EPISODE 8 WITH JESSE TAM: BUILDING A LEGACY THROUGH COMMUNITY BANKING
- defyingtheoddspodc
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
MEET JESSE TAM
Jesse Tam is a banker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist with decades of experience in the financial industry. As an immigrant from Hong Kong, he came to the U.S. with only $300 and built a successful career in banking, founding multiple community banks along the way. Now, he is leading the creation of United Diversity Bank, dedicated to serving immigrant and minority communities. 📌 LinkedIn Profile 📞 Work Phone: 1-206-948-9902 📧 Email
DEFINING THE ODDS: JESSE’S PERSPECTIVE
"Defying the odds is about vision and perseverance. When you walk into a dark tunnel, most people turn back. But those who see the light at the end keep moving forward—step by step—until they emerge stronger on the other side."
Key Insight: Success isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about facing them head-on with persistence, adaptability, and the right community by your side.
FROM IMMIGRANT TO BANKING LEADER: A STORY OF DETERMINATION
A NEW BEGINNING IN AMERICA
Jesse’s story begins in Hong Kong, where he was born into a family of bankers. However, growing up under British colonial rule, he quickly realized that he was not a citizen of the place he called home.
Determined to find a true home and a place where he could build his future, Jesse left Hong Kong at 17 years old with just $300 in his pocket. He arrived in San Francisco, eventually moving to Idaho to immerse himself in American culture and pursue his education.
"I wanted to be a world citizen. I wanted to go anywhere, talk to anyone, and be part of something bigger."
TURNING A MAILROOM JOB INTO A BANKING CAREER
Jesse’s first job in America wasn’t glamorous—he worked in a bank mailroom, delivering memos and sorting letters. But he saw an opportunity where others saw a dead-end job.
✅ Memorized every employee’s name in the bank ✅ Used relationships to build connections and gain recognition ✅ Quickly promoted by senior executives who saw his drive
Within 18 years, Jesse founded his own bank in Seattle.
"It’s not just what you know—it’s how you create value for others. People need to know your name, and they need to know why they need you."
FOUNDING MULTIPLE BANKS & BUILDING COMMUNITY WEALTH
Over the years, Jesse founded and led multiple banks, including:
✔ United Savings & Loan Bank – His first bank, created to serve immigrant business owners ✔ First Savings Bank Northwest – Expanded banking services to underrepresented communities ✔ First Sound Bank – Focused on small business growth ✔ United Diversity Bank (Coming Soon) – A community-focused bank dedicated to financial equity
"Big banks look at numbers. I look at people. Banking should be about helping small businesses and families—not just making profits."
THE VISION FOR UNITED DIVERSITY BANK
Jesse’s newest project, United Diversity Bank, is a community-owned financial institution focused on serving immigrants, small business owners, and minority entrepreneurs.
📌 Plans for 2025:
Raise $15 million in capital to launch the bank
Provide loans and services to underserved communities
Support immigrant entrepreneurs in accessing financial tools and mentorship
Encourage local business growth through tailored financial solutions
"We’re not just building a bank. We’re building a financial home for people who are often left out of the system."
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM EPISODE 8
1. TREAT YOUR EMPLOYEES LIKE FAMILY
"People work harder when they feel valued. Whether it’s banking or business, your success depends on the team around you."
2. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS—THEY MATTER MORE THAN MONEY
"I learned early on that people don’t remember what you do—they remember how you make them feel. Relationships are the foundation of success."
3. OPPORTUNITIES ARE IN THE DETAILS
"Most people don’t read the fine print. If you take the time to learn what others ignore, you’ll find opportunities they never see."
4. ADAPT AND EVOLVE TO SURVIVE
"Regulations change. Markets shift. The people who thrive are the ones who can see change coming and adjust before it happens."
5. GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY
"I succeeded because people believed in me. Now, my job is to invest in others and give them the same opportunities I had."
CONTACT JESSE TAM
📞 Work Phone: 1-206-948-9902
Jesse is open to mentorship, business partnerships, and discussions about entrepreneurship, community banking, and financial equity.
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HIGHLIGHTING OUR SPONSORS
Speak with Power Consulting – https://www.speakwithpower.net | Victory Code – https://www.victorycode.co | Synergys – https://www.strattegys.com/ | Defy Ventures – https://www.defyventures.org |
Helping individuals unlock their full potential in communication, leadership, and business strategy. | Training formerly incarcerated individuals with coding skills for careers in tech. | Providing innovative business strategies for companies looking to scale and grow. | Transforming lives by providing entrepreneurship training for justice-impacted individuals. |
Until next time—keep pushing forward, stay resilient, and never stop defying the odds.
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