This former Tech track athlete now goes the extra mile for his clients’ financial stability as president of Shreveport’s Argent Trust.
Title: President of Argent Trust - Shreveport
Hometown: Shreveport
Now resides in: Shreveport
Degrees: Bachelor of Science, Accounting, 1973; Master of Business Administration, 1974
How I got to Tech: Many of my friends were going to Tech, and I had visited the campus several times and really liked the atmosphere. I also wanted to be on the track team and was offered the opportunity to walk on. Coach Jimmy Mize is a great individual and coach and has been a mentor to many young athletes. His influence and encouragement helped me decide to attend Tech.
How I chose my career: Even though I majored in accounting, I was really more interested in pursuing something in the financial field. When I checked on banking opportunities in Dallas, I found that to be considered for the larger bank trust departments, you had to be either a CPA, an attorney or have a master’s degree, so I decided to get an MBA with a focus on finance. Ultimately, an opportunity closer to home was offered to me by The First National Bank in Shreveport. I began my trust career there in the summer of 1975. I’ve enjoyed helping people manage their assets and establishing their assets for future generations. It has been a rewarding career, and many clients have become close friends.
How we have adjusted in the current economic climate: We at Argent have always focused on the basics of quality, diversification and determining the appropriate amount of risk for each client. Nevertheless, in an environment like we have been in for the last year, clients have a lot of questions and concerns. Argent has many years of experience managing money, and this experience helps us put economic downturns into perspective for our clients. We provide our clients guidance through the good times and bad, which helps them remain steady during an economic crisis.
Where I see myself five years from now: I see myself continuing to work as part of the Argent team. I believe that we have a great company and an excellent staff, and I want to be part of that team providing financial services to families and businesses throughout our region. Although I could change my mind, I do not see retirement in my future in the next five, or even 10, years. I want to stay active and productive and continue to serve our clients as long as I am able.
My best memories of Tech: Athletics have always been a big part of my life, so I believe that my best memories of Tech center around all of the various athletic events. I particularly remember traveling to track meets in the old Tech station wagons. It is nothing short of miraculous that we survived those trips. I had the opportunity to witness firsthand many great athletic performances in all Tech sports. I also have great memories of being part of the growth of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes on campus. It was a privilege to be part of an organization whose purpose is “to present to athletes and coaches, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the Church”.
My advice to incoming freshmen: Don’t waste the opportunity that is before you. The older I get, the more I realize how important education is to your future, so don’t neglect studying. Be friends with everyone but choose whom you allow to be your influence. Be a positive influence on others. Develop friendships that will last a lifetime. Have fun within boundaries that are good for you.
