| Name: | Kim Yates |
| Current Role: | Sr. Relationship Manager, Mid-Market, Harris®* |
| Location: | Burr Ridge, IL |
| "I wanted to try something new that would use the skills I had built, while providing more opportunities for me to work one on one with clients." | |
I joined the bank in 1998, through a relationship management development program that Harris offered. This nine-month intake program provided me with the basic knowledge I would need as an analyst for Commercial Banking. After completing the program, I spent six and a half years working in one of Harris’ speciality lending teams focused on the Food and Agribusiness industry, first as an analyst and then as a Relationship Manager. Although I was still being challenged and was interested in this industry speciality, the Food and Agribusiness group was moving more and more toward serving larger clients. I decided that I wanted to try something new that would use the skills I had built, while providing more opportunities for me to work one-on-one with clients, which I felt was my strength. At that time in my life, family and work-life balance were also becoming more important to me, so I was looking for a role that would involve less travel. One of my colleagues had recently moved to Commercial Mid-Market, and I wondered if a similar move might be right for me. To find out more, I reached out to one of the Mid-Market group’s executives, who helped me better understand what the group was about and whether I would enjoy the work. It seemed like a great fit, so when a job posting opened up in the area where I lived, I applied. | |
| "Each day is different and I love that." | |
In my current role as a Senior Relationship Manager, the most rewarding part of what I do is the interaction I have with my customers. I thrive on building relationships with customers, understanding their business, and helping them get their business to where they want it to go. I enjoy the face-to-face interaction and problem solving – each day is different and I love that. | |
| "You need to really be able to listen to the customer and understand what they need." | |
One thing that can be challenging in this role is working to develop new business. You have to work at it, including picking up the phone to make cold calls which can sometimes be difficult. When that work leads to a new customer though, it’s definitely worthwhile. I think this role is ideal for someone who has a mix of analytical, credit and customer communication skills. Communication is key – you need to really be able to listen to the customer and understand what they need. By working as an Analyst first, you can practice these skills so you’re better prepared for success in a Relationship Manager role down the road. | |
| "I’ve been at Harris for 10 years now and I have never thought about changing companies." | |
I’ve been at Harris for 10 years now and I have never thought about changing companies. I stay with Harris because I’ve always felt there are more opportunities to be challenged here. Of course, opportunities can only benefit you if you take the initiative to act on them – one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s important to take control of your own career! | |
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®* Registered trademark of Harris N.A., used by Harris N.A. and its affiliates. Harris is a member of BMO Financial Group.
