Kyle Richardson joined Vantage Financial in 2024 as the Chief Credit Officer, where he oversees the credit department and risk management process.
Kyle brings a great deal of experience to Vantage, most recently as a regional risk officer for DLL. Before DLL, he spent five years in the equipment finance division of TCF Bank where he ascended to SVP and director of credit. Kyle started his career with FirstBank and excelled in various roles during his 11 years there.
Check out the Q&A below to learn more about Kyle as he begins his new role!
What made you choose the career path that you did?
"The leasing industry provides the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and interact with clients from diverse industries. With evolving market trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, I am afforded the chance to continuously learn and adapt to new challenges, which keeps my role in credit engaging and stimulating over time. Evaluating credit applications often requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By finding creative ways to get deals done, we help enable our clients to achieve their financial goals, grow, and be successful, which is immensely gratifying."
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What advice would you give to someone starting their career in this industry?
"Take the time to understand the fundamentals of leasing, including different types of leases, lease structures, accounting principles, and industry regulations. Building a strong foundation of knowledge will serve as a solid platform for your career growth. Building strong relationships with clients and colleagues is also key. Maintain high ethical standards and integrity in all your interactions and business dealings. Trust and integrity are essential for building credibility and fostering long-term partnerships and business growth."
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What are you most excited about in this new role?
"I'm thrilled to be part of Vantage, a company with a rich culture and a legacy of success. At Vantage, every individual is valued as an integral member of a collaborative team. The company fosters an environment of open communication, where ideas are freely shared, leading to innovation and continual improvement. The prospect of contributing to Vantage's growth and sustainability through sound credit decisions is particularly exciting. By identifying profitable opportunities, managing risks effectively, and nurturing long-term client relationships, I can directly impact the company's success and further its position in the ever-evolving tech landscape."
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What hobbies or interests do you enjoy outside of work?
"In my free time, I'm an avid outdoors enthusiast. Whether it's skiing in the winter or fishing and hiking during the warmer months, I find solace and contentment in immersing myself in nature and enjoying the fresh air. I am also a big fan of the Minnesota United major league soccer team and am a long-time season ticket holder that can be found at most home games throughout the season."
