James Montgomery

Vice President, Business Development, U.S. Bank Asset Based Finance

40 Under 40 Category: Business Development

Biography:

James Montgomery is vice president, business development for US Bank’s Asset Based Finance division. Based in Minneapolis, MN, James manages an eight-state territory in which he sources direct and syndicated asset-based opportunities for middle-market companies and private-equity sponsors. 

James began his asset-based lending career in 2007 in GE Capital’s Investment Analyst Program. Prior to joining US Bank’s Asset Based Finance Division in September 2010, he was lead financial analyst for GE Capital’s Sourcing and Facilities division. 

James earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison (2007) and an MBA from the University of Minnesota (2018).  He lives in the Twin Cities area with his wife, Meg, daughters Olivia (4) and Madelyn (2), and black lab, Lou.

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

Don’t try to change your style to fit what you think your position, customer, and/or company, requires.  People with different styles can be equally successful in the same role.  Be genuine and true to yourself.  People sense authenticity and trust those they believe to be sincere. This advice is something I think about often and try to live every day.  Whether it be with customers, prospects, colleagues, or business contacts, I am always genuine and bring the same core elements of my personality to each interaction.

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

A good leader is able to identify others’ talents and provide them with the support and tools to amplify those talents.  They are humble and they are empathetic.  They are able to see beyond titles and hierarchy and realize that we are all people who have the same basic needs.  They understand that people want to feel appreciated and they genuinely appreciate those who follow their lead.  They help people identify their career aspirations and provide resources to work toward those goals.  One of my favorite business quotes is from Sir Richard Branson: “Train people well enough so they can leave.  Treat them well enough so that they don’t want to.”  As I progress in my career, I will continue to look for my colleagues’ strengths and do my best to recognize those strengths and help accentuate them.  I will focus on the team, not the individual, and treat everyone with respect and dignity, no matter their stature in an organization.  If I ever stray and start to feel overconfident, luckily, I have two little girls who will quickly bring back my sense of humility.

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?

There are four primary pieces of advice that I give to those early in their careers:

1)  Be Curious: Do not be afraid to ask questions.  People sense genuine curiosity and will readily engage with you and help you in your current role and career if they feel your interest.  The more questions you ask, the faster you will master a topic and be able to add value to your organization. 

2)  Your Opinion Matters: Do not be afraid to share your thoughts and opinions because you are young.  A fresh perspective is often beneficial and welcomed.  However, have the self-awareness to know when it is better to listen and learn from others. Be a sponge and respect those that have more experience than you. 

3)  Have a Positive Attitude: There is no substitute for a positive attitude. People will gravitate to those who see the good in bad situations and show enthusiasm in good situations.  Celebrate your team’s successes and recognize the accomplishments of others.  Life is short and we spend a lot of our waking hours working.  If you don’t enjoy what you do for a living, go find something to do that makes you happy. 

4)  Operate with a sense of urgency: You are sure to stand out if you hustle a little more than the crowd.