Each inspiring story highlights ways in which
each rider is making a difference in their communities
Aboard its 129th Rose Parade stagecoach and equestrian entry,
Wells Fargo & Co., (NYSE: WFC) featured three notable
riders—U.S. Marine Corps veteran Simon Kim, small business owner
Bianca Vobecky and Wells Fargo team member Gonzalo Aguilar. In
honor of the parade’s 2018 theme, “Making A Difference,” each rider
represents a real-life example of the company’s commitment to
improving the lives of its customers, team members and communities
it serves.
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Wells Fargo's 2018 Rose Parade Equestrian
Entry (Photo: Business Wire)
“We applaud Simon, Bianca and Gonzalo’s achievements, and were
honored to have them participate with us on New Year’s Day,” said
David Galasso, Wells Fargo’s lead region president for Greater
California. “These three remarkable individuals have each beat the
odds in their own way, and we are excited to share their
stories.”
Wells Fargo’s appearance in the 2018 Rose Parade included three
of its stagecoaches. For the first time since Wells Fargo has been
participating in the parade, each stagecoach was drawn by six
horses, rather than four, reflecting the company’s iconic imagery.
The first two appeared in the first 25 units. The third was part of
the Rose Parade’s closing show, sponsored by Wells Fargo, featuring
pop singer Andy Grammer.
Serving those who have served
Fulfilling a passionate dream to serve his country, Simon Kim
joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2006 and was deployed to Iraq in
2007. The lead gunner was awarded the Purple Heart commendation for
injuries sustained during his deployment, including a bullet wound
to his shoulder, shrapnel injuries and a concussion. In
collaboration with the Military Warriors Support Foundation, Wells
Fargo presented Kim and his son with keys to a new mortgage-free
home. The bank also partnered with the nonprofit and Southern
California Honda Dealers Association to surprise Kim with a new
payment-free Honda Accord during a float decorating event on Dec.
28.
“It’s a privilege to serve our nation’s combat wounded heroes
who served for us. However, we can’t do it alone. Together we can
accomplish what we can only individually dream, and through
collaboration with Wells Fargo, we are proudly improving the lives
of our nation’s heroes and their families,” said Ken Eakes
executive director of Military Warriors Support Foundation.
Propelling minority and women-owned businesses to
thrive
After working in the construction industry for a decade, Bianca
Vobecky started Vobecky Enterprises—a freight and general
contracting company that focuses on military, utility company and
government facilities—out of her home office in 2006. After moving
her business accounts to Wells Fargo in 2007, she collaborated with
her banker to learn about managing finances and improving both her
personal and business credit. Today, Vobecky Enterprises has nine
full-time and two part-time employees, and continues to grow
yearly.
Building economic opportunity for team members
Eight-year Wells Fargo veteran Gonzalo Aguilar is a customer
service manager at a downtown Los Angeles branch. After graduating
from an inner city high school in 2007, Aguilar was working in the
fast food industry. Still searching for his dream career, he
discovered BankWork$, a free training program supported by Wells
Fargo that helps adults in underserved communities prepare for
careers in the financial services industry.
Since joining Wells Fargo, Aguilar has been promoted four times.
He credits BankWork$ for providing him with the confidence to start
his banking career and the drive to grow professionally. “Nine
years ago, I could not have imagined myself as a banker,” he said.
“I’m really grateful for BankWork$ and the opportunities it gave
me, and for the bright future Wells Fargo is empowering me to
create.” In collaboration with JVS-SoCal, Wells Fargo conceived the
BankWork$ program. In 2014, the bank pledged to contribute $1
million dollars over five years to help support the program’s
national expansion into 15 cities.
New Year’s trip of a lifetime
Wanting to make this New Year’s extra special for one lucky
family, Wells Fargo conducted a national sweepstakes to award a
Rose Parade themed trip of a lifetime. Dallas-based Linda Mendoza
won, and the company flew her, as well as her son, daughter and
grandson to Los Angeles. In addition to roundtrip airfare and
accommodations, Mendoza’s family received grandstand tickets to the
parade, Rose Bowl Game tickets, passes to view the Showcase of
Floats and $1,000 spending cash.
Coincidentally, the trip’s memories are extra special for
Mendoza’s family. One of her children, who accompanied her, was
recently diagnosed with cancer.
About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a diversified,
community-based financial services company with $1.9 trillion in
assets. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy our customers’ financial
needs and help them succeed financially. Founded in 1852 and
headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking,
insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial
finance through more than 8,400 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the
internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 42
countries and territories to support customers who conduct business
in the global economy. With approximately 268,000 team members,
Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States.
Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 25 on Fortune’s 2017
rankings of America’s largest corporations. News, insights and
perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo
Stories.
View source
version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180101005073/en/
MediaJuan Lopez,
805-318-0270Juan.Lopez7@wellsfargo.com@JuanLopezWFGabriela
Lambertus, 305-619-8898gabriela.lambertus@wellsfargo.com
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