Banking is all about relationships. At least that’s how Solera’s new Business Development Officer Chris Martinez felt when he changed careers from retail to banking 15 years ago.

“I wanted a more balanced family/work life, and I really liked working with people,” he says. “Banking offered me the perfect opportunity to make a difference in peoples’ lives. I discovered it gave me a good feeling when I was able to help someone start their dream business or get that all-important loan.”

By the time Martinez got his first job at a Denver bank in 1997, he had studied in both Arkansas and Colorado on academic and baseball scholarships, earned his bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Southern Colorado, and welcomed a child into the world.

“I took the analytical skills that came with my science background and brought them into the banking world,” says the Pueblo, Colo., native. “But I’m also a people person, so I was always able to really get to know my customers.” And, he adds, that is the cornerstone of his responsibilities as Solera’s new Business Development Officer.

“I enjoy helping people grow their businesses,” he explains. “I’ve seen start-ups turn into very established, successful businesses. That gratifies me. Plus, over time as I get to know them, I’ll go to their houses for barbecues or see their kids grow up.”

Martinez has spent his career in both big and small banks, yet says he feels most at home at community banks—which is why he was so pleased to join the Solera team in May 2012. “Community banks are just more in touch with what’s going on in the community, and there’s a family feel here at Solera that is often missing at other banks.”

At Solera, Martinez grows deposits with his clients, builds new relationships with both consumer and commercial customers, and is charged with reaching out to more community members to help people get the loans they need.

“This job allows me to give my clients more personalized service than I could elsewhere,” he says. “I can get to know my clients’ needs better, understand the nuances of their businesses, and the details of their situation so that I can help come up with solutions to their specific situation.”

Bio for Internal Newsletter
This month we welcome our newest Business Development Officer, Chris Martinez. Chris comes to Solera from his position as a Business Specialist and Licensed Banker at Wells Fargo in Aurora. Chris is from Pueblo, CO, where he played baseball for and graduated from the University of Southern Colorado. He’s the father of three children, two girls ages, 14 and 1, and a boy, 11. Though Chris has only been at Solera for about a month, he already feels at home. “There’s a family feel here at Solera that is often missing at other banks,” he says. “It feels like everyone is on the same ship. When you succeed, the team succeeds.” Welcome aboard, Chris!

Story by Eve Hersh