Five Questions With: Fred Smith

FRED SMITH is the business relationship manager and assistant vice president of business development at Navigant Credit Union. / COURTESY NAVIGANT CREDIT UNION
FRED SMITH is the business relationship manager and assistant vice president of business development at Navigant Credit Union. / COURTESY NAVIGANT CREDIT UNION

Fred Smith is the new business relationship manager and assistant vice president of business development at Navigant Credit Union. Smith joins Navigant with six years of industry experience, previously serving as business relationship manager at Citizens Bank. He will be responsible for loan-origination and building new business relationships. He talks with Providence Business News about his new role.
PBN: Tell us a little bit about your professional history – and what you’ll be doing at NCU.
SMITH:
I’ve been fortunate to have had several opportunities throughout my career to gain experience across a wide, diverse range of industries. I have developed and managed national accounts for local, national and international companies – and I also have experience working for myself in the real estate market. I think experience in the corporate [world], combined with experience as a small business owner, has helped me create a professional background perfect for my role in business banking.
My role at Navigant Credit Union is a bit of a hybrid position. As the credit union’s relationship manager, I serve as business owners’ first point of contact; it’s my responsibility to get to know the owners and fully understand their businesses. I’m also responsible for business development for new members, managing requests for term loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate purchases and anything else that will help our members’ businesses reach their goals.
PBN: What made you want to leave a large, regional bank and join a credit union?
SMITH:
I saw that Navigant Credit Union presented an opportunity to be a true grassroots advocate for small business owners in the community. Banking has become such a complicated industry – but credit unions, especially this one, have been able to maintain the personal level of service that customers look for and appreciate. For more than 100 years, Navigant Credit Union has prided itself upon helping each and every one of their members achieve their financial dreams. That mindset is rare in the banking world, and it’s one that I value very highly.
PBN: What’s your take on the health of the Rhode Island business community?
SMITH:
It’s no secret that Rhode Island can be an expensive place to do business – but I strongly believe it is getting better. The state is fortunate to have great entrepreneurs with unique, vibrant companies, and we’re trending in the right direction.
PBN: How’s that reflective of the overall economy?
SMITH:
A healthier business climate means increased job opportunities and wages. Again, we’re trending in the right direction – but Rhode Island is still behind its New England neighbors in the recovery process. To improve, I’d love to see a commitment throughout the business community to improving our apprenticeship and internship programs.
PBN: Why do you think businesses should work with NCU instead of other financial institutions?
SMITH:
Since our founding, Navigant Credit Union’s mission has always been to improve the financial lives of our members. In my short time with the credit union, I’ve quickly learned that everyone in the organization buys into that goal – and that collective dedication is felt by our members.

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