January 12, 2021
COB alumni land at same company, bring leadership lessons
Brandon James (BSBA ’12) and Michael McGilvary (BSBA ’11) are both from Clemmons, North Carolina. Both are College of Business (COB) graduates, and both are proud Pirates. Today McGilvary and James work for Marzano Capital Group, an investment firm that helps people plan for their short- and long-term financial goals. McGilvary and James tell us that two key lessons learned at the COB, teamwork and relationship building, play major roles in Marzano’s success.
“This team approach is rare in our business,” said McGilvary.
To the delight of the COB, both have decided to start giving of their time to the COB. Below is their story.
Tell us about yourselves.
Michael McGilvary: In 2010, I had an opportunity to intern as a financial advisor at Marzano Capital Group my junior year at East Carolina and the COB. While there, I was able to get involved and learn a little bit about the industry.
I graduated in 2011 and moved to Charlotte, where I did some small business accounting work for about three years. I decided that I didn’t like being tied to my desk and wanted to have more interactions with people and get back to a face-to-face job. So, I made the jump in 2014 and started as a financial advisor with a Charlotte-based firm. I made cold calls, knocked on doors and built my book of business. Then in 2016, Jon, the managing principal at Marzano, called me and said, “Hey, man, my dad’s retiring and you interned with us. You’re a financial advisor at another firm, I’d like to have a conversation with you,” and luckily, I was able to make the jump.
Brandon James: I was at Appalachian State during my sophomore year, and I got a phone call from some people that I knew who wanted me to become a partner in their business. I then decided to leave school, jump into the business world and become a franchise owner of a large franchise across the country and the globe. When I did that, I promised myself and my parents that I would continue with school and finish my degree. I took about a semester off just to kind of learn how to run a business. I enrolled the following semester in online classes with ECU’s COB since they were the leader in online delivery. I then took one to three classes every single semester and summer session from 2005 until 2012. In the meantime, I successfully had three franchises, got married and had my first child. For graduation, we all came down to Greenville. My one-and-a-half-year-old daughter was there. It was really cool.
That was the only time I stepped foot on campus at ECU.
The impact of continuing just to push forward, plow through and finish my degree was rewarding. I really appreciate my time at the COB, the classes, the instructors, and all that I learned while doing it virtually.
After over a decade in the franchise world, I sold my business and decided to enter the financial services industry with a large broker dealer. I have a passion for helping people and this career is so rewarding in that regard.
What did you learn while at the COB? What are some of your best takeaways?
McGilvary: Mock interviews. It was one of those things I could not stand doing, but it was one of the best things the College of Business did for me as I look back. We would have to conduct mock interviews with other students. The professors would put us on the spot and conduct an interview sometimes during class. It was tough because you had to think on your feet, but you must go through it and thinking on your feet is what we do on a day-to-day basis.
Even though I did not like doing it at that point, I look back now and realize it was a perfect way of helping prepare students for what will happen once they get out in the business world.
James: I would say the online component of my education. It’s one thing when you’re face to face, but when you’re meeting with someone who may be in a different state and coordinating who is doing what, the takeaway of managing that time and those relationships helped me and continues to help me as I navigate the world that we’re in today.
What were some of your favorite memories at ECU and the COB?
McGilvary: I was on ECU’s varsity track team. During a track meet in Orlando at the University of Central Florida, it felt good to be a Pirate because the team started to develop a comradeship. All year, we focused on acting more like a team. We all did very well at that track meet.
Being part of that team helped prepare me to work professionally in a team environment.
James: The business law class. Most people think it’s a boring class to sit through. However, I like to know the ins and outs of how things are supposed to be and not supposed to be. I think that business law class was eye-opening regarding the real world and how things are supposed to operate.
Why did you want to stay connected with the COB?
James: It’s just the desire to give back. As a former Boy Scout and Eagle Scout, I’m now a board member and work with the Eagle Scout alumni committee. I’ve given back to the next generation of scouts coming up. I want to do something similar with the COB. If students wonder what career path is for them, how can we shepherd these young Pirates trying to figure out the career path that will be rewarding to them?
McGilvary: I’m just trying to make sure that that next generation of Pirates is coming in fully prepared. The COB is doing that, but having some like-minded folks in the business world and having been in the finance world for several years, maybe we can offer some insight and just help give back a little bit.
Why do you think it’s important to stay connected with the COB?
James: The importance of building professional relationships early is huge. I am a firm believer that it is absolutely who you know, not necessarily what you know. Now, what you know can help because you need to be educated, and you need to know what’s happening. However, having those relationships and building friendships and professional relationships with people who may or may not be on the same career trajectory can accelerate your career. I’m here now because I met Mike through the chamber of commerce, and he said, “Hey, check out what it’s like on the independent side.” Sure enough, here I am, and I’m thrilled to be here.
McGilvary: As Brandon said, you never know that building your professional network is so important nowadays, especially in our current work environment.
You just never know what opportunities are around the corner.
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC, Investment advice offered through Independent Advisor Alliance, a registered investment advisor. Independent Advisor Alliance and Marzano Capital Group are separate entities from LPL Financial.
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