As he enters the final months of his career, McQueen also steps back and looks at the many accomplishments achieved by the whole of Wells Fargo Equipment Finance. He notes, “Since the time I joined the organization, we’ve grown the business at a double-digit compounded rate every year … somewhere in the 12% to 13% range. When I came in 1994, the portfolio was about $850 million and today, it’s $20 billion.
“When I think about the people who have been here for 15 to 20 years, they have played a very big part in that success. We have very low turnover and a very high morale. It’s a great environment and people enjoy working here. It’s gratifying to have been a part of that.”
In terms of advice to those who are either in the beginning or middle stages of their careers in equipment finance, McQueen offers, “The first thing I’d say is enjoy the business. I’ll say it again … it’s a great business, it’s fun and the people in it are great. It can be stressful and there’s a lot of change. Still, take the time to enjoy it.”
As for the change, McQueen advises, “Try to take full advantage of the changes rather than bemoaning the changes as they come along. The changes are certain to come and it’s important to remember, everyone else is experiencing them at the same time you are.”
In McQueen’s estimation, he saves the toughest advice for last. “Have a balanced lifestyle. It’s easy to get tied up in the business. We compete hard in this business and it can take up a lot of your time. I tell everyone, there are really three parts to your life: your job, your family and your life with your spouse or your personal life outside of your job and family. This is the hardest one of all because you spend as much time as you can with your family and probably more time at your job. This third one is the tough one to focus on, but it’s important to remember to do that as you go through life.”
And McQueen knows from whence he speaks. McQueen has been married to his wife Nell for 37 years and together, the couple has raised two daughters. “Both of our daughters are in their 30s, they are both married, have college degrees and have great jobs. They both live in the Twin Cities … so that makes it really nice.”
As for what’s next, the man who has always thrived around planning and implementation says, “Right now, I really don’t have a plan. After these many years in the industry, I suspect I’ll find a way to stay engaged, but for now it’s about finishing out the year. I’ll take a little time off and think about what’s next.”
Figuring out what comes next, McQueen notes, could be challenging in and of itself.