Plaza Bank Adds More Accomplished Banking Pros to Small Business Team
IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 30, 2012) - Plaza Bank (OTCBB: PLZB) continued to strengthen its expert team serving small and midsize businesses this month hiring two business development officers who are both experienced businessmen and skilled bankers.
"We have a continually growing demand from small businesses for our services and for our relationships," said Gene Galloway, President and CEO of the Irvine-based Plaza Bank. "We're excited to add two men who are both talented banking executives and who have real hands-on business experience."
Martin Wong joins Plaza Bank as a vice president and business development officer based in Southern California, and Brian Evans joins as a Northern California vice president and business development officer.
Mr. Wong has more than 25 years of banking experience with large banks like Rabobank, Bank of America and Bank of the West, as well as with regional and community banks. He also owned his own business -- a golf apparel manufacturing company -- and has a deep understanding of both the financing needs and the financing avenues for small and midsize businesses.
"I can help our clients, because I've sat in the banker's chair, and I've sat where they're sitting now," said Mr. Wong. "I had to make the same tough decisions they're making. Figuring out what supplier to go with, when to expand, or what financing plan to use. Those really are tough decisions and I can help."
Mr. Evans is based in San Francisco and will focus on Small Business Administration loans throughout California. He's worked on small business lending for 20 years, and helped originate more than $300 million in SBA loans. His banking experience spans from the community banking level to Bank of the West and Wells Fargo, and he has run his own mortgage banking company doing SBA loans.
"I've always worked exclusively on SBA loans, and I think of myself as an advocate for small businesses," Mr. Evans said. "I always want to meet our customers face-to-face so they'll trust that we have their best interests in mind. My whole career has been built on repeat business because my customers have been secure in that trust."
"Brian and Martin will be advocates for our business clients by providing financial solutions and resources to them," said Erich Bollinger, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer for Plaza Bank. "We are thrilled to have both of them on our team."
About Plaza Bank
Plaza Bank is a full service community bank serving the business and professional communities in California and Las Vegas, Nevada. The bank is committed to meeting the financial needs of small to middle market businesses and professional firms with loans for working capital, equipment and owner-occupied commercial real estate financing and a full array of cash management services. Our bankers are experienced, professional and knowledgeable. For more information, visit www.plazabank.net or call Gene Galloway at (949) 502-4309.
