Get to know Eric Duran, Managing Director, Public Finance Banker
Eric talks about navigating challenges and creating opportunities for future generations.
1. Can you describe your role and key responsibilities?
I lead a team of bankers who work with charter schools, independent schools, and school districts to help them finance their capital needs and projects. On any given day, I might be meeting with clients, touring school sites, jumping on a plane, or running numbers in the office.
2. What motivated you to pursue a career in finance, and what keeps you passionate about your work?
I love solving hard problems, and it’s important to me that all kids have access to great schools. It can be very challenging for new schools to secure their financing, and I’m motivated every day by the opportunity to help them reach their dreams.
3. What do you like most about working with charter schools?
Charter schools play an important role in stimulating innovation in education. I’ve had the chance to work with schools that serve very different communities, such as schools for children with disabilities, Montessori schools, STEM schools, and classical academies. Every child is different, and I love being able to help create high-quality options that reflect what different communities want for their kids.
4. What skills do you believe are essential for success in your field, and how do you cultivate them?
At the end of the day, our work is all about relationships. It’s important to have the skills to work with the numbers, but I can’t be successful without the ability to listen to what people need and problem solve with them. I’m always working on building relationships, because even if we can't do a deal today, we might be able to do one down the road.
5. Can you share a memorable project or deal you’ve worked on and what made it stand out?
One of my favorite projects was an arts school on the south side of Chicago. Common — a well-known actor and rapper — helped get the school started as a way of “paying it forward” for kids in Chicago who want to pursue a future in the arts. The arts are a great way to engage kids in learning and give them opportunities to develop both their academic and artistic skills.
6. How do you balance the demands of your job with your personal life, and what strategies do you use to manage stress?
My job can be stressful, so it’s important to stay focused on my health. I try to exercise at least three to four times a week. It’s also helpful to keep a sense of humor and spend time with my family; they keep me grounded.
7. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
This is close to my heart, as my daughter is just starting out in the finance field. I tell her to remember that it takes time to build the deep understanding of the technical parts of our work as well as the important relationships that will help her be successful. Work hard, even if you have to miss a few dinners at home. Develop the resilience to bounce back from failures and stay focused on what motivated you to join the field. We get the opportunity to help people build lasting legacies in their communities.
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