Helming the team that oversees direct equipment loan originations for JP Morgan Commercial Banking’s government, healthcare higher education and not-for-profit verticals, Mike Lucas engages with clients to understand their needs while structuring tailored solutions to meet their objectives. Lucas says he is fortunate to lead such a dynamic team in a collaborative workspace. Seeking to drive value for clients and stakeholders, Lucas’s role is to empower his team to achieve their goals. Lucas is proud of having the opportunity to lead his team with resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the team faced numerous challenges, they achieved significant loan origination growth and successfully responded to numerous proposal requests.

Right now, Lucas and his team excel at developing long-term relationships. “Through personalized attention, exceptional service and a deep understanding of clients’ unique needs, we have fostered trust and loyalty,” Lucas explains. “Our focus on building partnerships has resulted in many satisfied clients who give us repeat business.”

Another major challenge faced by Lucas and his team has been related to the rapid increase in interest rates in 2023. Lucas reminisces about times throughout his career when interest rates were low, but recent changes have forced him to adapt. “It is crucial for us as a bank to effectively navigate these fluctuations to meet clients’ evolving needs, while also managing our exposure to rate changes,” Lucas says.

Leading into these changing times is something Lucas looks forward to, saying the key to remaining calm and collected during stressful times is to maintain a thoughtful approach. “I believe in setting a strong example by actively engaging in challenges, being accessible to my team and demonstrating hands-on involvement,” Lucas says. “I prioritize thoughtfulness in decision making by considering diverse perspectives and actively listening to get us to well-informed decisions.”