On the way up: A BMO Premier Relationship Manager’s career journey
Talent & Inclusion
Updated 
3 min. read
If you’re looking for opportunities to grow your career, BMO is a great choice. Just ask Anthony Martinez of Fresno, California – after a short stint in the fast-food industry, he joined BMO as a teller, rising through the ranks to become a Senior Premier Relationship Manager in just seven years.
Anthony, tell us about what you do.
As a Senior Premier Relationship Manager, I’m responsible for our relationships with higher-net worth clients across three of our branches in California’s Central Valley. I manage their total BMO experience – from their investments to their day-to-day banking needs.
How would you describe the kinds of clients you service?
My clients typically have a portfolio of investable assets between $250,000 and $2 million. In the two branches I cover in the south side of the Valley, they tend to be in agriculture – mostly dairy farmers. In the Clovis area, near Fresno, they’re generally either business owners or retirees.
I grew up in the Central Valley, so it’s satisfying to provide BMO’s services to the people in this area. There’s a real need for it. Finance isn’t something we talk about here.
How does your role differ from others in the investment space – like Private Banking or Wealth Management?
Premier Relationship Managers are the single point of contact for our clients. We work hand in hand with colleagues from Private Banking or Wealth, helping them deliver the right solutions through a deep understanding of our clients’ needs.
Because I have a holistic view of our clients’ finances, and I work across different lines of business, I can bring my clients the best of what BMO has to offer. It can make a real impact on their financial progress.
What attracted you to the Premier Relationship Manager role?
After a period as a branch manager, I was looking for a new challenge, and my manager suggested I explore opportunities on the Premier Banking side. When I started studying for the securities industry licensing exam, I discovered I found the investment field really interesting. Knock on wood – it’s been a great experience for me so far!
What kind of people would be suited for a career as a Premier Relationship Manager?
It’s more about your interests and your commitment to delivering great service than it is about your background. I studied kinesiology in college, and I spent the early years of my career as a store manager and trainer for a fast-food chain. I transitioned into financial services because I saw an opportunity to make a difference for people in my community, and I’ve been able to progress because of my drive.
In your view, what sets BMO apart from other banks?
The great thing about BMO is that we have the capabilities of a top 10 North American bank, but we deliver an individualized experience. If you’re coming to a BMO branch every couple of weeks, we’re going to get to know you by name. It feels personal. It feels local.
Why is BMO a great place for ambitious people to grow their careers?
The openness of senior leaders, and their willingness to go the extra mile for their people, is just amazing. I’d never experienced that kind of culture before, and it’s really helped my career progression. My market president, in particular, has been a great mentor to me.
Learning and development is a priority at BMO. I’ve been promoted into more senior roles, and now I’m pursuing an MBA. If you’re disciplined, and you’re willing to put the work in, this is definitely a place where you can succeed.