The Anderson Search Group | April 2025 Updates
How Recruiting Firms Can Help Create a Strong Leadership Culture
Building a strong leadership culture is a cornerstone of success, especially in industries such as commercial banking, where the talent you bring on board can significantly influence your organization’s performance. But fostering a leadership-driven environment that encourages employee growth requires more than just hiring individuals with the right skill sets—it requires strategic thinking, a deep understanding of your organization’s goals, and a commitment to nurturing leadership at every level.
Does Culture Fit Really Matter in Commercial Banking Hiring?
Think experience and expertise are enough? Think again. A bad culture fit can wreck team dynamics, drive up turnover, and hurt client relationships. In fact, 73% of professionals have left a job because they didn’t fit in. That’s a hiring mistake banks can’t afford to make.
So why should culture fit be a top priority in your hiring decisions?
The Cost of a Bad Hire in Commercial Banking – And How to Avoid It
Finding the right talent for your commercial banking team is a high-stakes endeavor. As financial institutions face increasing demands, complex regulations, and the need to remain ahead of the curve, every hire has the potential to impact the future of the business. The cost of a bad hire goes far beyond just a missed opportunity; it can affect everything from client relationships and employee morale to operational efficiency.
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Formal Credit Training and/or Commercial Underwriting experience
- At least 3 years of Commercial Lending calling experience
- Stable resume
- Proven track record of production of new loans and deposits using their own external network
- CRE lending experience
- College Degree
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Clean U4 and Series 7
- 5+ years of comprehensive financial planning and investment management experience
- Proven track record for developing their own book of business focused on the acquisition and service of HNW clients with a minimum of $10 million to invest
- Portable book
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3 years minimum Commercial Credit Underwriting Experience
- Formal Bank Credit Training
- Must have Commercial Real Estate Underwriting Experience
- Bachelors Degree
- 7+ years HNW/UHNW Private Wealth Management Business Development Experience
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Proven track record for bringing in new fee based planning AUM and new HNW/UHNW clients using an existing external network in and around Fort Lauderdale
- Bank wealth platform team sales experience preferred
- CFP Designation Preferred
- Entrepreneurial drive
- Formal credit training or commercial banking underwriting experience
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5+ years commercial banking calling experience
- Proven track record for generating loans and deposits using their own external network
- Experience with C&I, SBA, and CRE loan production – CRE to include builder lines and construction
- Stable resume and work history
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Minimum of 5 years successful business to business sales track record in Michigan
- Entrepreneurial drive and spirit
- Self-starter and team player mentality
- Stable resume and work history
- Bachelors Degree
CASE STUDY:
A Critical Challenge: Uplifting a $70 Billion Bank with an Impactful Placement
CHALLENGE
A critical position had been open for nearly three months, causing delays in the hiring process and the inability to f ill a key role within the organization. The vacancy had left the team without necessary leadership, impacting strategy and operations. The hiring process had stalled, and the client needed a swift solution to fill the position.
SOLUTION
The Anderson Search Group conducted a nationwide search, identifying a top-tier candidate with the right expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit. The Anderson Search Group received the job order on January 8th, 2025, and within a week, presented a qualified candidate on January 15th.
RESULTS
Despite the position being open for nearly three months before our involvement, The Anderson Search Group accelerated the hiring process and presented a strong candidate quickly. The offer was extended within 30 days, allowing the client to fill the position and resume leadership and strategy without further delay.

Wealth Advisor –
Houston, Texas
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7 years of wealth management experience focusing on AUM gathering and business development
- Average client size is $3 million
- Targeting clients between $8 million – $15 million in investable assets
- He has experience developing business in the HNW/UHNW space in Houston
- Production: Self-sourcing approximately 40% of total production annually
- 2022 – $140 million total AUM – Approx. $56 million of it was 100% self-sourced
- 2023 – $120 million AUM – Approx. $48 million of it was self-sourced
- 2024 – $99.8 million AUM – Approx. $45 million of it was self-sourced
- 2025 YTD – $50.3 million Q1 – Approx. $30 million of it was self-sourced
- He has strong relationships with Oil & Gas Executives, Accountants, Attorneys, Engineers, Business Owners, Architects, Art Connoisseurs
Regional Banking Sales Leader –
Houston, Texas
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Proven Sales Success: With a 27-year track record of exceeding targets, including driving $25 million in annual sales for 2024 and leading 410 auto loans and 50,000 checking accounts, this leader delivers results
- Strategic Vision: Adept at creating daily, weekly, and monthly production targets that consistently meet and exceed goals, ensuring sustained revenue growth
- Team Leadership Expertise: Successfully managed teams across two states, overseeing 50 branches and 350 employees, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance
- Community Engagement: Active involvement in community events to enhance brand visibility and build meaningful connections, aligning business objectives with local needs
- Talent Development: Skilled in recruiting, training, and mentoring employees at all levels to create high-performing teams, resulting in consistent top rankings within the organization
Senior Commercial Banker –
New York City, New York
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25+ years of experience in commercial banking and credit origination
- Generated $10 million+ in annual revenue and consistently ranked in the top performance tier
- Managed $1 billion+ in loan commitments and $500 million+ in average deposit balances
- Closed 30+ large-scale transactions including LBOs, ABLs, ESOPs, and syndicated credits
- Industry coverage includes tech, industrials, logistics, chemicals, and food & beverage
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional deal teams and mentor junior bankers
Private Banker –
Austin, Texas
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Built deposit portfolio from $0 – $100 million in 3 years – 100% self-sourced
- Consistently sources $20 million in credit facilities annually
- Average loan size is $2 million – $5 million
- Primary COIs include Attorneys, CPA’s, Doctors, Chamber of Commerce, networking events, fundraisers, nonprofits and other community involvement
- Heavily involved in affluent areas of Austin – Beecave & Lakeway
- Series 6, 63, life & health
Download The Anderson Search Group Compensation Guide
Are your compensation packages keeping up with the market?
The Anderson Search Group specializes in recruiting top talent in Commercial Banking and Private Wealth across the country. To help employers attract and retain the best candidates, we’ve created a comprehensive salary guide with the latest compensation data and market insights.
Download your copy today and start making informed compensation decisions.
About The Anderson Search Group
We are a Boutique Commercial Banking and Private Wealth Executive Search Firm specializing in placing elite commercial banking and private wealth talent with the nation’s finest financial institutions.