By Greg Vuong and Madhav Sekar, Business Operations at Valon
If you looked at our profiles a few years ago, you might’ve guessed the next steps: banking → private equity → maybe business school.
We met as interns at Bank of America, worked side-by-side in investment banking, and eventually both ended up in PE. During the pandemic, we were still working late nights, just doing it over Snapchat video chats instead of in the office. We’d talk through financial models, life, and whether we were actually doing the kind of work we wanted to do long-term.
Spoiler alert: we weren’t.
We both craved something more hands-on. Something where we could own real problems and see the impact of our work. Greg made the leap first, joining Valon after a stint at Harry’s. A couple years later, Madhav joined too.
Why Biz Ops—and Why Valon?
Biz Ops can mean wildly different things depending on where you land. Sometimes it’s internal strategy, other times it’s a “catch-all” for leftover work. At Valon, Biz Ops is about ownership.
You’re responsible for a business area, and your job is simple: figure out what matters, then make it better. We’re expected to operate with autonomy, build from scratch, and take real accountability for outcomes. It’s not just slide decks and alignment meetings—it’s real work, real systems, and real results.
There’s a phrase we use often on the team: “willing something into existence.” That’s what we look for in candidates. Can you take a messy, undefined problem and execute your way to a solution?
How Our Past Prepared Us—Even If We Didn’t Know It
Banking and PE taught us how to navigate ambiguity, stay calm under pressure, and think rigorously about tradeoffs. Reading legal docs, building models, dealing with difficult stakeholders—it all translates surprisingly well to mortgage servicing.
Valon’s business is complex. It’s governed by tough regulations and high expectations. But that makes the problems more interesting, not less. You don’t need mortgage experience to succeed here. You need curiosity, drive, and the willingness to learn fast.
Lessons for Anyone on the Fence
If you’re reading this and you’re still in consulting or banking, we get it. We’ve been there. And we’re not here to knock those paths. But if you’re someone who craves ownership, wants to move fast, and is ready to actually build something, you owe it to yourself to look beyond the typical route. Valon is the kind of place where talented people stay and grow. Where the leadership executes exactly what they say they will.
And yes, we still catch up after work. But these days, we’re not talking about our exit opportunities. We’re discussing Valon.
If you’re interested in becoming part of Valon’s team check out our open career opportunities.
