Today we’d like to introduce you to Israel Velasco. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Israel currently serves as Region President for Popular Bank in Florida.
“I gravitated to banking for two reasons – math and people. I have always been a ‘people person’ and loved math. When I found that I could combine these two through banking, it was a natural fit for me. I became focused and driven to be a banker, to be in an environment where I can help people every day — support their visions and dreams as well as guide them through challenges. And to this day, more than 30 years later, that is still very fulfilling and exciting for me.”
Israel started working at a bank as a teller, while still in college. He notes that those were the best years of his life. He shares, “It gave me a good base on what banking was all about. The whole experience of engaging and helping customers every day. It really cemented the start of my professional journey.”
Shortly after graduation, he entered a management training program at a regional bank, which enabled him to learn all facets of banking through their Retail Banking tract.
Upon completing the program, he worked as a consumer lending officer and quickly started to move up within the organization. At that time, Florida National Bank was bought by First Union, and he became an assistant branch manager and then a branch manager, managing three offices.
Israel then joined Eastern National Bank and became a vice president, branch manager and commercial lender for a De Novo branch. Israel reflects, “This move proved to be pivotal for me. I eventually became a Senior Vice President here and I assumed a leadership position to help grow the business. While I was here, there was an opportunity for me to leave with the leadership team to a different bank, but I chose to stay and continue expanding the business here. I refer to this time as a ‘fork in the road’ as it wasn’t an easy decision for me. I was very loyal to the team that departed, but I needed to see this through for myself. This served as a launch pad to shape my future.”
The experience he received at Eastern National Bank allowed him to take a huge step when he moved on and became a part of Colonial Bank as head of retail banking.
Israel shares, “I became the youngest bank president in South Florida. I was also able to be a part of an aggressive acquisition strategy.” While at Colonial, Israel was responsible for leading a $3 billion region with 47 branches in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.
In 2005, Israel joined Popular Bank to head the South Florida region and continues to do what he loves. The day he joined was the actual date of the merger and name change between Kislak National Bank and Popular Bank.
Popular Bank is a subsidiary of Popular, Inc. (Nasdaq: BPOP). a top 50 U.S. bank holding companies by assets. Under his leadership, the South Florida region has grown significantly, positioning itself as one of the leading commercial lenders in the area. The bank is also recognized as the leader in Association Banking, commercial real estate lending, and wealth management.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Israel credits his ability to make difficult decisions and work hard as keys to his success. Israel shares, “My mother was a homemaker, and my dad was a carpenter and handyman. They helped me as much as they could. Hard work was encouraged in our family, and they led by example.”
As a high school student, Israel worked at a local grocery store. “That was an orientation for me. I learned to work with people. It helped me understand the importance of saving money as I worked through high school and college. It helped me pay for my expenses and my education. If I had to do it all over again, I would still make the same decisions.”
He shares these lessons with his own children and has always instilled in them the importance of earning to sustain yourself. “I truly appreciate everything that my parents did for me because even though they didn’t have all the means, they taught me the importance of work and the importance of making money to support yourself.”
His hard work helped him realize an associate degree in Business Administration from Miami Dade College, a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University, and an MBA from the University of Miami.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Popular Bank is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the communities it serves. Israel and his team strive to deliver financial opportunities to customers and forge strong partnerships within the community.
Having been in the banking industry for over 30 years, Israel is responsible for the management and financial performance of all lines of business including Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, and Popular Association Banking within South Florida.
When he isn’t actively engaged with employees and customers, he serves his community in a variety of ways. His positions include Past Chairman and Current Member of the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Greater Miami; Lifetime Honorary Member of the Board of Directors for the South Florida Chapter of the March of Dimes; Past Chairman and Current Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Center for Financial Training in South Florida; Current Member of the Board of Directors for the Florida Bankers Association. Israel is also a Member of the Florida International University President’s Council.
He has also been named to the Miami-Dade College Alumni Hall of Fame, recognizing his business achievements and extensive community activities.
Israel stresses, “We are a large bank, but operate as a small bank with a high touch customer-centric approach. We have all the products, technology, and services of a large bank, but the personalized service of a community bank. Popular Bank services both retail and commercial clients with an approach that is commercial-led.
He believes that what makes Popular Bank truly different is the bank’s excellent customer service. “As a niche bank, we have the best of both worlds – institutional depth of product with the ability of our customer to access senior management. Large banks simply don’t offer that level of access and attention.”
Popular Bank leverages its financial expertise to enable customers to focus on what matters most. The bank works side-by-side with clients delivering competitive retail and business offerings including Private Banking, Commercial Lending, Mortgage Services, Association Banking, Healthcare Financing, and Middle Market Banking. Popular Bank has branches in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, as well as 24/7 digital banking solutions.
What does success mean to you?
“Success is being focused on what you want to do and working hard to accomplish your goals. When you are passionate about what you do, the work is rewarding.”
Throughout his professional journey, Israel has been guided “by doing right” by his team and encouraging their development. “I believe in mentorship and fully supporting my team. I am fortunate that some of my team members have been together with me for over 30 years. Loyalty to each other leads to a strong working environment that fosters growth and appreciation.”
He adds, “I have been here for 18 years, and I can’t wait for what the future is going to bring. We love helping the business leaders in our communities and fostering their aspirations. South Florida is going through explosive growth and we love being a catalyst in that growth.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.popularbank.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popularbank/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PopularBank/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/popularbank
