Brian Love’s journey from aspiring filmmaker to a leading figure in community banking executive recruitment is a testament to the power of storytelling and adaptability. Growing up in a tight-knit Jewish community before relocating to central Pennsylvania, Love found solace and expression in making home videos with his siblings. These early experiences honed his skills in leadership, creativity, and connecting with people, traits that would later define his professional life.

After studying communications and film at Temple University, Love’s career took an unexpected turn. He transitioned from managing Blockbuster stores, where he combined customer service with his passion for movies, to the banking sector. Starting at Citizens Bank, he quickly realized the parallels between storytelling and financial services. Both require understanding people’s needs and building trust.

Love’s banking career flourished as he moved through various institutions, including Conestoga Bank and Bank of America, before finding his stride at Customers Bank. There, he embraced an entrepreneurial spirit, focusing on deposit growth and team leadership. His success in banking was rooted in his ability to connect with clients and colleagues, much like he did in his filmmaking days.

In 2015, Love joined Travillian, a financial services search and strategy firm. Leveraging his banking experience and storytelling prowess, he excelled in executive recruitment, placing over 70 professionals in key roles. His approach is deeply personal, understanding each client’s narrative and aligning it with the right talent.

Beyond recruitment, Love contributes to Travillian’s growth by mentoring colleagues and expanding the firm’s services. He collaborates with industry experts to advise banks on succession planning, board development, and strategic initiatives. His unique blend of creativity and financial acumen continues to shape the future of community banking leadership.

For a deeper dive into Brian Love’s inspiring journey and insights into banking leadership, read the full profile on Banking+.