Today we’d like to introduce you to Johan Caraballo.
Johan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have 27 years in the Banking industry; my career began at 18 years old at BBVA Banco Provincial, I was promoted while I was developing academically, after 19 years I was offered the position of VP at Banesco, (the first position in the banking ranking in Venezuela). After two years and seeing that the economic and political situation in Venezuela deteriorated, my wife and I decided to explore new opportunities in another country. We were looking for a country of freedom that could offer our children a great future, so we decided to apply to the USA Lottery Visas in October 2013.
Fortunately, we were selected in 2014. Thus began a new experience, a new life; we made the decision to come with what little savings we had throughout my career, with clothes that barely fit in our bags but with a heart full of hope and with a positive mind that with the help of God and our abilities we could get ahead. Arriving here and exchanging a 4-bedroom apartment, gym, private elevator, Private Club action for a one-bedroom apartment, and from having a vice president position at the First Bank of the Country to working as a handyman in a construction company, while getting a job in my area and not continuing to spend our savings. – Thank you to Carlos Alvarez for that help -. After more than a year knocking on many doors and making contacts, in December 2016, I received a call from an interview that I had had in January of that same year. They were offering me an account manager position at Internacional Bank. I finally found a job in banking. I had to study all the banking legislation in Florida, rules, apply all the experience that I had achieved in the 25 years in banking at that time, little by little I had gained the trust of clients and had developed the portfolio, achieving a 100% growth in the loan portfolio assigned to me in one year and deposits by 70%.
In August 2018, the Intercontinental Bank was acquired by Sunstate Bank, once again the uncertainty returns, but already with a different vision since it had already accumulated some experience in Miami. In January 2019, after four months working at Sunstate Bank as an AVP Commercial Lender, the CEO Lloyd DeVaux and COO Yvonne Debesa offered the position of Vice President and Branch Manager. Now, I’m running what is now West Miami Branch; thanks to the guidance and advice that they gave me, the extraordinary team that I have in the Branch, we have managed to close this 2020 semester despite the difficulties of time; we are having an increase in deposits of around 15% and thanks to my CLO David McManus, the loan portfolio increased approximately 5% compared to the end of 2019.
Definitely from the hand of God, being surrounded by good people and friends, watching my children grow up healthy and happy, have an excellent job, an excellent team, family stability, and having been able to buy our house; I can say that – I am living the American Dream – which my beauty wife and I envisioned in 2014 when we decided to give our family a better life.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Upon arriving here and exchanging Apartment with all the comforts, gym, private elevator, private club action for a one-bedroom apartment, and having a vice president position in the First Bank of the Country, to work as a handyman in a construction company, installing bathroom fixtures, carrying rubble, because he knew the savings would run out quickly, and he had to start again to build a life, a name.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My career in Banking began in 1993, after having gone through different positions, from International Banking, Operations, development and management of credit and deposits portfolio, my passion for Banking has increased even more, having the opportunity to help to people, to the community, it is the source that feeds me and encourages me every day. Then when I came to the US, I had to study again, Business Credit, Consumer Credit, Branch Manager, and thus continue my passion.
The world of Banking has given me the privilege of meeting and helping many people; I consider that this is the essence of being a Banker, helping people to fulfill their projects, helping people and supporting the community, this is what which makes me move forward every day.
What were you like growing up?
Life has taught me that you must be very humble with your skills, demonstrate with facts, and by example what you can do, you must strive to achieve what you want and prepare to be capable when the time comes. Trust and develop your team. I have always thought that a good leader is a reflection of his people. I want to develop to reach important positions and continue to grow in banking, local and regional, to make my name recognized, and with the help of God and my family, I am sure that I will continue to achieve it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5722 SW 8th Street, West Miami 33144
- Phone: 3052637900
- Email: jcaraballo@sunstatefl.com
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
