Jamie Simmons

Seniior Account Executive, Sallyport Commercial Finance, LLC

Biography:

Jamie Simmons is a senior account executive with Sallyport Commercial Finance, LLC. After her family was displaced in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina, Jamie left Louisiana and drove to Houston, which she has since made her home. In 2006, Jamie’s first introduction to factoring was with a factoring company that had also been displaced from Louisiana to Houston. When they moved back to Louisiana, Jamie remained in Houston.

Jamie joined Sallyport Commercial Finance as an account executive towards the end of 2015. In 2017, she was promoted to senior account executive and is responsible for overseeing the Houston Operations team of account executives and credit controllers, as well as managing a portfolio of factoring and asset-based lending clients, with facilities ranging from $1MM to $10MM. Jamie looks after the more complex clients, generally ABL clients with accounts receivable and other asset loans, and re-discounting lines.

Jamie graduated from the University of Louisiana Lafayette with a BA in finance. She then went on to earn an MBA from Keller School of Management.

What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry?

Talking from personal experience, I would say to start at entry level and learn all the ins and outs of the industry. I started with processing payments, became an account executive and now I manage a portfolio of diverse accounts as a senior account execu- tive. I would also say to any woman to not be afraid to start at the bottom, thinking there is no career path for you. It may be challenging, but learn as much as you can, work hard, and it will all pay off in the end. Make sure this industry is what you enjoy doing. I had no clue what factoring meant when I first started. Now, I can say I really love what I do!

What do you know now that you wish you knew in the beginning of your career?

I wish I had known that opportunities would open up as my career progressed. When I first started in the industry, I thought that I would be posting cash for- ever (because no one leaves this industry). After working hard and retaining critical information, I was able to advance and I am still learning daily. I also wish I had known how important it is to be able to work alongside other people with confidence and build professional relationships within the industry.

What kind of role has mentoring and/or sponsorship played in your career?

My mentors have played a strong role in my career. Many of my mentors have more than 10 years of experience in the industry. Each person has provided information that has helped to get me through some very challenging situations. I have been challenged to step outside of my comfort zone and learn new platforms and ways to do certain things. I have also had the opportunity to mentor others. It has helped me to retain more information about the processes and I have been able to share different experiences with these individuals that help them when/if those situations arise. If I did not take heed to the information mentors have provided to me, I would not have been afforded the opportunity to mentor others.

What do you think the industry could do to attract and retain the best and the brightest today?

I think we need to raise awareness of the industry being a legal and valid source of working capital, making it more reputable. Maybe have someone visit certain college campuses during career day/week to recruit. Also, be a guest speaker at these colleges to explain what we do. Providing college students summer internships to learn about the different aspects of the industry so that they are aware that this can be a career path.

To retain employees, provide an open- minded concept; do away with micro- managing. This would allow employees to be more open with bringing new ideas to the table to help advance the company. This would help to build a strong team and a great work environment. We all want to feel as if we are a part of a dynamic company and there is no better way than to provide a “judge-free” work space. Creating non-traditional incentives that employees can use in their everyday life would also help to retain the best of the best.

Tell us something about yourself that may surprise people.

I am an introvert…until I get to know you.