My Story
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Perserverance - My Journey
Since I was a child in The Bronx and Harlem, I’ve always held onto a dream, a belief, and a vision: to control my own destiny through business. From an early age, I understood that this path required mastering the language of money. Money wasn’t just currency; it was freedom, opportunity, and a key to shaping my future. I knew that if I could understand it, I could change the trajectory of my life.
Every step of the way, I sought knowledge. For each milestone I wanted to reach, I called on the university—whether in classrooms, from books, or in the school of hard knocks. “Teach me what I need to know,” I’d say, and with every new experience, my toolkit of expertise grew. Finance, entrepreneurship, and investment—each subject I studied and each challenge I faced—were another armor that fortified me for the journey ahead.
But it wasn’t always easy. My journey wasn’t without its obstacles, and plenty of people doubted me or, worse, tried to block my progress. There were the haters—those who believed I didn’t belong in those spaces, who saw me as an outsider in the business world. But I was undeterred. I used my knowledge like a key to unlock doors they tried to shut. Each obstacle was a lesson, each setback a stepping stone. I didn’t just survive those challenges—I thrived because of them.
As I started to find success, something incredible happened: I realized that what I enjoyed most wasn’t just the accomplishments themselves—it was sharing what I had learned. I loved teaching. There was an unmatched satisfaction in helping others navigate their own challenges, in seeing that spark of understanding light up in someone else’s eyes. I began teaching worldwide, and I discovered that empowering others truly fulfilled me.
Today, I get to share what I know and uplift others who are also on their own journeys, and it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my life. Teaching gives me purpose. Teaching, inspiring, and seeing others rise is a good feeling. And the success that comes from it—seeing people take control of their own destinies—that’s the best feeling of all.
Gary Rushin, CPA
Notable Accomplishments
Revitalized The Terrill Manufacturing Company: Successfully led the turnaround of a 70-year-old architectural woodwork and casework manufacturer, restoring profitability and driving growth.
Manufacturer of the Year Award: As CEO of The Terrill Manufacturing Company, received the prestigious Manufacturer of the Year award from the Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Employer Award of Excellence: Honored with the Texas Workforce Solutions Employer Award of Excellence (Concho Valley) by the Texas Workforce Commission for nearly doubling employment at The Terrill Manufacturing Company.
Economic Expansion Award: Recognized by the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce for driving a 23% increase in revenue at The Terrill Manufacturing Company, earning the Economic Expansion Award.
Transforming KENROB Information Technology: As CFO, successfully transformed KENROB Information Technology Service Company, significantly increasing liquidity and EBITDA.
Strategic Acquisition Negotiation: Successfully negotiated the acquisition of Waltco Engineering in Gardena, CA, for Holman Industries, expanding their capabilities and market reach.
Leadership at Terrill Manufacturing: As CEO of the largest Black-controlled architectural woodwork and casework manufacturer in the U.S., I led the turnaround of this once family-owned West Texas company, making it an industry leader.
Business Turnaround Expertise at KENROB: Leveraged my expertise in business turnarounds and restructurings as CFO of KENROB Information Technology, Inc., driving financial stability and growth.
Representation on Major Creditors’ Committees: As a business restructuring specialist, represented the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) on the creditors’ committees of once-prominent companies, including Memorex Telex Corp., Lone Star Industries, and two major airlines and receiving an award from the John F. Kennedy School of Government and the U.S. governmentt Hammer Award.
Teaching Experience: A Global Classroom
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been the opportunity to teach and inspire aspiring business leaders across the globe. I’ve had the privilege of teaching accounting and finance to executive-level MBA students in the U.S. and China, covering various specialized topics such as Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), accountancy, and financial risk management.
My teaching journey has taken me to some of the most prestigious academic institutions in China, including the campuses of the University of Peking, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Tsinghua University. From Shanghai to Beijing, from Fuzhou to Tianjin, and from Guangdong to Lijiang, I immersed myself in sharing my expertise with eager minds in cities across China, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Fujian, and Henan. Each city, each classroom was an opportunity to ignite curiosity and foster a deep understanding of the intricate world of finance.
My teaching endeavors extended beyond China as well. In Hyderabad, India, I taught MBA students at Wesley-Post Graduate College, affiliated with Osmania University. Here, I led courses in Accounting Analysis and International Accounting Standards, introducing students to the complexities of global accounting practices and helping them understand how these principles shape businesses worldwide.
