Insights

Notes from
the search seat.

Occasional reads on hiring, credit and production talent, and the California community-banking market, from 25 years of doing one thing.

July 13, 2026

When California community banks merge, the lenders go into play

Six 2026 mergers have reshaped California banking, one announced today. Here’s the scoreboard, and what the consolidation wave means for lending talent.

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June 22, 2026

The long view: why I'll talk you out of the wrong hire

The fastest way to lose a placement is to push the wrong one through. Here's why I won't, and why it's the most valuable thing I do.

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More to come. New pieces post here as I write them.