We had the opportunity to do a Q&A with Carl Szamosvari, who has recently joined the Stride Capital team as an Account Manager in Ontario. Keep reading to learn more about Carl and what he’s looking forward to in his new role with the Stride Capital team.
Tell us about your previous work experience and how it led you to Stride.
I have spent over 35 years working in and around the commercial financial business in Canada & the U.S. I have worked with companies in various industries but with a focus on transportation, construction, and manufacturing. I have always been involved in the front-end of the business which is deal originations, credit review and analysis, documentation, and deal administration. Before Stride, I was with a Canadian Schedule A bank. I needed to join a company who looked at making deals that make sense. Stride Capital is that organization for me.
What are you looking forward to about your new role as Account Manager for Stride?
Well, I am always ready for a challenge and an opportunity to compete. My role as Account Manager for Stride will be based in Ontario where I will be the first “boots on the ground” for Stride in this highly competitive market. I look forward to introducing Stride to small- to mid-sized Ontario companies who require new or used equipment financing for either a vendor sale, private sale, or sale-leaseback. I know the ON market is not serviced by our Canadian Banks, and as a direct funder, I look forward to introducing and presenting Stride’s product offering ”our dedicated team of professionals and common-sense financing business approach”to our target markets and customers in ON.
How do you see your 30+ years of experience in the finance industry shaping your role at Stride?
As they say in the South, “this ain’t my first rodeo.” After 30+ years of hustling new business, there is one thing I learned for certain in handling any new file: a fast no is better than a long maybe. I will tell it like it is. If Stride can fund your deal in a timely manner and on acceptable terms to all parties to the deal then let’s go full steam and make it happen, but if “this dog don’t hunt” (another Southern expression) well then it’s not a good fit for us and it’s time to move. I have the experience to know when it’s full steam ahead, or when it’s time to find us another opportunity.
What sectors do you specialize in and what opportunities do you see on the horizon?
The industries I specialize and have the most experience in and am the most passionate about are transportation and construction. I have dealt with and have numerous contacts in transportation in both Canada and the U.S. I know truckers, the hard-working, entrepreneurial little guy with a couple of trucks who is trying to move freight from east to west and north to south. I know how that guy feels every day about running his truck, keeping it fueled up, insured, collecting his receivables, and paying his debt holders. That guy I know. I am also experienced in and passionate about the construction industry. A bit of a different profile than your typical transportation customer but still a hard-working guy who started working for somebody else and now needs the support and understanding from a funder who will do business on his turf, and at his convenience. These are the types of industries, individuals, and organizations that appreciate hands-on service and a common-sense approach to their equipment financing needs. I see these industries as underserved by mainstream lenders, providing an opportunity for Stride Capital to fill that void that an intermediary might not be able to fill.
Can you tell us a bit about your business philosophy?
After being around for some time and meeting lots of different companies and operators, my philosophy boils down to this: people do business with people. It is a relationship I want to develop. I want to provide you with a mutually acceptable operation agreement. I want to advance a realistic amount of money against a hard asset. I want my customer to operate as agreed, when agreed, and if there is a burp or hiccup along the way, let me know and we will work it out.
What is your life like outside of work?
I love to spend time in the gym. Working out with weights, doing lots of cardio, stretching and yoga keep my mind and body ready for the mental and physical challenges life brings us all. I love team sports, nothing makes me happier than a live Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, or TFC game in Toronto. My other passion is the stock market. Knowing what is happening in international markets and how to invest and prosper makes me happy. I am unencumbered and am always looking to advance my personal happiness in downtown Toronto, a city I love, where I reside in a tidy waterfront condominium.
1 year ago