The excitement of stepping into these classrooms was palpable. I wasn’t just teaching theories or imparting textbook knowledge; I was drawing from my personal experiences, my successes, and even my failures. I wanted my students to see the real-world impact of financial strategy and business acumen. I wanted them to understand that the lessons they were learning weren’t confined to the classroom—they were tools that could change their futures, just as they had changed mine.
Through these experiences, I learned that education is not a one-way street. Teaching executive MBA students in China and India wasn’t just about giving—it was about receiving, too. I gained insights into different cultures, diverse business landscapes, and the unique challenges faced by companies and individuals across the globe. It was an exchange of ideas and an opportunity to broaden my own perspective while empowering others. The world became my classroom, and I cherished every moment of it.
Bank Advisory and Consulting Experience
My journey also includes impactful advisory and consulting roles that shaped financial systems and contributed to economic development on an international level.
Banking Advisor to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana: Under the auspices of the World Bank, I had the privilege of advising the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, the central bank of the country. I authored all Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) prudential regulations in a nation that lacked mature bankruptcy regulations and depository insurance, ensuring alignment with Basel I standards. My work spanned a variety of financial entities, including savings banks, credit unions, foreign exchange bureaus, acceptance houses, venture capital companies, discount houses, building societies, mortgage finance, leasing, and finance companies.
To strengthen the country’s financial system against default and systemic risks while ensuring depositor protection, I re-engineered the Bank’s supervision methodology using a modified Uniform Bank Rating System. Additionally, I designed risk-based capital adequacy requirements and established a Self-Regulatory Organization to oversee over 500 credit unions. I also crafted comprehensive training programs and standardized reporting frameworks for bank regulators, significantly enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of financial oversight in Ghana.
Consultant to the African Development Foundation (ADF), Washington, D.C.: As a consultant to the African Development Foundation, a U.S. government donor agency, I developed critical financial models to aid ADF personnel in the proper accounting, forecasting, and reporting of Micro-Finance Institutions and Small/Medium Enterprises, ensuring compliance with GAAP standards. I provided essential training in credit analysis, prudential investment, and credit underwriting to ADF economists and country officers, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions. Additionally, I advised the President of the ADF on the formation and structuring of a private equity fund targeted at Sub-Saharan Africa companies, aimed at fostering economic growth and development across the region.
These advisory roles allowed me to apply my expertise on a macro level, directly contributing to the strengthening of financial frameworks and economic resilience in emerging markets. They were professional experiences and opportunities to create tangible, lasting impacts that would benefit entire communities and economies.
Investment and Commercial Banking
For me it all started, as a summer intern at the Irving Trust Company, 1 wall Street, across from the Trinity Church. This changed my life and I loved it.
My career path led me through the world of investment banking and international commercial banking And I gained significant expertise in corporate finance, middle-market lending, and international credit. I learned MONEY.
- BNY Mellon (Formerly The Irving Trust Co.) – Corporate Financial Counsel and International Credit Departments: At Bank of New York/Mellon, I worked in both the Corporate Financial Counsel and International Credit Departments. I provided financial advisory services to corporate clients and conducted credit assessments for international transactions. This role allowed me to hone my skills in evaluating complex financial structures and providing strategic advice to clients navigating international markets.
The Chapman Company (Former Affiliate of Deutsche Banc Alex Brown) – Director of Corporate Finance: As Director of Corporate Finance, I was responsible for advising corporate clients on capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic financial planning. I worked on structuring complex financial transactions and guided companies seeking growth through equity and debt instruments. My role was instrumental in helping businesses navigate the intricacies of the financial markets and secure the capital they needed for expansion.
Wachovia Bank (Formerly Signet Bank) – Assistant Vice President, Middle Market Lending: At Wachovia Bank, I served as an Assistant Vice President in the Corporate Banking Group, focusing on middle-market lending. I worked closely with mid-sized businesses to understand their financing needs, develop tailored lending solutions, and foster long-term banking relationships. My credit analysis and risk management expertise ensured that clients received optimal financial solutions to support their growth objectives.
Bank of America (Formerly First Republic Bank/Dallas) – International Banking Department: As a Credit Analyst and International Commercial Lending Officer in the International Banking Department, I provided financing solutions to multinational corporations and facilitated cross-border transactions. My role involved assessing creditworthiness, structuring international loans, and managing relationships with clients in diverse industries. This experience gave me a deep understanding of global trade, foreign exchange, and the complexities of international finance.
These roles in investment banking and international commercial banking were pivotal in shaping my understanding of the global financial landscape. They provided me with the skills to assess risk, structure financial solutions, and help businesses grow—skills that have been invaluable throughout my career.
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