Cole: What would you say is the primary motivating factor behind your leadership? Evans: Let me answer the question from two positions of leadership. First as Managing Director for Wintrust Commercial Banking, my motivation lies primarily in being in a position to provide high-level commercial and personal banking services to minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. This was especially essential during the COVID pandemic when many small, minority-owned businesses were unable to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from some of the larger banks. During this period, many business owners realized that just because they maintained a depository (checking) account with their bank, didn’t necessarily mean that they had a “banking relationship” with that particular institution allowing them access to the full suite of products and services offered to large corporate clients.
As Chair of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, I garner motivation from the importance of ensuring that the chamber unwaveringly and steadfastly continues its role and mission of being a strong business advocate for its small business and corporate members and continues to provide them with educational resources and business growth opportunities through relationship building. Cole: Who are your role models, and what life- changing lessons did you pick up from them? Evans: My life role models were my parents and maternal grandparents. My mom and dad taught me the values of education and hard work. They pushed me to always thrive for being in the top quartile in both my academic and professional achievements. My grandparents taught me the importance of honesty, integrity, and commitment. As a result of their efforts, I was the first in my family to graduate college.
Photo: McBoat Photography
24 The Acumen
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