Growing With Access: Bill Palmer’s Story

When William "Bill" Palmer joined Access Capital on July 27, 1998, he began his career with the company in the Collections Department. More than 28 years later, Bill is still an integral part of the Access Capital team, today serving in his role as Collateral Analyst Team Leader.

A lot has changed during those years, both at Access Capital and throughout the industries we serve. Bill's career has evolved right alongside the company.

Over the years, he transitioned from Collections, expanding his role and responsibilities before becoming a Credit Clerk, a Collateral Analyst, and ultimately Collateral Analyst Team Leader. Each step reflected the experience, knowledge and quality of work Bill brought to those positions, and the trust he earned along the way from his fellow colleagues and the Access Capital management team.

But when we asked Bill to share a favorite memory from his many years at Access, he didn't choose a promotion or professional milestone.

He chose The Giraffes.

More than two decades ago, Bill, Access Capital founder Miles Stuchin and several colleagues formed a group they called "The Giraffes." They practiced twice a week in Miles's office, rehearsing hit songs from the 1970s before performing for the company at an annual holiday party.

It's a memory that Bill still looks back on fondly today.

For anyone who knows Access Capital, the name "The Giraffes" has a special meaning. The giraffe became our mascot because giraffes stick their necks out, something that reflects our philosophy of going the extra mile for our clients and standing behind the businesses and entrepreneurs we serve….'For the Life of their Company'

In this case, apparently, it also made a pretty good band name.

That memory captures something else about Bill's 28 years at Access. Careers are built through hard work and accomplishment, but the years are also filled with people, relationships, traditions and moments you never expect to remember decades later.

When asked what comes to mind as Access Capital celebrates its 40th anniversary, Bill answered with one word:

"Growth."

As Bill put it, it's remarkable to consider where Access was 40 years ago and to see the company still going strong today.

Bill has had a front-row seat to much of that growth, but he has also been an important contributor to it. Over more than 28 years, his dedication, expertise and consistently high-quality work have contributed to Access Capital's growth and success, as his own career trajectory has grown right alongside the company.

From Collections to Credit Clerk, from Collateral Analyst to team leader, Bill's story represents something we are particularly proud of as we celebrate 40 years: talented people who have built successful careers, taken on greater responsibility, shared their knowledge with others and helped build Access Capital into what we are today.

Twenty-eight years, several promotions, countless clients and colleagues, and at least one unforgettable performance with The Giraffes.

We're grateful Bill has been part of so much of the Access Capital story, and even more grateful that he continues to be part of where we're going next.