Phil Muscato

Phil Muscato

Market President & Corporate Sales Leader, KeyBank, N.A.

Years in current role: 2

What’s been your biggest success?

Changing careers from a PGA Professional to banking. At the time I entered this industry the only thing I could basically do was balance my checkbook. Along the way I was lucky to have been surrounded by colleagues who took a vested interest in me. I really fell in love with the job when I took a business banking role. To be in a position to assist small businesses and help them grow gave me a sense of accomplishing more than just receiving a paycheck. From there it gave me the drive/desire to keep pushing myself to the next role.

Who have been the biggest mentors in your career?

For starters without question it was my father. The work ethic he instilled in our house growing up —whether it was school related, sports or an after-school, part-time job — we followed his lead. And even though he passed years ago it has shifted to my family and in my day-to-day responsibilities. Never take anything for granted. On the business side, David Flaum was such an inspiration and someone who took the time to have deep/meaningful conversations about the world of business. His acumen and knowledge he shared with me is something I always treasure.

What are your hopes for the Rochester community this year?

I hope our area small businesses can make it through this pandemic. The tenacity they’ve shown is unbridled. I’ve also been impressed with local charities and the creativity they’ve shown to keep our community engaged. It’s amazing when communities like Rochester face so much uncertainty yet instead of laying down people are coming up with ideas so revolutionary that most likely they’ll become the new norm. It’s wonderful and inspiring to see.

What do you do to unplug in your free time?

Golf has always been a huge part of my life and I’m lucky enough to live in an area that shares my passion. I have the best of both worlds of being a member at the Canandaigua Country Club where I learned how to play the game and at Oak Hill. But I really enjoy cooking. My wife and I love entertaining, which allows me the chance to cook a variety of dishes. I probably spend the majority of my weekends and holidays in the kitchen cooking for my family.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 100 list for 2021. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.