Patti Kotusky

Senior Vice President - Operations Manager, North Mill Capital LLC

Biography:

Patti Kotusky is North Mill Capital LLC’s SVP and operations manager. She was one of the original founders of North Mill Capital LLC. She has over 28 years of experience in commercial finance. Prior to North Mill Capital she worked for ITT Commercial Finance, Deutsche Financial Services, Prinvest, Business Alliance Capital and Santander. Patti’s experience ranges from operations to portfolio management and field examination.

Patti’s career started at ITT Commercial Finance. Her first position was in the ac- counting department as an Accounting Processor in the Floorplan Division. Her next position was as an ABL collateral analyst and she eventually was promoted to account executive. Patti is active in our industry, serving as a member of the WICF Committee and is a past president of the Philadelphia SFNET Chapter. She is honored to have been the first female president of the Chapter and continues to volunteer her time with the Philadelphia SFNET Board of Directors.

Patti is a graduate of Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ, where she was very active in the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Joe, and her family and friends. She enjoys the music of Jimmy Buffet and cheering for all Philadelphia-based sports teams.

What do you know no that you wish you knew in the beginning of your career?

Always challenge yourself. You will not from the experience and continue to learn and grow every day, both professionally and personally. Starting a company was incredibly hard and tiring find your potential without pushing work as we moved forward, but it was

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

To learn as much as possible about every aspect of the business. Spending time in operations, field exam, and portfolio management will provide a broad range of experience and will allow you to gain insight to how each discipline contributes to the success of an organization. Get involved as often as you can – look beyond your job description. Expanding your base of knowledge will provide more opportunity and it makes you more valuable to the organization. Always ask a lot of questions and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Life is challenging but don’t be afraid to take chances.

Meet as many people as you can because you never know what lies ahead for you in your career. Networking is a great career builder. The person sitting next to you on an airplane might just be a person you will eventually do business with. Always keep an open mind as you go through your career and life. yourself. Keep learning because knowledge is powerful. We stop growing when we stop learning. As you grow in your career, life will “get in the way”. But do not forget to live your life. Remember to keep a positive attitude and that will take you far, both personally and professionally.

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

I have encountered many people throughout my career that have been kind enough to guide and point me in the right direction. I consider myself to have been very fortunate that these individuals took the time to help me grow professionally. I feel it is the responsibility for everyone in a leadership position to take the time to ensure that the individuals who are just starting out in their careers are afforded the opportunity to learn and grow, as someday they will be charged with running and growing our industry. Jeff Goldrich and Dan Tortoriello provided me a fabulous opportunity in 2009. I have learned a lot rewarding in the end. If it wasn’t for Jeff and Dan believing in me and giving me this opportunity, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

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

Nobody grows up dreaming of being an asset-based lender. However, I think most of us, after recognizing a great opportunity, go on to enjoy rewarding careers. When I graduated from college, I found my job at ITT Commercial Finance through an employment agency. There were no recruiters on campus representing the ABL industry to present the wide range of opportunities available in the commercial finance / asset-based lending industry. As an industry, I think we need to do a better job of partnering with colleges and business schools to introduce asset-based lending to the next generation so that they are aware of the opportunities and growth potential available to them in the industry.