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Jason Baba, Branch Manager

Why did you choose financial services?
I chose financial services because I wanted to work in a stable and profitable industry where a big part of the day was spent helping people. Eleven years ago, I started my career as an insurance agent at an insurance company. After a year, I joined RBC as an Investment Advisor and five years later became an Assistant Branch Manager while continuing to work with clients. In 1999, I became a Branch Manager in Edmonton and have recently been appointed to manage Alberta's largest branch in Calgary.

Why did you choose RBC?
What drew me to RBC's full-service brokerage were the products and services and quite honestly, the people. I knew that RBC was a strong and profitable wealth management firm, that they reinvested in their business and that they made good acquisitions. I knew that RBC was a solid firm to work for and that was what I wanted out of my career. I wasn't interested in working for a firm that took undue risks or didn't have a plan for future growth.

Why did you become a Branch Manager?
I became a Branch Manager because I wanted a new challenge, a new opportunity. I knew that I really enjoyed working with other Investment Advisors, basically working with people. As a Branch Manager, my focus is on helping Investment Advisors build their business and achieve their goals, while keeping an eye on the bottom line. I'm here to help coach our team of Investment Advisors and support our corporate objectives. I knew I could do that as a Branch Manager at RBC.

What is your greatest challenge as a Branch Manager?
My greatest challenge as a Branch Manager is hiring the right people and then helping them create a solid foundation for their business. Getting the first $10 million on their book is the most difficult part for any Investment Advisor starting out but seeing them achieve that milestone and seeing their confidence grow is what's rewarding for me.

How does RBC support you in your success?
At RBC, I've been able to progress within the organization thanks to the support and training that is provided, both in person and through online channels. I find that our head office is very helpful and supported me when I wanted to make the transition from Investment Advisor to branch management.

What makes RBC Investments different from its competitors?
The biggest difference for me is the strong focus on the bottom line of our company, both at the private client division level within RBC Investments and at all levels of RBC Financial Group. This bottom-line focus allows us to reinvest in the business, which is good news for both employees and shareholders. It also allows us to offer the best products and services to our clients because of the size and the strength of the organization.

RBC's philosophy of having professional branch managers is a definite advantage for the Investment Advisors, clients and the firm. Branch Managers can focus on their role as coaches and facilitators who help Investment Advisors build their business and better serve their clients. My role is really about helping people do their best and RBC gives me the opportunity to do that.

What would you say to a person starting out in the industry today?
I would tell someone starting out that there's business opportunity in every activity you do so be active, try a lot of different things and figure out what works for you.

What is the most important attribute someone should have to be a successful Branch Manager?
I would say patience and understanding are the most important attributes of a Branch Manager. Every Investment Advisor runs their business differently. As a Branch Manager, you have to be adaptable to different business approaches that exist within your group. You also have to be consistent and continuously talk to Investment Advisors and branch staff about their challenges and concerns. I think what's most important is to be out there talking to people all the time because that's how you will be able discover what's working and what isn't.

What makes you successful?
I think it has to do with being a good listener and constantly communicating with people. I try not to get bogged down in administrative detail so that I can get out there and talk to people, especially those just starting out.

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