April 20, 2016
We’re excited to introduce our new Business Leader Spotlight series, where the Chamber team sits down to interview members that are the driving force behind San Diego’s business landscape. This week, we had the pleasure of meeting with Ernesto Arredondo, the San Diego Region President of Wells Fargo and the Chamber’s newest Board Chair.
As San Diego Region President, Ernesto oversees 55 retail stores with more than $5 billion in total deposits and $1.5 billion in total loans. In 2013, he was named a “Top 40 Under 40” business executive by San Diego Metro Magazine, and in 2015, he was recognized at the Latino Impact Awards as the “Volunteer of the Year” by San Diego Magazine. In addition to serving as the Chamber’s Board Chair, Ernesto also serves on the boards for Father Joe’s Villages, LEAD San Diego, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of San Diego County, and the American Red Cross.
Read what Ernesto had to say below:
What do you see for the future of San Diego business?
I see San Diego’s business community coming together with elected officials across all political party lines to ensure our city is one of the friendliest areas for business while – at the same time – continuing to attract business from different industries.
I think we’ll continue to foster a thriving work force that recognizes and promotes ingenuity while making sure all the great things that originate in San Diego are shared internationally.
What are you most excited about for Wells Fargo this year?
I’m excited about our ongoing work to build a stronger, more competitive Wells Fargo by making the company more effective, efficient, and focused on the customer.
We redesigned the online banking experience and began introducing free, ongoing access to FICO® Credit Scores for eligible credit customers. We also have unique opportunities throughout the year to work with our community partners. Through innovative programs we’re continuing our focus on supporting the development of our local communities while being guided by our vision of satisfying customers’ financial needs and helping them succeed financially.
Any advice for young professionals who want to be in your shoes one day?
Work hard and stay true to your moral fibers. Create a strong network of peers, mentors, and sponsors. Don’t be afraid to get out and meet new people. Surround yourself with people that think differently from you, that help you become more intelligent, and provide you with a diverse outlook. Put your people and teams at the center of everything that they do.
What book is currently on your night stand?
The Bible.
In a parallel universe, what career would you be in?
Career Military or Police Officer.
Which famous person would you like to take out for coffee, past or present?
Abraham Lincoln.
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A special thank you goes to Ernesto Arredondo for taking the time to sit with the Chamber team and answer our questions! Do you know a Chamber member with a great story to tell? Nominate them for a business leader spotlight by emailing Communications@SDChamber.org.