With a passion for providing responsive customer service built around creative, flexible lending solutions, GBC credit team member and SVP Todd Seehase has found his niche in the non-bank ABL environment.
Through decades of working in traditional banking structures, Todd has been able to apply his diverse lending background to help clients benefit from a more agile approach to financing. In an interview with Todd, he shares what he’s learned from working in the GBC environment for 2.5 years, and how he believes clients benefit from GBC’s approach.
How did you come to join the Gibraltar team?
I’ve spent 30 years at national and regional banks spanning roles in middle market commercial banking, leveraged lending, and asset based lending. I’ve worked with National Bank of Detroit, JPMorgan Chase, Citizens Bank, FirstMerit Bank, Woodforest National Bank and Sterling National Bank. I joined the GBC credit team in August 2020 as an Account Executive for portfolio management and underwriting. I wanted to apply my experience in a non-bank ABL environment—a move which I’ve enjoyed very much.
What is something you’ve done recently at Gibraltar that makes you proud?
The very first customer I underwrote at Gibraltar was able to bridge GBC’s financing to a successful sale of their company to a strategic buyer at a high multiple. Because of the flexibility and partnership we provided, we were able to structure a facility to meet their needs and help them transition from operating losses to a successful turnaround. It’s stories like these that are the real reason we do this work. The customer’s executive team was very complimentary of Gibraltar’s team and credited their success to our partnership.
What makes GBC unique in your point of view?
Having operated in multiple banking environments, GBC focuses on developing smaller teams that provide a more agile, responsive approach to structuring solutions that meet the unique needs of each customer. We don’t apply a one-size-fits-all approach to lending, and we are able to customize how we structure deals for each specific scenario. GBC has built a financing model that is adaptable to today’s ever-changing market, which is different from many lending environments.
What do you find most rewarding about working at GBC?
GBC’s leadership focuses on taking a team approach, which is a culture that everyone strives to foster. We work very well together and have a collaborative mindset that helps us achieve win-win solutions for our clients. Everyone at Gibraltar is respectful of each other’s opinions and ideas and takes a fresh approach to working relationships. Having worked in rigid, structured environments, I’ve appreciated the ability to think outside the box and be able to bring more creative solutions to the table.
How do you enjoy spending your time outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with friends and family. We continue to expand our family — my son recently got married and my daughter was recently engaged to be married next year.
What are you looking forward to this year?
I look forward to traveling with my wife and helping my daughter with wedding planning. I also am excited for warmer weather so we can resume the many outdoor activities we love.
