Even the executive offices in Comerica Bank’s Dallas-market headquarters aren’t immune to the art and culture of The Big Easy. New Orleans native Terrance Henderson tilts back in his chair, gazes at his gallery style New Orleans Jazz Festival Art collection display and discusses what it means to be an SVP and assistant general counsel. Spending his time helping businesses solve problems and “putting out fires” daily, the University of Notre Dame Law School graduate works closely with the bank’s Small Business Lending Group. “My specialty is commercial finance, commercial lending, real estate, and business transactions,” offers the 10 year veteran.
The former banker who sits on the boards of the Southern Dallas Development Corporation and the Downtown Dallas Organization, is also a community advocate who offers pro bono services for several organizations.
“I assist [entrepreneurs] with contracts and [setting] up small businesses [and the] management … and operational aspects … Drawing up a business plan is the first step after a need has been [identified]. Next, know where you want to go with your business.”
Henderson warns that an entrepreneur shouldn’t try to “po boy” the administrative and legal components when establishing a business. “You should obtain professional help in setting up your business. The SBA’s SCORE unit is a … group that I promote. Experienced entrepreneurs guide you where you want to go [and] oftentimes there are lawyers that will assist a business that’s just getting started.”
The University of New Orleans and Tulane University graduate recalled what he says is the best advice he has ever received. “One of my mentors told me as a lawyer to always try and be the calmest person in the room. That way you can exercise your listening powers [and] find out some information that is germane [as well as] be the catalyst for resolving [issues].” –yvette caslin
