Q&A with Dennis Bolton – Wells Fargo

Dennis Bolton, SVP – Head of Equipment Management, Wells Fargo Equipment Finance

How long have you been at your current organization?

I have been with Wells Fargo since August 2005 by way of merger with Wachovia. Prior to 2005, I spent 16 years at Fleet Capital and later Banc of America Leasing, which merged in 2003. I just started my 29^th year in the business.

What are your responsibilities within your organization?

As Head of Equipment Management, I am responsible for all facets of equipment appraisal/valuation, portfolio management and equipment remarketing across all of Wells Fargo Equipment Finance’s business lines. Additionally, my group helps support our colleagues in these areas across the entire bank footprint.

Describe a typical day or week in your role.

My days usually start early sometime between 5 and 6:30 a.m. depending on the day. The first couple of hours are quiet and dedicated to strategic initiatives, focused, intense projects and general catch-up. Once the day begins, it’s a series of meetings and calls around business strategy and new business initiatives, portfolio performance, compliance and regulatory requirements, pending accounting and policy changes, integration projects and assisting my teams achieve their goals and problem solve.

What do you love most about your job?

The first thing I love about my job is the people with whom I work.  I am blessed to have the industry’s best team – they are truly experts in their field.  This includes not only my direct reports but my team as a whole.  The long-standing relationships with our external service providers are also extremely valuable and a pleasure to work with.

Why did working in the Business Aviation industry interest you, and how did you get started?

Business aviation is one area of our $50 billion business. As we saw downturns in 2003 and 2009 which resulted in some portfolio stress, I became very involved in managing through those challenges. As industry leaders at both Fleet Capital and Wachovia/Wells Fargo, it was (and is) an important business segment in satisfying our customer’s needs and helping them succeed financially.

Who or what has been your greatest professional influence?

First, my grandfather was a Portuguese immigrant farmer with little formal education. He taught me that developing relationships and being a good, honest, trustworthy person are the keys to success in anything you do, including business. Second, Fleet Capital’s president, Ron Chamides, was one of the best managers I’ve ever worked with, and he taught me that in business, your people are what matter most and are the key differentiator between good and great.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Loyal
Passionate
Tireless

What one item would you never travel without on a long haul flight?

My iphone because it has all my family pictures and my massive music collection.

Finally, what is your hidden talent or hobby?

I have a large guitar collection and have played since high school.