Hart Garfield
Corporate Account Manager, Assiniboine Credit Union
Career:
Start in the credit union system: 2014
In high school, Hart was drawn toward two very different career paths: one working with numbers, and the other as General Manager of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Today, his professional journey has taken him down the numerical route, and he couldn’t be happier with how things turned out. Rather than managing a football team, Hart now manages a portfolio of commercial members. His role allows him to problem-solve, deliver tailored services, and offer advice to help his members achieve their goals and aspirations.
While Hart was studying in school, he worked part-time as a teller at a credit union. After graduating, he received an opportunity as an underwriter in the Business Financial Centre at Assiniboine Credit Union. After three years in that role, he started as a Commercial Credit Adjudicator, where he reviewed and approved commercial loan applications. Afterward, he re-joined the underwriter team, this time as the Senior Underwriter. This led to his current role as an Account Manager.
Hart has spent three and a half years as an Account Manager, first Senior and now Corporate. He says every role he’s held helped him develop and grow his skillset in different ways, and he is truly grateful for each role he’s taken on.
A typical day:
As a Corporate Account Manager, Hart says every day is a little different. Most days involve member contact – either through emails, phone calls or in-person meetings – to handle requests, solve problems or check in. Hart maintains close relationships with all his members, staying informed about their evolving business needs. This ongoing connection helps him ensure he and his credit union deliver the right support and resources to help them succeed.
This regular contact often leads to new loan applications. Hart has full ownership of his portfolio and applications, from structuring to underwriting and approving advances or funding, however both the underwriter and loan administration teams play a vital role in this process. Hart manages both the loan and deposit accounts of his portfolio, and it’s his job to grow both. This involves expanding existing relationships and finding new connections. As such, Hart attends many network events and business functions. Hart also conducts regular site visits, given that many of the loans he manages are tied to commercial real estate. These visits span both completed developments and active construction projects. Hart meets with members to monitor progress and the status of security.
Lastly, in his role as a Corporate Account Manager, Hart plays a key role in overseeing the credit union’s syndication loans. This involves collaborating with financial institutions across Canada to foster strong relationships and contribute to the growth of the portfolio. At the heart of it all is his unwavering focus on members – every aspect of his work is driven by their needs, goals, and success.
Continuous learning and improvement:
For Hart, continuous learning and improvement starts with constantly asking questions. He makes a point to dig deeper into the “why” behind things, as this helps him see the bigger picture and avoid repeating mistakes. Additionally, he always takes time to reflect on his experiences and his skillsets, considering what worked well, what could be better next time, and what skills he can continue to develop. Hart says this cycle of questioning, exploring, and reflecting keeps him moving forward and becoming the best version of himself.
Keys to success:
Hart says the biggest contributing factors to his success have been hard work and willingness to learn. His strong work ethic was instilled in him by his parents, and he’s noticed these efforts help him stand out and succeed in his career. Additionally, his eagerness to learn – whether by enrolling in courses or volunteering for committees and task forces – has allowed him to broaden his skillset and demonstrate his strength as a team player.
Recommended reading (or other resources) for young leaders:
Hart names Good to Great by Jim Collins as his favorite leadership book – a recommendation from his mentor back in 2021 that continues to resonate with him today. He also suggests Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Turn the Ship Around by David Marquet.
Guiding principles:
Hart’s guiding principles center around honesty and transparency. He believes that clear, truthful communication is the foundation of trust in any relationship. In every action and interaction, he strives to be genuine, staying true to himself no matter the circumstance. Naturally hardworking, Hart approaches each task with a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to doing his best, confident that consistent effort leads to meaningful results. Above all, he leads with kindness, treating others with respect in every situation. These values not only define his professional approach but also reflect how he aims to live his personal life.
CUYLM participation:
Hart served as a member of the CUYLM Executive Committee from 2021 to 2023. He says CUYLM had a huge impact on his career progression by significantly enhancing his leadership skills and providing numerous opportunities to collaborate on projects and work in team settings. He says it consistently challenged him to step outside of his comfort zone, which accelerated both his personal and professional growth. Through his involvement, Hart was able to build meaningful connections, not only with CUYLM executives but also with others across the wider credit union system. He says this was instrumental in expanding his network and broadening his perspective within the system.
