Consultant Spotlight Series: Meet Paul Bates
Interview conducted by Donna Thaxter – Training, Coaching, and Professional Development Consultant
Donna: Good morning, Paul. Thank you for participating in SCA’s Consultant Spotlight Series. You’ve been part of the SCA team for several years now. Tell us a little bit about what you enjoy most about your work with our clients.
Paul: Good morning, Donna. Let’s see, I was a community lender for over 25 years before joining John and SCA. My main focuses were technology and secondary market operations. I tell my clients (in humor) that I have had enough time to make enough mistakes (and learn from them) and that I can help them be more successful lenders. I am passionate about community lending. The more people I can help, the better. I believe a strong residential lending business unit is a critical factor in the success of any community institution. By nature, this business fosters long-term customer relationships – not just transactions. I believe in combining the right technology with intentional service excellence to create customers for life.
Donna: A vital point, Paul. Can you elaborate further on this?
Paul: I sure can. When used right, the technological tools available today can level the playing field for community lenders. The challenge is in the selection, deployment, and upkeep of these tools. This is where I predominantly help our clients. Each company is different, so I help them determine the best fit for their organization’s specific goals and needs. Technology is not the end all, though – technology solutions must be integrated with best practices and prudent risk management. You can have the best tools in the market, but without a well-designed process and a “culture of quality,” they are not worth the investment.
Donna: Lots of food for thought, Paul. Can you touch on what you see as the most significant technology trends that have or will impact lenders in 2024?
Paul: One of the biggest trends in 2024 will revolve around customer-facing solutions. For example, seamless digital outreach and status updates to borrowers. Loan Officer Compensation is another 2024 hot button among regulators. I can assist lenders in leveraging available technology to manage these issues. Finally, I expect we will see demand for tools to manage secondary market operations and risk. There are some great solutions available that community lenders should take advantage of, whether in pricing or risk management. I firmly believe in community lenders being active secondary market participants. It allows for more options for the borrower, can be quite profitable, and is a prudent strategy for balance sheet management.
Donna: Thanks, Paul. Lots of good information for our readers. So, before we finish up, can we shift to your personal side of life? What do you like to do in your free time?
Paul: I like to think of myself as an ‘above average’ amateur cook, and I am always trying new things. I do most of the cooking at home by choice, as it’s a hobby that tastes good. I cure hams, make all sorts of sausages, make some cheese, and have a Bolognese and homemade pasta I would be proud to serve to any grandma.
Donna: Thanks so much, Paul. This was both informative and fun. I feel I’ve gotten to know you better through this interview, and I believe our readers will feel the same way.
If you would like to learn more about how Paul can help you with your technology solutions, email Paul at PBates@scapartnering.com; or contact our Director, Bill Dolan. You can reach Bill via email (WDolan@scapartnering.com) or phone (617-694-2617).
