving relationships, and, just as important, protecting and preserving shareholder value. 

 Be approachable with all relationships you foster.  Become a valued resource for prospects, existing customers, colleagues, and vendors.  In doing so, be yourself, be honest and follow up when necessary.  People enjoy working with people they are comfortable with, who treat them with respect, and who are straightforward with them. 

Be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is your career.  Work hard and strive to become an expert in your field.  As you become a valued resource for prospects, customers, and colleagues, ensure continued professional growth by speaking with mentors about goals and potential career paths.

Communicate consistently with prospects, customers, and colleagues.  Whatever the task at hand may be, always ensure that everyone is on the same page.  In certain circumstances, last-minute fire drills are unavoidable; however, if everyone involved is apprised of the situation the process will run smoothly. 

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

“People like nice people…” – Ron Burton Sr.

This quote, by Ron Burton Sr., was engrained in me at a young age by my father and is more of a life lesson which translates through to the working world.  Being “nice”, or treating others with respect in all situations, goes hand-in-hand with developing long-standing relationships.  I try to be approachable in developing all relationships whether it is with a prospect, customer or colleague.       

What role has mentoring played in your career?

Mentoring played a significant role in my career.  First and foremost, I’m lucky to have a father, Paul Bolger, who is an ABL industry veteran, as a personal and professional mentor.  There is nothing like talking ABL shop over a Thanksgiving turkey dinner!   

From a professional standpoint, I’ve had various mentors in each position I’ve held.  From my days as a credit analyst and portfolio manager, and now in business development, mentors continue to be essential in my career development.  While my mentors have not been part of a formal “mentoring program”, there is no doubt that working for and with people who are approachable and accessible is crucial to a successful learning and working environment.  I’m lucky to have worked with mentors willing to guide me through the process and hand over the reins when appropriate. 

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started your career?

Efficiency thrives from organization.  Realistically, this is a constant work-in-process and reminder to continue fighting the battle against disorganization.