SVP, Group Manager, Corporate Banking; Green Bank, NA
At Green Bank, Hightower originates and develops relationships with commercial clients. He also oversees a team of relationship managers to develop and maintain commercial clients at the bank. His long tenure in the banking industry includes previous positions at Capital One, Texas Capital Bank and Comerica. Green Bank is a relatively young bank headquartered in Houston, with operations starting in 2006. It has offices in Houston, Dallas and Austin. Recently Green Bank announced a merger with Veritex Bank. The merger is planned to be completed in first quarter of 2019.
How has your degree has impacted your career?
My MBA has helped me with understanding real-life business situations. Being able to relate my academic education to the full business cycle has helped me understand both how the bank looks at opportunities, as well as how entrepreneurs look at business.
What do you enjoy about your current position/profession?
I enjoy seeing how companies and company owners make money and grow their business. To be a trusted adviser to assist with helping them make decisions for their success is very rewarding.
How do you see your profession changing in the next five or 10 years?
Banks are likely to continue to consolidate over the next 10 years, yet because of the number of bankers retiring over the next 10 years, there could be good opportunities for younger professionals to enter the banking field. Those entering professionals must be willing to invest time to understand credit underwriting and the risks each opportunity presents to the bank. That is critical to building a lasting career.
What unexpected experience or event has shaped and/or influenced your current professional life?
I was fortunate to be in a good place to learn from an experienced banker for many years. Reed Allton, at Texas Capital Bank, helped me tremendously build my career and patiently answered questions (even the dumb ones) that I constantly asked. I was privileged to work with him for 20 years and I tried to listen to his guidance on how to be a relationship manager in the bank, and how to be respected for the work you do. His leadership is something I appreciate and try to model for my team.
What is a professional highlight of your career, either where you currently work or in the past?
I take pride in working with great people. At Texas Capital Bank, I worked with exceptional people to grow a bank from the ground up to more than $12B in assets when I left. I am excited to be in a similar position now at Green Bank, with growing a great bank with smart and respected leaders. I am proud of how we offer a trusted adviser relationship to our clients and how we help them grow their business. With our recent merger with Veritex Bank, we will be able to expand on our abilities to serve our clients.
What characteristics do you look for when hiring people into your workplace?
I look for someone who is self-motivated and someone who is willing to ask questions when they need help. Time is our most important asset, as we spend plenty of time working and away from our families. I do not want to waste time doing things twice. I always look for examples of how someone did their job exceptionally well without needing managing.
Has something about your UT Dallas education surprised you since graduating?
I knew UTD was a great school to attend. I have been surprised by how much the school has grown and how much people respect a degree from UT Dallas. The education is much more appreciated throughout the community and workplace then when I attended.
What advice do you have for college students hoping to succeed professionally?
Always do more than what is expected. Do what you say you will do, and on time, if not early. And most importantly, never stop learning.
What makes an effective leader?
Hiring people who are smart and self-driven. Those people always make a leader look great.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I have an amazing wife, Sherry, who’s a UT Dallas alumna (2001 BA/Psychology), who owns her own cookie business, Picture Perfect Cookies, and a beautiful family. I love spending time with them more than anything.
