FIU Magazine - Spring 2000

In a highly competitive field driven and judged by the bottom line, Gerald Grant ('78 B.S. Management, '89 MBA) has always maintained a keen focus on the human side of business. It's an approach that has paid off.

Last year, Grant, a vice president and district manager for the Florida/Caribbean region of AXA Advisors, LLC, one of the world's leading investment managers, was ranked in the firm's top 3 percent in sales nationwide, placing him among the top 222 of 7,400 sales representatives.

"My commitment, my passion, is to customer service," he recently explained at his Kendall office. "We need to treat our clients the way we would want to be treated. Dedication to the client makes the difference that enables success."

Grant's approach is not restricted to nine to five. His philosophy of helping people is reflected in his active civic involvement. He is past president and a current board member of the Florida International University Alumni Association, treasurer of the 100 Black Men of South Florida, member of the Miami-Dade Urban Bankers Association, and board member of the Urban League of Greater Miami. In recognition of his civic involvement, Grant was recently named the 2000 winner of AXA Advisors - Miami/Fort Lauderdale Branch's Community Service Award.

A self-described "people person," which is readily apparent in his affable and warm nature, Grant initially studied accounting at FIU but switched to management when he sought a career with more interpersonal contact. A student during the early years of the University, he fondly recalled the intimate and competitive atmosphere of his classes. He also credited the vital contributions of FIU faculty, particularly Lynda Raheem, who served as an advisor and role model over the years. Shortly after graduating in 1978, when he was in the parking lot of Burdines, Grant met the individual who became his personal mentor: Leroy Borofsky, an executive in Burdines finance department, would help guide his career over the years.

"He helped me see how I could become a mentor for others," he said. "The more you help others, the more they help you."

After receiving his undergraduate degree, Grant entered banking, serving as a branch manager with Great Western Bank and being named "Branch Manager of the Year" for two consecutive years. He then moved to Citibank, where he held the position of branch vice president and cluster manager. After 11 years in banking, during a time of major changes and downsizing in the industry, he joined Equitable Companies.

"I wanted to make the transition into the investment field," Grant said. "It offers you more tools to meet clients' needs."

Last year, Equitable launched its new brand, AXA Advisors, LLC, to represent the broad range of financial products and services offered through its network of financial professionals. As district manager, Grant is responsible for a number of financial advisors in Miami and personally provides services to small business and professional clients.

"It's always valuable to have an investment plan and to constantly improve on what you've had before," Grant commented. "So even if you don't always hit it (on every investment), you can still do pretty good."

In addition to counseling his clients, Grant finds time to counsel and mentor community adolescents through his leadership involvement with 100 Black Men of South Florida.

"We act as guides to teach them to do what we do," he commented, recalling the important role Borofsky played in his life as his mentor. "We hope that if we are effective, they'll learn the value of mentoring and mentor others as well."

Grant is also proud of his contributions to his alma mater through the Alumni Association. "I always wanted to see the board (of the Association) improve," he said. "There are many things the Association can do for alumni. One of the biggest changes I thought I accomplished as president was to improve the effectiveness of the board."

Grant stressed the important role his family - Jennifer, his wife of 19 years, daughter Jasmin and son Gerald III - has played in his life. Reflecting on his accomplishments to date and his belief in the importance of community service, Grant affirmed one of his core philosophies: When you help others, you help yourself.

"If you ever want to achieve something, just do it - despite the obstacles," he said. "Once you start, others will come to your aid to make it happen. I don't think of what I do professionally as working. I'm helping other people and doing what I love to do."