Bob Fenton

Chief financial officer, Solera National Bancorp Inc.

• First job: staff auditor

Fenton's first job out of college was at Price Waterhouse, providing companies in the New York tri-state area with operational and financial audits.

"I gained a detailed understanding of financial statements," he said. "I also was able to earn my certified public accountant's license, which the company paid for, during the two years I worked there."

Fenton says he received good training and was introduced to several industries.

"The hours were long and some of the work wasn't very challenging, but it was a great place to start, and the pay wasn't bad for the time."