Paul W. Kamor

Senior Investment Advisor/Investment Manager

PNC Institutional Asset Management

Paul W. Kamor oversees the execution of PNC’s investment advisory solutions to clients within the business segment. His key responsibilities include directly managing a group of investment advisors, maintaining close working relationships with clients, leveraging PNC’s investment process to develop investment programs designed to help clients achieve their investment objectives and supporting the development of new business opportunities. Paul brings an extensive background in the field with over 35 years of experience in the investment area.

Paul graduated with a Bachelor of Science in economics and finance and with a Master of Business Administration in finance from The University of Scranton.

Paul says that ultimately an interest in customer service is what led him to a career in banking. He began working at the age of 12 at a local movie theater and then at a supermarket until graduating from college. “The customer service skills I learned became a bedrock of what I enjoyed and wanted to pursue as a career. I always had an interest in the functioning of the US economy and its implications in daily life. I acted on this interest in college by earning degrees in Economics and Finance. I ultimately chose a banking career because it took these interests and allowed me to combine them with what felt was my calling. Helping people and organizations manage their finances and reach their goals is my passion,” he said.

Paul found his way into the banking and finance industry through a management trainee program. The program was broadbased but the bank needed help in the Trust Department. He commented, “This allowed me to gain great experience as a new employee in managing investment portfolios.

However, I quickly learned there is a big difference in book knowledge relative to practical experience. My education was helpful in embracing what I needed to know but it was the mentorship of Ken Krogulski, Joseph Dougherty and Murray Barnett that made the biggest difference. Their mentorship, guidance, experience and knowledge were better than any formal class,” he said.

Paul believes that understanding a client’s investment objectives means understanding the client you are serving. “It is important to understand the client’s financial goals and objectives, and assess the level of risk they are willing to assume. Once you determine these factors you can begin building an investment portfolio to realize their objectives. After a client shares their experiences you can appreciate who they are and what is important to them. Building on this knowledge and experience of finan-

Continued on page 80 cial market behavior, as well as the experience of other clients, helps in making sure investments are positioned appropriately. So, it is not a program but more an understanding of who you are serving and why,” he said.

According to Paul, business clients typically become interested in investing when their working capital begins to accumulate. “Starting a business is incredibly challenging and risky. Most small businesses assume risk in the early stage of their cycle. Once their business becomes successful, business owners tend to focus more on investing for defined objectives, like acquisitions, retirement and buyouts. So just like life, investing has a life cycle. Regarding the younger generation, understanding and becoming more educated in financial matters is essential. I feel the basic instruction of finance should begin in the junior and senior year of high school. It is critical that we educate our students concerning every day financial needs,” he noted.

Paul says that his days are never boring. A