Donald Porter, 83, chairman and co-founder of Porter Capital, passed away on August 31, 2022. A private family service will be held. Donald Porter, with his brother, Marc Porter, founded Porter Capital Corporation, a secured lender, in 1991, with Donald Porter managing the New York operations and Marc Porter overseeing the office in Alabama. Donald Porter returned to Alabama in 2012 and was active in the office until 2020. He continued to be involved in the corporate direction, as chairman of the board, until his death.
Prior to founding Porter Capital Corporation, Donald Porter owned and managed a construction bonding company. He also had a diverse career in finance, including property development in New York City, 11 years as an underwriting member and a name at Lloyd’s of London, insurance bond underwriting, investment management and asset-based lending. Donald Porter was also an accomplished and prolific author, publishing 13 books of fiction and non-fiction.
Around the office, Donald was known for his intellect and risk management skills. He was dedicated to the financial success of Porter Capital.
“Donald dug deep into deals and asked the hard questions. He had extensive knowledge of the industries we serve, and his experience was always a tremendous value add to our credit meetings,” Scott Romanowski, CFO of Porter Capital, said.
“I was fortunate to have worked with Donald,” John Cox Miller, SVP and national sales manager at Porter Capital, said. “I joined Porter Capital shortly after college and his questions always challenged me to be more prepared when working with our prospects and clients. He was a friend and inspiring mentor and will be missed by us all.”
“Donald was always inquisitive on the mechanics of business. For example, he was active in pairs trading and studied the causes of a price spread between two similar securities,” Bill Hairston, chief counsel at Porter Capital, said. “He was an intellect, an active learner, who had a deep knowledge of finance but particularly factoring, it was his life.”
“I will remember fondly all the years we worked together, side by side,” Marc Porter, brother and president of Porter Capital, said. “We built a great company that continues to grow. I personally and the Porter Capital family are deeply saddened by Donald’s passing and we extend heartfelt condolences to his wife, Diane and their two daughters, Katherine and Victoria.”
