Senior vice president and commercial real estate lending officer Tracy Howren was recently recognized by the St. Louis Business Journal as one of their “Most Influential Business Women‡”. Here, she shares details on her career, how she discovered banking, success tips and what she loves about her work.
Tell us about your career with UMB.
Since joining UMB Bank nine years ago, I have had the opportunity to grow the Commercial Real Estate business in very rewarding and meaningful ways, including building out a very knowledgeable, passionate and successful team. This team has helped to fuel our collective growth and success.
In my current role as Director of Affordable Lending and Commercial Real Estate Regional Manager, I have helped grow UMB’s St. Louis Commercial Real Estate Group portfolio to $1.2 billion and have grown the team from just one — me — to five. In addition to working on Affordable Housing nationwide, our group also works with local St. Louis owners/developers to finance market rate multifamily, industrial, retail, and office properties.
Commercial Real Estate finance is a rewarding endeavor, in that our client’s work impacts communities in tangible ways. Real estate impacts quality of life, and how people live, work and play. Having a role in financing the built environment continues to inspire me to work hard to assist making our clients visions a reality, and better our communities along the way.
Did you always know you wanted to be in banking?
I did not always know I wanted to be in banking, but I have always enjoyed working with numbers and building relationships. I was an economics major in college and grew an interest in how markets work. When I graduated, my first job was as a credit analyst at a bank that was a heavy real estate lender. I kind of fell into the real estate specialty.
One aspect I love about banking is that I learn how different businesses and clients are successful, and in my role, I help contribute to that success.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to work in CRE?
My advice would be to stay curious and always keep learning. As with many industries, while there are certain fundamentals that stay constant, there are always shifting trends, preferences and new ways to address the needs of clients. In this industry, there is always more to learn.
Also, meeting people across the industry and building a strong network is equally important. I was told early in my career that if you wait to make a connection when you really need it, oftentimes it will be too late.
What does a typical day look like for you in the office?
I divide my time between advising and supporting my team members, spending time with clients, prospects, and community stakeholders, collaborating across teams within UMB and managing existing loans and investments. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn and to build relationships, which is what I love about the work.
Where do you like to volunteer?
I have been involved with CREW St. Louis‡ for 20+ years. CREW St. Louis is a networking and professional development organization that aims to advance all women in Commercial Real Estate. I am currently serving as an Advisory Board Member, leading the organization’s Legacy Board. The Legacy Board’s purpose is to engage the organization’s past presidents in the current chapter’s success. I am also leading a CREW Finance Circle, where members in the finance and banking industry gather regularly to share experiences in the industry.
I am also currently involved with a regional effort known as Housing First STL‡ to end homelessness in the St. Louis region. The goal of the initiative is to coordinate regional governments, service providers, local businesses, and health care organizations to improve outcomes in homelessness in St. Louis.
If you could dedicate more time to something, what would it be?
If there were hours in the day, I would do more of all of the things that I love and that drive me, including more time with family and friends, more time in deepening my work in commercial real estate and community development, and more time in serving my community.
Learn more about UMB and how “More defines us.”.
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