Prior to joining Gordon Brothers, Grimaldi was a vice president at Brevet Capital responsible for managing assets and originating investment opportunities. He was previously a vice president at CIT Group where he managed the commercial services workout group. At Gordon Brothers, he is responsible for developing and maintaining client relationships throughout North America. 

Grimaldi will be honored with the National Jewish Health Humanitarian Award for his leadership in the community and financial industry at the National Jewish Health Financial Industries Dinner on March 3, at Cipriani in New York City.

After nearly four decades in secured finance, Frank Grimaldi, senior managing director, North American sales manager, Valuations, Gordon Brothers, has built a career defined by resilience, reinvention, and leadership. Yet when asked what has been most rewarding, his answer is simple: mentorship.

In this conversation, Grimaldi reflects on his career journey, the mentors who shaped him, and why giving back through the SFNet Mentoring Program has become one of the most meaningful chapters of his professional life.

From Field Examiner to Industry Leader
Grimaldi began his career 38 years ago at CIT/Business Credit as a field examiner.
“I only lasted about nine months in that role,” he recalls with a laugh. “But I was in the right place at the right time.”

Assigned to a liquidation just minutes from his home, Grimaldi transitioned into an account executive position handling challenging situations. He quickly discovered his strength in navigating complexity and moved up to regional credit manager and team leader overseeing troubled accounts. Later, at CIT/Commercial Services, he led the workout group.

After leaving CIT in 2004, he spent time determining his next move before accepting a life-changing opportunity in 2010: business development officer for Gordon Brothers covering New York City.

“That changed my life,” Grimaldi said. “I didn’t know anything about the appraisal and liquidation business. I had to reinvent myself.”

Reinvention became an expansion. Grimaldi broadened his territory to include the Mid-Atlantic, New England, and the Southeast. Approximately 12 years ago, he was promoted to North American sales manager, a role he describes as “an incredible run.”

Lessons from Great Mentors
When discussing mentorship, Grimaldi began with family.

“My first business mentor was my dad,” he said/At CIT, his early team leader, Bob Smith, provided foundational guidance.  “He gave me incredible insight and helped me grow, while allowing me to be completely different than he was. That’s a lesson I’ve never forgotten.”

Another formative influence was Grover Reinle at CIT, whom Grimaldi describes as one of the toughest bosses he ever worked for, but also one who encouraged individuality and growth.

A common thread emerges: the most impactful leaders create space for others to develop their own voice. More recently, Frank credits his current leader, Chris Carmosino, head of Global Asset Services at Gordon Brothers, as one of the most significant mentors in his career.

“He challenged and polished me in ways that helped me grow beyond what I ever thought possible. I’m blessed to call him a leader, a boss, a mentor, and a friend,” Grimaldi said.

Giving Back Through Mentorship
Grimaldi has volunteered several years for SFNet ’s mentoring Program, to give back and show gratitude for the opportunities he had in the industry.

“I’ve had so many people help me grow —bosses, colleagues, associates, friends. “I’ve been truly blessed,” he says. “Giving back is important to me. I probably learned that from my mom.”

For Grimaldi, mentoring is a way to honor the investment others made in him. “Being a mentor has been the most rewarding thing I’ve done in my professional career. I hope the young professionals I work with enjoy hearing about my experiences as much as I enjoyed listening to seasoned executives when I was their age. Those conversations shaped me.”

The benefits of mentorship, he said, go both ways. “Meeting young, incredibly talented professionals is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my career. One of the best things I’ve seen is watching someone who starts the program shy and reserved begin to open up. As the program progresses, their confidence grows. They start speaking up and showing the leadership qualities they had all along. Sharing experiences both good and bad helps young professionals navigate situations for the first time. It can make difficult moments a little easier.”

A Legacy of Relationships
Outside of work, Grimaldi’s pride centers on family. He has been married to his high school sweetheart for 35 years, and they still live in the town where they grew up. They have three children and soon, their first grandchild. That sense of gratitude and continuity mirrors his approach to leadership: relationships matter, and investing in people creates lasting impact. In an industry built on trust and connection, mentorship remains one of the most powerful ways to strengthen the next generation of leaders. Frank Grimaldi’s career is a testament to growth, reinvention, and sustained success. But perhaps his greatest legacy will be measured not by titles, but by the professionals he has helped shape along the way.

SFNet’s Spring 2026 Mentoring Program, launching March 13, 2026, continues that commitment to professional growth across the secured finance community. The structured program pairs emerging professionals with experienced industry leaders for guided conversations, career insight, and real-world perspective.

Professionals interested in participating as either a mentor or mentee can learn more and apply here.

In secured finance, success is often measured in deals and portfolios. But perhaps the most enduring legacy is measured in people, and in the leaders who choose to invest in them.