Trevor Brown

Director, Bluewater Transaction Advisors LLC

40 Under 40 Category: Business Development

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Message from Trevor Brown



Biography:

Trevor Brown is a director in Bluewater’s Lender Analytics Group.  Trevor joined Bluewater in 2008 as a field examiner and has since performed over 454 (yes, he’s that detail-oriented) collateral field exams.  Trevor’s integrity and task-oriented focus have helped him gain comprehensive knowledge about the asset-based lending industry.  His attention to detail and ability to “think outside of the box” have been valuable to multiple lenders, providing them assurance about the security of their collateralized loans.

Trevor earned a bachelor of business administration degree, with a double major in finance and business management and a minor in Business Administration from the Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Trevor is an Eagle Scout, lives in Michigan, and keeps active spending time with his wife, Kathryn, son Louis, and daughter Bliss.

What effect has the COVID crisis had on your professional life?

The COVID-19 global pandemic has changed the day-to-day operations of our firm.  Before the pandemic, we spent most of our weeks conducting on-site field exams, and transitioning to remote exams has been a challenge.  These tough times have helped develop my emotional intelligence given everyone is going through something deserving of my patience and understanding.  Conducting field exams in this current environment requires a deeper empathy for the struggles causing delays and the potential stressors facing the borrowers.  Routine delays have caused inefficiencies in our process and are now causing us to re-evaluate how our collateral exams will be handled going forward.  It is apparent this global pandemic will change how we conduct our daily business forever. 

What advice do you normally give to the junior talent you mentor?

Starting my professional career in 2008 as junior talent and then growing into a next-generation leader of Bluewater, I have been fortunate to learn that I have the ability to empower others to be the best they can be. 

The best advice I give to junior talent comes straight from my father: “Hard Work Always Pays Off.”  There are no shortcuts.  Set goals, work hard to achieve them, and good things will happen for you. 

Also, take pride in your work.  This mindset will encourage you to work hard and will lay a foundation for a positive reputation in our industry.  A positive reputation will open doors and opportunities for you.

How do you define a good leader?

A good leader displays passion, works to build positive rapport with others, and is always trustworthy, credible, and dependable.  All great leaders must also display an air of confidence to achieve success.

My leadership style is built on trust.  I strive to be consistent, kind and authentic.  I approach everyone with respect, but I also expect people to keep their word, and I expect results.  Being authentic and genuine has helped me become a more successful leader.   

When interviewing newcomers to the industry, what do you say to pique their interest about why they should accept a position in this industry?

There will never be a boring day in this industry.  Every structure, borrower and lender is different, and I can safely say that I have not yet worked on a field exam where I didn’t learn something new.  I am not the type of person who can go to the same cubicle or office each day.  I love getting out, meeting new people and learning as much about a company in a week or two as I can.  I’ve been lucky to perform exams on so many cool companies and learn how they are run and how everyday things are made.