The OnPoint Spotlight is an ongoing blog series that highlights our employees and celebrates the drive and personality of individuals on our team. It’s one way we show appreciation for their hard work and achievements while helping our community get to know the people who make things happen here at OnPoint.

This week’s employee spotlight is on Bryan Tran, Member Service Representative at the Hollywood Branch. Bryan was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and is a basketball connoisseur—if not playing the sport, he’s watching or chatting about the latest hoop buzz. He is also the baby of five siblings, so he loves a good underdog story. Bryan is a financial wellness advocate and loves educating others on essential money topics that are often not taught in school. He tries his best to get out in the community and cover these topics with youth and nonprofit organizations so they can prepare for life more efficiently.

Here’s what Bryan had to share about his life and time at OnPoint:

What were you doing before joining OnPoint or taking on your current role?

Before joining OnPoint, I was in the automotive industry for about three years, started as a detailer/lot attendant, and made my way into sales and financing. I’ve always been interested in educating and helping the person before me, especially regarding finances and life-changing decisions. Before that, my first job was at Chuck E. Cheese, but that’s a story for another day. I’ve been with OnPoint for a little over a year now, and time has truly flown by; in this short time, I have encountered many unique opportunities to impact my community positively. I started as a Teller, grew into a Branch Service Specialist, and was most recently promoted to Member Service Representative.

I’ve been able to educate and volunteer at numerous nonprofit organizations such as Youth Villages, Junior Achievement of Oregon, Financial Beginnings of OR & WA, and Portland Workforce Alliance. I’m very fortunate enough to have landed here at the Hollywood Branch. They welcomed me with open arms and have supported me since the first day I arrived. A team with diverse mindsets and a willingness to help others is hard to beat. My goals in my new role remain the same as my first day here; I continue to grow myself, my community, and those around me.

Who inspires you?

My mom is diligent, self-sufficient, and fearless and always puts everybody else’s needs before hers. Growing up, I watched how hard she worked with her consistency and drive, waking up every day with no complaints, just grateful for another opportunity to improve. As I get older, I understand how much she has sacrificed and gone through for me and my siblings to receive a better chance than she ever had. If I can be half of the person she is, I know I’ll be good in this lifetime. That’s my rock.

What are your favorite hobbies or activities?

I love the game of basketball! I have a brother who’s two years older than me, and we grew up watching and playing the sport every day. Whether it’s NBA 2k (a basketball video game) or on the actual court, we would find a way to surround ourselves with the game. Don’t ask him who is better though—he won’t admit it.

What is your favorite movie?

The Pursuit of Happyness, starring Will Smith, is a film I first watched in middle school. It left a long-lasting lesson I still tell myself to this day: If you have a dream and believe you can do it, protect that dream and go get it. Most importantly, I never let someone limit me on what I can do. If you tell me I can’t do something, I’ll tell you to watch me.

What is your most memorable vacation?

I went to Vietnam last year with my parents and was privileged to reconnect with my family for the first time in over twenty years. I was also able to visit where both my parents grew up and learn more about my family’s history and my parents’ life before coming to America. I ate so much authentic food that tasted just like home. It was a trip that surrounded me with so much love and joy; by far, it was the most memorable vacation I’ve ever had.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give others about life?

Wake up every day and be grateful for all that’s in your life. There are people out there who would love to have your bad days.

Are you interested in joining our team? Learn more about a career with OnPoint.