Brendan Gargaro
Onalaska,WI
Summary
Dedicated professional with a proven ability to complete assignments with high quality and attention to detail. Effective communicator across client, coworker, and supervisor audiences. Demonstrated technical capability and commitment to continuous learning.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Portfolio Manager
BHG Financial
11.2025 - Current
- Funded 163 loans for a total of $17.2MM through 2026.
- Managed loan process from start to funding, coordinating with clients and internal teams.
- Presented loan approval recommendations to clients based on underwriting decisions.
- Conducted annual account reviews to identify funding opportunities and evaluate credit risk, supporting informed decision-making.
- Coached junior team members on portfolio management best practices, enhancing team skill set and effectiveness.
- Promoted due to exceptional performance as account executive, demonstrating strong client relationship management.
- Reached out to current clients to review account status and identify savings opportunities.
- Resolved client rebuttals with workable solutions while protecting company profitability.
Account Executive
BHG Financial
08.2024 - 10.2025
- Exceeded conversion rate targets, aligning with company benchmarks.
- Worked a pipeline of 60+ leads daily through multiple avenues of contact - email, calls, texts.
- Educated potential and current clients on the financial services and products that BHG offers including recommendations based on clients' financial needs.
- Collaborated with decision makers in application process, enhancing customer experience.
- Established trust with clients quickly through effective communication and understanding their needs.
- Leveraged CRM Salesforce for effective tracking and management of customer contacts and pipeline.
TREASURER
BRIDGES OF BELONGING
09.2021 - 09.2025
- Document monthly/quarterly financial statements and present them to the executive committee/board.
- Document and pay payables and receivables, reimburse other board members, satisfy all requirements with the state to remain in good standing.
- Organized and led a committee for maintenance of the property.
- Lead annual appeal to raise donations for the organization, achieved best year in 2023, increased donations by 30% over the previous year.
Portfolio Banker
COULEE BANK
11.2022 - 08.2024
- Actively manage a commercial loan portfolio of $20 million, about 40 clients as well as their deposit accounts.
- Assisted senior lenders with more complicated requests by preparing initial underwriting and helping to review and prepare checklists for closing.
- Established strong customer relationships through personalized service, reinforcing reliability as a trusted banker.
- Developed strong knowledge of banking products and services while learning about local industries and markets.
- Contacted customers to gather financial statements, insurance policies, and compliance documents, ensuring up-to-date records.
- Worked through account conversion where all business customers were moved to a new software system.
CREDIT ANALYST
COULEE BANK
06.2019 - 10.2022
- Received a full time offer after 9 months of interning based on performance.
- Participated in various lender/client calls to work with both parties to determine the best structure for deals, ask questions about current deals, and help clients understand underwriting practices.
- Enhanced technical analysis skills to underwrite complex deals in commercial loan portfolio.
- Review and prepare projections for various businesses to evaluate cash flows and ability to repay loans.
- Performed commercial property valuations to support loan underwriting decisions.
- Reviewed and finalized appraisal review checklists, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Trained 2 new analysts on underwriting processes and best practices.
- Surpassed all yearly goals which resulted in a maximum bonus and a raise.
- Successfully completed a transition in spreading software, CreditQuest.
Education
BACHELOR OF ARTS - FINANCE
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS
MN05-2019
Skills
- Commercial underwriting skills
- Credit risk evaluation
- Portfolio strategy and analysis
- Adaptability to new software
- Critical thinking
- Proficient in excel, quick to learn new software
- Completed Minnesota Bankers Association 5 day "Commercial Lending Course" in October of 2020
- Analytical Thinking
Timeline
Portfolio Manager
BHG Financial
11.2025 - Current
Account Executive
BHG Financial
08.2024 - 10.2025
Portfolio Banker
COULEE BANK
11.2022 - 08.2024
TREASURER
BRIDGES OF BELONGING
09.2021 - 09.2025
CREDIT ANALYST
COULEE BANK
06.2019 - 10.2022
BACHELOR OF ARTS - FINANCE
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS