Pam Rubio
Vice president, private banker, Napa Valley region, Wells Fargo Bank, 1030 Main St., Suite 209, St. Helena, 94574; 707-967-9327; wellsfargo.com
Age: 58
Residence: Rutherford
Professional background: Banking
Education: Courses completed at Napa Junior College in Business Administration
Tell us about yourself and your company: I was born in St. Helena and have worked in retail banking in St. Helena for almost 35 years. I am a third generation Napa Valley resident. I am very community oriented, and I and have served on numerous boards throughout my career, such as the St. Helena Boys & Girls Club and the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce.
My commitment to the communities where I live and work is very important to me. I have always loved working with people and enjoy helping them achieve their goals.
That is why I love working for Wells Fargo Bank, because we believe when our communities succeed, so do we. In fact, last year Wells Fargo gave more than $1.5 million to schools and nonprofit organizations in Marin, Napa and Sonoma counties. My husband of 33 years, Chris Rubio, also works for Wells Fargo Bank and our son, Christopher, is an actor in Los Angeles.
Is there a major accomplishment in the past year or so that you would like to share?: About two years ago I took a big leap in my career and decided to leave a management position and take on a senior client-facing role within the Wells Fargo Private Bank. I have been able to focus my strengths and experience in delivering financial solutions to my clients, and this is very gratifying to me.
[caption id="attachment_75563" align="alignleft" width="162"] Pam Rubio[/caption]
What is the achievement you are most proud of?: I am most proud of serving on the St. Helena’s Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, and being a part of the recent completion of their new Club Facility in St. Helena.
What is your biggest challenge today?: Balancing my passion for getting involved with the local community and still having time to focus on my family and my career.
Words that best describe you: Perseverance
As a successful female professional, what were the biggest obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them?: I started my career fairly young, and it took time for me to build confidence in myself and be able to communicate persuasively. With time and practice, my confidence grew and I’ve been fortunate to have supportive mentors along the way who coached me.
How do you think your profession will change in the next five years?: I believe banking will be all about relationships and not products or services. Lifelong relationships are built one customer at a time.
Who was your most important mentor?: I’m proud to work alongside many talented leaders in the North Bay at Wells Fargo. These include Market President Greg Morgan, Commercial Banking Regional Manager Jim Kimball, and Regional Private Bank Manager Shawn Jones. These leaders have taught me many lessons about the importance of community, charting a career path, and helping me grow my business.
However, my first real mentor was many years ago as I was just starting my career, and his name was Ron Biagi. The one piece of advice that Ron gave me was to never lose sight of your family values. Ron sat me down and told me that family should always come first before your career. If you keep focus on that you will always be happy, but once you switch your priorities making your work first, you will eventually become unhappy. I have lived that advice and feel that is why I love my job and have continued success.
What advice would you give to a young woman entering your profession or the work world today?: Stay true to your values, don’t get discouraged and network with others. I believe partnerships are very important with colleagues and other business partners.
Most admired businessperson outside your organization: Actually it is a family that I admire the most, The Trinchero Family. The history of their success is amazing and their commitment to giving back the community is priceless. Their legacy will live on and continue with their children. Current reading: Life of Pi
Most want to meet: I would have loved to have met Mother Teresa
Stress relievers: Watching a good movie at home with my husband, Chris.Favorite hobbies: Reading and hiking
Is there something we didn’t ask that you would like to add? I would like to thank my husband, Chris Rubio and my son, Christopher Rubio for always supporting me in my career and being my strongest cheerleaders.
