James Merz

About James Merz

Specialties: Equipment Finance Equipment Valuation Risk Management

Experience

1. Sr Vice President - Head of Equipment Management

   Fifth Third Bank

   Oct 1991 — Present · Cincinnati, OH, US

   Since 1991, I have been very involved in establishing and managing prudent levels of risk associated with the residual and collateral values for all types of commercial equipment including machine tools, construction equipment, aircraft, railcars, marine vessels, mining equipment, medical equipment, trucks, trailers, plastic equipment, office furniture, etc. Special emphasis last few years in marine vessels and rail, but I maintain a broad scope of knowledge and network for a general portfolio.Since 2006, I have been the leader of the Equipment Management Group at Fifth Third Equipment Finance, which consists of twelve members of highly professional, officer-level, equipment appraisers, remarketers and other equipment finance experts.I am highly involved in forecasting residual values, managing a residual portfolio that exceeds one billion dollars for all types of commercial equipment, determining current values, negotiating purchase prices, engaging appraisers, performing inspections, developing residual risk philosophy, negotiating pertinent contract language both on a individual level and with my team, forecasting plan/budget, creating and managing policy and managing risk in a growth environment.I have simultaneously been the team leader of the Collateral Administration Group responsible for UCC, vehicle title, imaging/filing and other duties, consisting of 3 efficient, very experienced and professional collateral specialists.

Skills

• Commercial Banking
• Finance
• Portfolio Management
• Loans
• Commercial Lending
• Equipment Management
• Negotiation
• Financial Risk
• Asset Management
• Team Leadership
• Management
• Valuation
• Leadership
• Forecasting
• Risk
• Equipment Finance
• Financial Structuring
• Banking
• Risk Management