Phillip Adeniyi Sangokoya
Asset Manager – New Market & Historic Tax Credits
US Bancorp Community Development Corporation
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge Magnet High School
Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School BSBA
(Double Major in Marketing & Entrepreneurship and a Minor in Psychology)
RBC Young Professionals (Leadership 100 and Steering Committee Member)
United Way Young Professionals (Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society)
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In short, what do you do?
Asset and Relationship Management for a diverse portfolio of New Markets and Historic Tax Credit equity investments made through U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation. I review audits and financial statements to assess investment quality and risk to sustain growth and profitability. I also coordinate site inspections and meetings with community and economic partners to ensure program compliance and asset quality.
What progress do you see in the financial services industry in supporting minority and women-owned businesses?
In order to truly see progress in the financial services industry in supporting minority and women-owned businesses, there will have to be more strategic unity within minority communities. Through their buying power, communities are able to provide financial support for their own local businesses which should in return provide jobs, investments, and/or other resources into the community. Where there are consistent and equitable resources to promote and sustain both financial literacy and financial empowerment in our all of St. Louis communities, there is progress.
Tell us about your customer/client service philosophy.
My philosophy about customer/client service is centered on the fact that it is actually a strategic collaborative partnership between the buyer and the seller within the community. Once you see customer/client service as part of the partnership, you realize that there must be a mutually agreed upon personal “code of conduct” between each party despite the control or influence that one may have over the other.
What sowed the seeds for your interest in fostering entrepreneurship and community development?
It is important to always consider what your purpose is in life given your experiences, culture, background, and your environment. I was able to realize my passion for fostering entrepreneurship and community development by listening to the needs of small business owners, community organizations, and other individuals. Through sincere conversations, I was able to connect the dots to how best to provide value to the community using my knowledge, skills, and my network. We all have a specific and strategic part to play when it comes to cultivating community development. As co-founder of BRAND of St. Louis, I am merely walking in faith towards what I believe my particular role to be.
What’s your favorite St. Louis activity or destination?
My favorite St. Louis activity includes the volunteer work I do with the Business Resource Association for Networking & Development (BRAND) of St. Louis. This social enterprise partners with entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community groups to promote and support economic empowerment within local and regional communities. Volunteering with BRAND of St. Louis has allowed me to experience diverse networking events, panel discussions, business mixers, and other exciting events around St. Louis that I may not have experienced within my typical comfort zone.
