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James Fitch
Assistant Vice President, Talent Acquisition at First American Equipment Finance
Professional Background
James Fitch joined First American Equipment Finance in 2016, bringing with him a wealth of experience in talent acquisition, human resources, and customer service. As the Assistant Vice President of Talent Acquisition, James plays a crucial role in shaping the company's recruitment strategies, ensuring that First American not only attracts the best talent but also retains it. His leadership at First American is pivotal as the company exemplifies a commitment to excellence and innovation in commercial equipment financing, serving some of the most sophisticated clients across the nation.
First American Equipment Finance operates as a subsidiary of City National Bank, which is notable for its strong values and corporate culture that resonate throughout the organization. James’s endeavor to uphold a superior workplace atmosphere aligns seamlessly with the company’s aspiration of being the best company to work for and work with. This bold vision serves as a guiding principle in all operational aspects and interactions with clients.
Under James’s influence and leadership, First American has consistently earned accolades, emphasizing its status as a premier employer and a leader in the finance industry. These acknowledgments include being ranked #2 in FORTUNE's Best Small/Medium Workplace in Finance & Insurance in 2020, and under his tenure, the organization achieved remarkable recognition as the #1 Best Company to Work For in New York for mid-sized businesses in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Such honors represent just a handful of the company's impressive accolades, which also include rankings in FORTUNE's Best Medium-Sized Workplace in the U.S. and Selling Power's Best Companies to Sell For.
Education and Achievements
James's educational foundation contributes to the profound impact he has within his organization. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Keuka College, a program that equipped him with critical business insights and managerial skills essential for navigating complex organizational structures and human capital management.
In his pursuit of ongoing professional development, James completed a certificate program in Recruiting, Hiring, and Onboarding Employees from the University of Minnesota. This specialized certification adds to his credentials, providing him with advanced knowledge and techniques in recruitment and human resource strategies, which are vital to his role at First American Equipment Finance.
His professional journey includes significant positions such as Corporate Recruiter at Paychex, where he honed his recruitment skills. His tenure at Paychex also included roles in Human Resources and National Sales Support, which equipped him with a robust understanding of various operational aspects that are instrumental in attracting and retaining top talent. Earlier in his career, James began his professional journey as a Customer Service Representative at Sutherland Global Services, providing him with a solid grounding in customer interaction and service excellence.
Achievements
Throughout his career, James Fitch has made remarkable strides in the field of talent acquisition and workplace culture enhancement. His leadership practices at First American Equipment Finance have not only contributed to the organization's positive workplace environment but have also solidified its reputation as a top contender in the finance sector. James actively collaborates with teams to foster a culture that prioritizes employee engagement and satisfaction, which in turn enhances productivity, innovation, and client satisfaction.
Given the accolades mentioned, such as the recognition from FORTUNE and Selling Power, it is clear that James's contributions have been instrumental in establishing First American Equipment Finance as a leading employer within the finance and insurance sectors. His ability to develop a strong recruitment framework and streamline onboarding processes has substantially improved hiring efficiency while ensuring alignment with the company's values and culture.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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