Banker reflects on long career — and his lucky break

Longtime Southwest Florida area banker David Hall believes his first day at his first job nearly 44 years ago was a major stroke of good fortune. All the more so because that day was July 7, 1977 — 7/7/77.

A recent University of Florida graduate, Hall showed up for his first day at CPA firm Haskins and Sells in Miami enthusiastic but with little means. “I had $1.25 to my name and one suit,” Hall recalls. He had no idea how he was going to pay the $5 for parking fee.