07/13/2006 by Angela Woodford
The saying that "leaders are made, not born" may be true, but some people seem to be naturals. They possess an effortless charisma and energy that works magic on motivating their peers. Meet Brett Sheffield.
Midlo Faces - Brett Sheffield Featured Photo: Brett Sheffield By Angela Woodford, special correspondent
Featured in July 13, 2006 print edition
The saying that "leaders are made, not born" may be true, but some people seem to
be naturals. They possess an effortless charisma and energy that works magic on motivating their peers. Meet Brett Sheffield. Sheffield is quick with a joke, and he has a contagious enthusiasm for his work and for life in general. But
he's very serious about making sure Midlothian businesses have a voice in government, growth and transportation issues.
A commercial loan officer for Peoples Bank of Virginia, Sheffield is the driving force behind the Western
Chesterfield Business Alliance. The growing group of Midlothian professionals is devoted to education and collaboration on local business issues. "The focus is on people who live, work and play in the western Chesterfield business corridor,"
Sheffield said.
WCBA was formed in 2004 when Sheffield first started at Peoples Bank. He was looking to join a Midlothian version of the Southport Association business group, but discovered none existed. So, given his experience
working in the state's economic development office, his colleagues suggested he start one. With help from county offices and Napier Realty, Sheffield got the word out and found officers. The WCBA held its first meeting in 2005. Sheffield is
president of the group. He and all other officers are volunteers.
Sheffield has always been drawn to the fields of banking and economics. He graduated from James Madison University with a double-major in political science and
economics in 1989 and has been in banking and business development ever since.
"One thing I've always liked about banking is the ability to feel like you're making a difference," Sheffield said. "In lending, people come to you
because they have a problem. Your job is to help them find a solution by being a partner with them...the partnership enhances their ability to be successful." He said when customers come to the bank for a loan, he gets to know them. Before he
asks about business ideas, he asks about the person behind them. "You've got to be believable and your idea has to be believable," he added.
Commercial lending is not just a transaction, Sheffield stressed - it's a relationship.
He
wants customers to know he will call them six months down the road to see how their plans are evolving.
"This is your baby. This is your dream," Sheffield continued. He holds his hands up to his face like blinders on a
racehorse.
"And you look at it like this." Sheffield moved to Richmond in 2000 from Charlottesville, where he worked at F&M Bank. He currently lives in Midlothian with his wife and three children, ages 4, 7 and 8. He coaches Little League
Baseball and
plays softball. He spends a good part of his evenings reading bedtime stories to the kids, but when he can fit in a little reading of his own he delves into American history books.
Sheffield was born in
Charlottesville, but grew up
living all over the country as an Air Force brat. He said he's glad to call Richmond home, and his wife has family here.
"Richmond is close to the beach and the mountains," he added. "It has a great
park system and lots of
entertaining things to do with the family. It has a great climate and great schools. It's just a nice place to live."
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