Robin Oertel is a Senior Vice President and Business Development Officer for Gibraltar Business Capital — a role she’s held since the beginning of 2020. She was recognized by The ABF Journal as a top woman in ABL.
Robin joined the GBC team to get back to her roots in non-regulated ABL, inspired by the evolution of ABL bank regulations post the 2008 economic crisis. She has spent her 25 years in the industry on both the bank and non-bank sides of the business and is motivated by building relationships and forming deeper connections with clients and within the industry.
“In the earlier phases of my career, flexibility and openness to relocating and taking on new roles was helpful in allowing me to progress in my roles and development,” Oertel told The ABF Journal in an interview. “All along the way, my commitment to building meaningful relationships with people in the industry and across the country has been critical to my success.”
Robin shared more about her role at GBC, what opportunities she sees ahead, how she fosters relationships in and outside the office (and on the golf course), and what she does when she’s not working.
What is your role at Gibraltar?
I use my experience at both regulated and non-regulated institutions across roles in field examination, relationship management, and business development to create financing solutions that meet or exceed client and referral source expectations.
Tell us about something you’ve accomplished while at Gibraltar that makes you proud.
The Chelsea Lighting NYC transaction. Our team was able to seamlessly provide financing in Kinzie Capital’s acquisition of Chelsea Lighting. We had to work under tight constraints and across entirely remote teams because of the pandemic, but the GBC team was able to overcome challenges during the process to find an optimal solution. We really took the time to understand the acquisition group’s target economic forecast and opportunities as well as its unique business model.
What opportunities do you see for Gibraltar on the horizon?
With our team’s skill set that crosses so many different business development channels and connectivity to the wide variety of referral sources (as the COVID-era starts to dissipate), I think we’ll have strong brand awareness in the marketplace.
These connections will be key for companies that are focused on relationship and referral sources that really care about their clients. Relationships matter. Authenticity and transparency are things we pride ourselves on.
What do you find most rewarding about working at GBC?
The COVID-environment has really tested the workplace for many people. In Gibraltar’s case, it has proven to be really true and authentic to its values. There’s such support and compassion for the situation, environment, the people — for physical, mental wellbeing, etc.
GBC’s leadership also has done a great job fostering a strong company culture and truly embracing and valuing diversity. I’m fortunate to work for and with such a thoughtful, transparent and inclusive team.
How do you enjoy spending your time outside of work?
Outside of being with my children, I love outdoor and active hobbies like running, fishing, gardening and golf. I also really love being involved in the community – supporting others through initiatives like our local food shelter.
What are you looking forward to in 2021 and beyond?
I look forward to golfing with other business women. There’s not a lot of women in finance and not a lot of women in golf. I’m looking forward to getting out with a group of women that spans different segments of our business for our golf group. I look forward to having more of that camaraderie between different channels of referral sources — while having an activity that’s about being social while connecting with other women in activities they may not have been involved with before. I think there’s more and more women that are feeling comfortable to do that and are creating their own kind of environment.
