DallasMeetup Spotlight: Aaron Witherspoon
Who are you and what is your day job?
My name is Aaron Witherspoon; I am a Private Banking Relationship Manager with Commerce Trust. I oversee clients daily banking , cash management and credit needs , and help them access specialized solutions like securities based lending, residential mortgages, aviation lending, privately held shareholder loans and premium finance life insurance. My background is in personal financial planning; being able to create and offer a complimentary cash flow analysis for anyone I cross paths with allows me to add value up-front.
Why did you join DallasMeetup’s Executive Organizing team?
I joined DallasMeetup because I have believed in the vision ever since I was introduced to the idea/concept. I’ve always been big on networking, I believe in the more value you bring to others, the more meaningful your relationships become. That’s what DallasMeetup is all about. I also believe in being apart of something bigger than myself. DallasMeetup is not just a networking organization, it’s a brand, it’s a movement. You can’t say that about every organization you join. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be apart of and amazing executive organizer committee.
For someone attending DallasMeetup for the first time, how should they show up to get the most value?
A quote from a mentor I use all the time is “you never get a second chance to make a good first impression” I feel the same about attending DallasMeetup events. You never know who you’ll connect with, which is the beauty behind it all. Giving someone access to a different network and different industry backgrounds can open up doors you never thought about. Be open to learning about others and putting yourself out there in an environment that can offer endless opportunity for relationship building.
What cohort or event has been your favorite thus far and why?
I’d say my favorite co hort has been the Venture Capital Cohort, with my background being in banking it was great to work the room connect with venture capitalist who are always trying to scale and grow their businesses. I enjoyed learning about what others are passionate about and what has made them successful. I established some great relationships, had great conversations, and great continued dialogue after that event. My boss at the time also happened to be a featured networker and the feedback they gave me after the event sealed it for me.
What trends are you seeing right now in your industry or cohort that attendees should be paying attention to?
A trend we are seeing In the private banking world: as the federal reserve continues to lower rates, people continue to look for strategic ways to borrow money. This includes refinancing personal and commercial loans as well. In recent months, stock market volatility may cause some concern, given the war in Iran and the price of oil. Another trend we are seeing is individuals continuing to update their personal financial plan as they think about retirement. It’s important to have a trusted advisor you can talk with to give you guidance and peace of mind.
