Huntington Bancshares, Michigan’s top small business lender, grew first in the Grand Rapids area and then moving to the metro Detroit area to provide more than $52 million in SBA loans last year.
Now, the bank – in an unconventional move covered by Detroit Free Press columnist Tom Walsh today – has recruited WJR radio president and general manager Mike Fezzey to the post of bank president in the southeast Michigan region.
Fezzey built his career in the radio industry, working with the Detroit-based station beginning in 1980 and serving as its manager for the past 16 years. When it comes to leadership development, his background was clear. According to the story:
Under Fezzey, WJR added the syndicated Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity shows during the middle of the day. Local talk show hosts Paul W. Smith and Mitch Albom air during morning and afternoon drive times.
“Huntington has a willingness to look beyond the obvious, take risks and find a new way to do things,” said Fezzey.
As it turns out, his experience, knowledge of the area and willingness to take risks was just what Huntington’s senior executive vice president Jim Dunlap was looking for in this position.
“We wanted someone who is viscerally attached from an emotional standpoint to this community, and is able to gather key business leaders together,” said Dunlap, who is based in Grand Rapids.
What qualities do you look for in a leader or manager for your business? And how do you aim to promote those individuals? Leave us a comment and let us know.
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