As many of you may know by now, I promoted Richard Gendron to President of Primary Funding Corporation this past February. While you may have gotten to know Richard a bit better in the PFC Profile of our February 2021 Newsletter, I would like to tell you a little more about who Richard is and how he got to Primary Funding. I met Richard 15 years ago when he started as my Loan Assistant at the Del Mar office at California Bank & Trust. It quickly became apparent to me that Richard had work ethic and drive to go along with intelligence. Richard and I spent 5 years working together at the bank where he was promoted to Credit Analyst along the way. During 4 of those years working in Del Mar, Richard lived in Murrieta so he could take care of his younger brother and would drive an hour and a half each way for work. Talk about dedication!!
Our paths eventually separated as Richard progressed through the bank. During that time, my path led me to Primary Funding in 2012 to take over the family business, which was owned by my Mother-in-Law, Pat Burns. After settling into my role at PFC, I began thinking about the team I would like to eventually build. Around that time, I had a poker party at my house where Richard and a Wells Fargo manager met each other. The Wells manager asked me about Richard a few days later. Of course, I gave him a raving review. I remember thinking to myself “You guys can borrow Richard…for now.” I had my sights set on him, but the timing wasn’t quite right yet.
I learned from many people over the years that you want to hire people that are better and brighter than you are. I know I am not setting a very high bar for that, but Richard clears that bar with ease. In 2016 we were fortunate to lure him away from Wells Fargo to come and lead our Operations and Risk Management. During his 4+ years here, Richard has done a fantastic job building a great team that is leading Primary Funding into a better future. He is always putting others ahead of himself and lives the Primary Funding brand statement every day: We care about your business’ growth and success.
When I think about my career and what is important to me from that perspective, it comes down to two things. First, I want to provide a service that helps our clients achieve their goals. Second, I want to work with people that I enjoy and respect. I feel fortunate to have that in Richard and I appreciate what he brings to Primary Funding. I am proud to call Richard our President.
Please join me in congratulating Richard!
Jason