Not many rising stars in the equipment finance industry began preparing for their career at a young age, but Ryan Brucker did just that. The vice president, relationship manager at Verdant Commercial Capital learned about business by watching his industrious parents. He joined his father on business road trips at age eight and spent summer breaks in his mother’s office, learning the nuances of customer service.

Propelled by his ultra-competitive mentality and a desire to exceed his high standards, Brucker became a leader by example. He double majored in financial economics and accounting while playing college football. A teamwork mindset led to Brucker’s acceptance into a prestigious bank training program. He later worked at two national banks where he earned top sales awards.

Brucker continued his passion for sports and equipment financing by helping launch Verdant’s Golf, Sports & Entertainment (GSE) vertical. Under his guidance, the vertical has grown to more than $100 million in originations in less than two years.

Brucker is an expert in providing financing to public or private associations, golf courses, high schools, universities and professional sports organizations. Proving that a job is never complete, he implements elite customer service, ensures operational details are achieved and pioneers Verdant’s best-in-class platform’s growth. Customers request Brucker because of his relationship-building skills, industry knowledge and passion for GSE. He shepherds deals from start to finish and mentors young professionals.

Brucker has challenged the misconception that financial services industry newcomers must work 100 hours per week to truly succeed. That narrative, he says, needs to change. “The equipment finance industry offers younger generations a work-life balance while still letting them achieve their biggest goals.”

Brucker believes the industry will continue to attract and maintain top talent by promoting benefits, offering formalized mentorship training and leveraging technology advances.