Meet David Berry of JPMorgan Chase in Greater Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Berry.

David, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Honestly, my foundation is my parents. They are both entrepreneurs who have worked side-by-side for over 30 years. I have watched them create something from little while maintaining humility, family focus, and community engagement. When I decided to study at Morehouse College, I thought about what would help me impact their businesses and other minority-owned businesses. This led me to find my passion for business and finance. Throughout my college years, I was fortunate to intern at multiple Fortune 100 companies. I found my purpose at JPMorgan Chase. I was exposed to a corporate structure that was unfamiliar given my parental entrepreneurial upbringing. I had options to work in any group in any bank, but I knew that working with local businesses would motivate me daily. Fast forward almost five years and I have been honored to partner with, advise, and lend capital to some of Georgia’s most impressive small to midsize businesses. I have clients whose futures I invested in and today they have tripled and quadrupled in sales, employee count, and community impact. It is truly humbling that my firm has recognized me as a National Top Performer, a Community Liaison, and one of the youngest Vice-Presidents to-date.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been smooth! I grew up facing obstacles that many people never knew about. One of which was weight complications which led to moments of deep depression as a teen. I lost over 75 pounds during my early 20’s and that showed me the power of perseverance and consistency. I also managed to overcome a learning disability as a child with those same focuses. My career-path is no different, there has been many obstacles. I was once told “obstacles do not block your path, but they are your path.” Professionally, I have always competed against and led teams of people much older. Being the first person in my region to take on a Vice-President level role in my early 20’s caused a lot of challenges… as you problem would think. Externally, I had to prove myself to others. Prospective clients, colleagues, and others doubted that someone my age, with no banking background, or internal connections could ever succeed in an intensive-client facing role. Internally, I had many moments of self-doubt, confusion, and times where I let other’s comments impact my morale. I have always been the type of person to outperform anyone who you put me up against, regardless of their strengths. I made a commitment to myself to become a National Top Performer in 1 year… from being at the bottom of the totem pole. I did just that. From that moment on, I refused to settle for mediocrity. I made a vowel to learn as much as I could to be the best partner to my clients… which led to a lot of sleepless nights.

Please tell us about JPMorgan Chase.
I work for one of the largest banks in the worlds. I have been able to grow quickly and impact Atlanta and our entire firm in many ways. My core role is a Relationship Manager in our Business Banking division. I advise, bank, and lend capital to businesses with up to $20 million in annual sales. From a start-up to a multi-national company, I am able to be fully engaged and add value regarding their finances and banking processes. What I love most is the impact I am able to have on my community. I represent our firm on community boards and serve as a delegate for multiple sponsorships. What’s most rewarding is my newest responsibility which is to help ensure that we create better pathways for minority businesses and communities throughout Metro-Atlanta.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I could start over, I would change two things primarily. Those are self-doubt and not enjoying the moment. Most people see me now and consider me a determined and self-motivated person. However, starting my career self-motivation was not always there. It slowed me down at times. It made me fold under pressure. Now, my motivation is from within. I know what I want, how I will get there, and I am focused on doing the right thing while getting there. One of my weaknesses is focusing too much on the future, the next step, and the next milestone. I struggle at times to breath, reflect and enjoy the moment. Now I am focused on taking time to enjoy myself, my family and my friends. I have committed to my physical, spiritual, and mental health and everything else has naturally fallen into place.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @_respectmygrind
• Other: linkedin.com/in/davidberry6

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