Jeff Ault

Oversee and maintain excellent service standards while promoting growth and profitability in the Bakersfield, Fresno, Merced, and Modesto Regions. Develop and motivate a team of Business Relationship Managers, Business Banking Officers and Business Banking Managers in a sales driven environment.

• Responsible for soliciting large prospects and assist business banking team with large customers and prospects with joint calling efforts.
• Assist officers with lead lists, including center of influence development.
• Build and maintain relationships with key leaders in the community to promote the bank.
• Provide Senior Management with monthly reporting forecasts and details about sales growth in lending, deposits and non-interest income.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Chief Credit Administrator for pricing exceptions and credit structure options.
• Managed financial performance by setting budgets, monitoring expenses, and identifying areas for improvement.
• Increased regional sales by developing and implementing strategic sales plans.
• Negotiated strategic partnerships with vendors to secure favorable terms and pricing for products or services.
• Ensured regulatory compliance across all aspects of business operations within the region.
• Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment processes, ongoing training programs, coaching sessions.
• Elevated sales team performance with competitive incentive program that motivated and rewarded outstanding achievements in revenue generation.
• Mentored direct reports, fostering a positive work environment that encouraged professional growth and development.
• Proficient in commercial credit. This includes commercial real estate, operating lines, AG, term loans, construction and SBA.
• Treasury management.

Originate new commercial loans for the bank by developing an effective marketing plan. A consistent top performer averaging $19MM in new loan production each year.

• Generated a high volume of quality referrals through strategic networking within the business community.
• Negotiated favorable loan terms for clients by effectively communicating their financial needs and objectives.
• Provided guidance on financial products, helping businesses make informed borrowing decisions.
• Analyzed financial statements and market data to assess borrower feasibility and repayment capacity.
• Facilitated smooth transactions by collaborating with internal departments such as underwriting, legal, and closing teams.
• Demonstrated expertise in various types of commercial loans including SBA, construction, term, lines of credit, and equipment financing options available to businesses.
• Obtained and reviewed financial statements and tax returns.
• Consistently exceeded sales targets by actively pursuing new business opportunities within assigned territory.

Responsible for leading, coaching, and developing a team of branch managers to achieve business objectives.

• Led operational strategies to enhance performance and drive profitability across multiple locations.
• Oversaw successful store openings, coordinating logistics, staffing, training, and promotional efforts to ensure smooth transitions for new locations.
• Developed and implemented training programs to elevate staff capabilities and improve customer service standards.

Responsible for 11 branches. Ensure managers achieve all assigned goals. Products included consumer loans, home equity loans, auto loans and credit cards.

• Developed and executed comprehensive training programs for store managers, resulting in improved employee performance and customer satisfaction.
• Evaluated store performance regularly using data analysis tools to identify areas of improvement and implement targeted action plans for continuous growth.
• Collaborated with senior management on strategic planning initiatives aimed at maximizing profitability while maintaining high standards of quality across the district.