Christopher Martinkovic
Buffalo
Summary
Seasoned Business Banking Relationship Manager with 20+ years of experience driving portfolio growth, deepening client relationships, and delivering tailored financial solutions to small and mid-sized businesses. Proven track record in business development, credit analysis, and structuring complex lending transactions while maintaining strong risk discipline. Trusted advisor to business owners, combining strategic insight with a client-first approach to consistently exceed revenue and retention goals.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Business Relationship Manager, SVP
M&T Bank
Buffalo, NY
05.2013 - Current
- Identify and engage potential business prospects to develop strategic banking partnerships.
- Cultivate and maintain strong connections with business banking clients, enhancing service delivery and client loyalty.
- Execute strategies to fulfill goals set by leadership.
- Develop and implement cross-selling techniques alongside branch partners to maximize sales opportunities for business clients.
- Network strategically with accountants, attorneys, and other referral sources to expand business reach and influence.
- Cultivate and maintain critical loan relationships, ensuring alignment with segment objectives.
- Evaluate credit profiles and requests, providing strategic recommendations for loan structures to effectively manage risk.
- Collaborate with underwriters and clients to achieve favorable terms that maximize revenue and minimize associated risks.
- Lead initiatives to exceed sales expectations by implementing strategic plans. Oversee team performance to ensure alignment with sales goals. Foster a results-driven environment to enhance productivity and revenue growth.
- Develop and implement financial plans to achieve revenue targets ranging from $300M to $500M.
- Manage loan production processes, ensuring successful transactions up to $12MM.
- Manage deposit balance production to enhance financial stability and growth.
- Evaluate and optimize loan portfolio of $15MM to $40MM to mitigate risk and enhance performance.
- Manage relationships with 30 to 65 clients, fostering strong connections and addressing client needs effectively
- Execute strategies to meet call targets and fulfill product sales objectives, such as cash management and assigned services.
- Contribute to civic and cultural organizations and programs to enhance local engagement and awareness
Branch Manager, Vice President
First Niagara Bank
Buffalo, NY
05.2008 - 05.2013
- Was responsible for overall profitability by directing sales and business development, meeting operational objectives and ensuring the branch achieves its annual goals.
- Led team through coaching, performance management, and setting priority. Builds and develops branch staff.
- Identified Retail and Business Banking customer needs through the sales processes, using the tools and resources to assist customers with short and long term solutions.
- Proactively prospected and grew Business Banking relationships through outreach. Built the bank’s presence in the community. Researched prospects, and asked for referrals with current customers.
- Actively recruited and selected talent to fill positions.
- Actively modeled and coached customer service and needs determination behaviors. Reinforced and maintained accountability for execution of Retail strategy.
- Ensured operational and requirements were maintained, to include consumer and business banking guidelines. Ensured compliance with operational, security and control policies/procedures, preventing fraud and protecting customer assets.
- Took ownership of complex account servicing and error resolution issues, including those escalated by other Bankers. Provided coaching and guidance to improve and reduce future problem resolution/escalations.
- Independently processed all Business Banking loan requests up to $2500,000. Proactively bundled products and services as appropriate.
- Adhered to applicable compliance/operational risk controls in accordance with Company or regulatory standards and policies.
- Maintained internal control standards, including timely implementation of internal and external audit points together with any issues raised by external regulators as applicable.
- Directed performance management processes, including staffing evaluations, promotions, salary recommendations, and terminations, to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
State University of New York At Cortland
NYSkills
- Relationship building & client management
- Sales & business development
- Credit analysis/underwriting knowledge
- Commercial banking product
- Stategic advisory mindset
- Executive level communication
- Negotiation and influence
- CRM Systems
- Digital & Data Tools
- Sector Expertise
- Cross Functional Team work
- Portfolio Leadership
Timeline
Senior Business Relationship Manager, SVP
M&T Bank
05.2013 - Current
Branch Manager, Vice President
First Niagara Bank
05.2008 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
State University of New York At Cortland