Daniel Rodrigue

EVP, National Head of Sales, Bibby Financial Services

40 Under 40 Category: Business Development

Biography:

With nearly two decades’ experience driving sales for various financial platforms, Daniel Rodrigue is a proven leader whose strengths include staff recruitment and development as well as implementing solutions to improve efficiency and profitability. As EVP, national head of sales for Bibby Financial Services (BFS), Daniel works closely with the company’s executive leadership to grow its ABL, factoring and transportation business lines and is responsible for the expansion of the company’s sales presence in the U.S. 

Daniel rejoined BFS in his current role in early 2017, having previously served as the company’s Head of Sales for the southeast region from 2012 to 2013. Between 2013 and 2017, Daniel oversaw sales staff and deal production for First Capital’s factoring and small-ticket asset-based lending divisions and then served as national sales director of TAB Bank. He is an active member of the TMA, ACG and the SFNET, volunteering his time to lead some of the SFNET’s educational events in Atlanta on the basics of ABL and factoring. 

How do you think the commercial finance industry can attract more young professionals?

The commercial finance industry is one of the pillars of American business and has great appeal and staying power.  However, a lot of the practices and methodology common to the industry are outdated and not particularly cutting edge. This is especially true when it comes to underwriting and client servicing.  There are factions in commercial finance that have adopted cutting edge technology but not the majority.  The key to attracting young talent is being open to new technology which allows for collaboration and transparency from the lead stage to client servicing and enables both the client and employee to interact with businesses across various platforms of their choosing. 

Young professionals can also benefit from being mentored by their more seasoned colleagues to deepen their understanding of the industry and the inner mechanisms of the firm they work for.  This generation wants to feel involved and see the impact of their work, so it’s important to ensure that they are plugged-in and fully engaged. 

How would you define what a good leader is, and what can you do to reflect those characteristics as you progress in your career?

Great leaders come in various styles, but the one trait they share is the ability and willingness to empower the individuals on their team to bring out their best on a consistent basis.  Empowering team members allows your group to accomplish some of the most iconic wins a business will ever see.  People are the greatest asset of a business and empowering them to make decisions, encouraging them to take risks and learn from mistakes, allowing them to take chances and resisting the impulse to micromanage their every move creates a culture that is almost sure to win. 

A great leader can also discern direction and has the courage to take action, even in the face of opposition.  I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing leaders who possess these traits.  Their inspiring leadership has enabled me to become who I am today and I can only hope to carry forward some of those characteristics, continue to build on my own weaknesses and improve who I am daily.

What advice do you normally give to the junior talent you mentor/what advice would you give to forthcoming generation of talent aspiring to win this award?

I always encourage young talent to follow the process, but ask questions, because, as hard as a leader/manager might work at being transparent and proactive, it is impossible to always get it right. I believe that most people learn best from hands-on, real-life experience, and the most beneficial experience comes from getting involved and taking chances.  If you don’t push yourself, you’ll never know what you can do or reach your full potential.

Finally, the best advice that I can give is to remember that nothing in life is owed to you.  It was the best advice I received early in my life and career.  No matter what you do or how hard you work, you are not owed any level of success, but rest assured that, if you work hard, remain diligent, stay honest, maintain humility, and truly seek to help others – success will find you.