Andrew Knuckles, ABL account executive with CB&S Bank

How many years have you been in the Secured Finance industry?
After spending my first year out of college in factoring, I stepped away from the industry to pursue other opportunities.  I came back to the industry, this time in asset-based lending, nearly a year ago.

Why did you choose to obtain your SFCP?
I wanted to expand my knowledge base and capabilities in order to contribute to our growing team. I came into this role knowing that I had a lot to learn, and I am beyond grateful to work for a bank willing to invest in my growth.

What was your favorite course and why?
My favorite course was Underwriting Level II. While it was also the most rigorous course, it drew from real world scenarios and required me to engage and think critically.

What is one piece of advice you would give someone considering obtaining their SFCP or who is just starting this journey?
If you are on the fence about obtaining your SFCP, my advice is to do your best to find a way. In my experience, very little formal training exists when it comes to Secured Finance and you have the opportunity to learn from industry experts. Talk to your employer/manager about your company's support of you in this endeavor. Many companies have a budget for continuing education, and you won't find anything better for Factoring/ABL.

What impact do you foresee the SFCP having on your career?
SFCP has given me the confidence to proactively contribute as a part of our team and to feel that I can handle more responsibility. Additionally, I believe the SFCP will provide valuable connections within the industry to allow for more collaboration and opportunities for growth.

Olivia Garcia (Hudson), portfolio manager, Sallyport Commercial Finance

How many years have you been in the secured finance industry?
I have been in the secured finance industry for 9 ½ years now. I began doing marketing for Sallyport Commercial Finance right out of college and then moved into operations working my way up from credit controller to portfolio manager.

Why did you choose to obtain your SFCP?
I have always been focused on further education, continuous learning, and developing both professionally and personally. The SFNet is a highly respected and accredited organization within our industry, which makes the SFCP designation especially valuable. Earning this designation was a way for me to demonstrate my skillset, affirm my proficiency in the industry, and reinforce my commitment to excellence in the field.

What was your favorite course and why?
My favorite course was Critical Leadership Strategies. As a portfolio manager, it's essential not only to ensure the portfolio is operating effectively, but also to support the growth and development of the team. This course helped reinforce the importance of adapting leadership approaches to match each individual’s personality, strengths, and professional goals.

What is one piece of advice you would give someone considering obtaining their SFCP or who is just starting this journey?
The SFCP designation is unique in that you are able to pick courses that best suit your path. My advice would be to not only pick courses that are directly in line with your current role but to pick courses that our outside of your role to broaden your knowledge across all departments and challenge yourself. For someone just starting their journey in this industry, be prepared to never leave! But really, attend networking events, sign up for the webinars or attend in person trainings. You will meet a lot of industry colleagues who you will learn from and who will shape your career – take advantage of that! I have been in the industry almost 10 years and I continue to learn something new every day. Every client is different and you will be challenged, but that’s what makes it fun and interesting!

What impact do you foresee the SFCP having on your career?
I believe the SFCP designation has already contributed to my professional development through the process of completing the courses and exams. It’s a strong recognition of my knowledge and expertise in the industry, and I’m confident it will be respected and acknowledged by my peers and industry colleagues. I plan to apply what I’ve learned to better support my team, make more informed decisions, and continue growing as a leader. This designation also positions me well for future opportunities and ongoing advancement in my career.

Gabriel Skora, account manager, Rouse Services

How many years have you been in the secured finance industry?
I have worked at Rouse for the past four years on our Appraisals team, first as an analyst and now as an account manager. Prior to that, I spent the first two years of my career in mortgage banking as a treasury finance analyst. At Rouse, we provide both full-service appraisals and desktop valuations, as well as several software tools to assist lenders and borrowers in managing their fleets.

Why did you choose to obtain your SFCP?
I am always looking for opportunities to build skills and fluency in areas of finance that are relevant to the work we do at Rouse. As an account manager, it can only help my career to be fluent in the language our clients speak, and I felt that the SFCP was a great pathway towards doing that. Exposure to underwriting and portfolio management, areas that our services are used to assist with, enhances my ability to help our clients out with the right solutions for their business.

What was your favorite course and why?
So far, my favorite course has been Business Development, which I took last month just a few weeks into my new role as AM. The course was comprehensive and offered many practical strategies for building a referral network in the secured finance space. It also spoke more holistically to how one can cultivate attributes that allow one to be a good salesperson—consistency, flexibility, being ready to take rejection, as well as being ready to find a solution for any client or potential client. Be a solutions person!

What is one piece of advice you would give someone considering obtaining their SFCP or who is just starting this journey?
I would say jump in and trust the process of learning, whether through the SFCP or via on the job experience. Learning something new every day is a great way to take enjoyment from work and better yourself, and it leads to lasting improvement in life.

What impact do you foresee the SFCP having on your career?
The SFCP has drastically improved my comfort level when speaking on asset-based lending, as well as given me a head start as I step into my new client-facing role. Stepping through these courses, as well as the broader network of SFnet, has really crystalized my ‘career vision’ over the past ~six months or so. Working alongside colleagues who have been in this industry for 20+ years and experienced a large amount of success, really has gotten me excited for my own future in the industry.