Stephen Lein

I spent 37 years in the Commercial Banking Treasury Management industry and worked for some of the most prestigious banks helping to grow and retain commercial business. In addition, I helped several banks revamp their Treasury Management department. This involved helping to modernize product offerings and to create an infrastructure for on boarding new clients with Treasury Management products. There was also a consistent program of training lending and other bank business development officers on the importance of Treasury Management This was vital to help colleagues recognize opportunities to refer to their Treasury Management Sales officer.

During my career, I called on a variety of large, mid-size and small businesses in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. These companies ranged from Coastal Shipping, Universities, Hospitals, Oil Companies, Manufacturing, Trucking and other industries. My direct business development was directed in a three-state region. I also had management responsibilities for one bank which spanned the Interstate 10 Corridor from Houston to Jacksonville Florida. My home base was New Orleans. During my long career I also served to support the clients of National Lending and Healthcare Lending which expanded client sales and support to a much broader customer base. This included such cities as Chicago, New York, Atlanta and others.

This unique experience of calling in large metropolitan areas and rural communities throughout my three states in person calling, gave me a unique perspective on effective sales culture. One thing very evident was that no matter who I called on and in what environment, clients and prospects were looking for a trusted advisor who had their best interests in mind.

October 1, 2021, I decided to leave my banking career and join in with the family Internet Marketing Agency business. My younger brother started this business in 2009 after spending 30 years with Bell South in Atlanta. During his career he became very talented in the advertising and marketing area. As the old-fashioned Yellow Pages became obsolete and Internet advertising became popular, Bell South migrated much of its technology and staff to this endeavor. He parlayed that knowledge into starting up Flyline Search Marketing. We now have a nice book of business which is heavily focused on the floral industry.

Not surprising, the two industries, Commercial Banking Treasury Management and the Internet Marketing Agency have similarities in terms of client expectations.  Clients always look for trusted advisors and fully expect and deserve the financial results that were promised to them during the sales process.