Phil Muscato

Phil Muscato

Rochester Market President and Commercial Sales Leader, KeyBank

Years in current role: 2.5

What has been your organization’s biggest success over the past year?

Our revised National Community Benefits plan, which we re-instituted this year. We’ve committed $40 billion dollars over the next five years. These funds will be used to support first-time home buyers, small businesses growth and highly focused on CRA opportunities. It’s a great feeling to know you’re connected to an organization that is committed to the communities we serve.

What are your expectations for the next 6-12 months?

To be honest, I’m expecting the unexpected. With the current state of our economy, not really knowing what will occur in the world of finance, I think this will give folks an opportunity to perhaps pay closer attention to interest rates, the stock market and even their own portfolios. I know for myself I need to make sure that all markets are in tune with whatever changes take place and that we’re prepared for whatever or wherever these changes will take us. 2023 will certainly be a year of that — change.

What advice would you give somebody just starting out in your industry?

Take it slow. Learn. Absorb. I’ve seen so many starting off and wanting to achieve what has taken some years if not decades to accomplish. If you attempt to rush to success you’ll make unnecessary errors; that’s where frustration enters. You’re not looking to set someone up for failure; take it all in stride. Try different roles, become a complete banker. Self-educate, take advantage of classes available to you. Try something that makes you uncomfortable. Like the old saying goes: “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

What is one personal goal you have for the next year?

I’d like to see the Bills win the Super Bowl!

I’m studying a new language, so I’d like to be a bit more proficient than I am at the moment. I plan on traveling a bit overseas and I think knowing and understanding the language of another country can make the experience all the better.

What are your favorite things about Rochester?

I’ve really come to enjoy the people of Rochester — so very diverse. Great restaurants — breakfast at Jines. Cocktails at Char at the Strath. Playing a round on the East Course at Oak Hill. Walking on Park Avenue anytime of the year. Driving through the streets during the holidays — East and Douglas don’t get any better. Christmas Carol at GEVA, Holiday Pops. If you haven’t done or tried any of these things, than you’re truly missing out on what Rochester has to offer.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 30 Banking & Finance list for 2022. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.