How do you see your business – intermediary of corporate finance - going forward over the next quarter?’
… very busy, but for the wrong reasons. In the oil & gas services sector I spent a lot of time in, business is terrible, so refinancing based on reduced cash flows is both difficult and expensive. Most lenders aren’t lending, and those who are have tough terms. There is some debt forgiveness, lots of CCAA and re-financing. The challenge, the key, is to survive. Like the downturn in 2008, we’ll see some lenders leave this market, get out of the sector or disappear altogether [eg: GMAC, GE]
And over the next five years?
… I can’t tell you. If the economy and oil patch strengthen we’ll see lots of lenders back in the market. In terms of how business is done, I don’t see any big changes coming. It’s a real relationship thing – creating relationships.
What qualities distinguish your preferred colleagues, collaborators and suppliers?
... I like to deal with clients prepared to take advice, and implement it. I’m not a price-shopper. I want good service, and products, at a fair price.
What distinguishes you that causes people to choose Ron Hymers, and why do they do business with you, why have they hired you, over your competitors?
… experience and reputation. Over forty years' experience in capital markets – and a great referral list of happy clients …
How would you describe your leadership/management style?
… professional/collaborative. I love meeting people. Some people are a fit, some aren’t!
What do you lose sleep over, what do you worry about?
… not much these days. But still, worrying about my clients – and where the next deal is coming from. We eat what we kill, don’t get paid until we complete transactions …
Who or what influenced you most – that has made a difference in your life, or that was a major turning point?
… a defining moment – a song. God Bless The Child by Blood, Sweat and Tears. That powerful lyric has inspired me: “I’m going to make it on my own”. And Allan Side, my boss at Mutual Life – gave lots of latitude to do things as you thought they should be done.
Work-life balance – do you have it?
… now? Yes. I used to be, of course, at the beck and call of clients and staff. I traveled most weeks. I’m a ‘million-miler’ with Air Canada.
For fun?
… golf and tennis [Ron’s wife Deborah, once a ranked junior, rarely allows Ron to win a set], travel to California and Maui. I used to run but now my back and hips have me sticking to the treadmill at the Y.
What do you read?
… fiction. I like spy novels. Like writing of Clive Cussler and Ted Bell.
His ride?
… we’re a one car family. 2013, I think, Nissan Rogue.
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