What does community banking mean to you?
Community banking is in my blood. I grew up watching my grandfather, father and uncle meet with local businesspeople to see what their business needs were. As a community banker, I live in the area I serve. Our bank provides fast and friendly service that is personalized for individual and business needs. Being locally owned and operated, our bank is able to make quick and informed decisions for our clientele. As a community bank, we also place a strong focus on reinvesting in our communities to grow and remain strong. This local investment helps create jobs and support businesses in the area. Being active in our community creates long-standing relationships with customers, schools and businesses, while fostering future generations of customers.
How long have you been involved with MIBA?
Our bank has been a proud member of MIBA since 2017.
What goals do you have as president, and what can members do to help you reach them?
As president, I will continue to work towards safeguarding community banks so they remain competitive with mega-banks. I would also like to help in any way to increase membership of MIBA to create an even stronger network of community banks in the state of Missouri. Members of MIBA need to be active in state legislation, so community banks are not burdened with excessive regulatory requirements.
What are the benefits of membership in MIBA?
MIBA has many benefits, the most important being the collaboration with other community bankers. There are endless opportunities to brainstorm, discuss, plan, implement and solve issues which are unique to community banks. The education that MIBA offers is also vital to successful bank operations with educated staff members. Finally, the legislative and regulatory representation protects community banks, while working with lawmakers to create policies that are favorable to them.
From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges facing the industry today, and how can MIBA help address them?
One challenge banks face today is fraud. Banks will continue to fight unauthorized transactions, phishing scams, identity theft and cybersecurity issues. Bank employees will need continued education on the type of fraud that is happening and how to identify it. Most importantly, all staff members will need to be vigilant with the safeguard processes the bank implements to protect customers, accounts and the bank. New challenges will arrive with AI fraud, and banks will be tasked with trying to stay ahead of the game with safety protocols. MIBA can help our community bankers stay on top of the latest and greatest tools while providing education to remain competitive in the financial sector and try to avoid issues of fraud.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
The most rewarding part of my career has been the ability to help individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals. Watching customers grow their wealth, open businesses, build homes, purchase land, invest and acquire more farm ground, among other things, makes our banks’ hard work worthwhile. All of these opportunities allow us to give back to the community members who help with our success. It is an honor to help schools, sports teams, food banks, fundraisers and other local organizations.
What is the best advice you have ever received, and how was it applied in your daily life?
Having my father, Don, as my role model helped me become who I am both personally and professionally. One piece of wisdom that he often shared with me is a famous quote from Mark Twain: “If we were meant to talk more than listen, we would have two mouths and one ear.” I use this advice both professionally and personally. Throughout the years, I have learned that people need to be heard. My employees, children, wife, or friends may come to me with a problem or a hard decision, and the most important thing to do is listen. Often as I listen, the person is really working through their decision and actions. It builds trust and shows the person they are valued. It also helps reduce conflict as worries are vocalized before they become bigger. Most importantly, it helps others and me become better problem-solvers. Having this open communication then allows me to make accurate and impactful decisions, if needed. Being a leader who listens helps create a positive work environment and reduces stress that can occur in any workplace.
How do you manage to balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?
As president of the bank, it is important to set boundaries with the understanding that flexibility is always important. When I am out of the office, customers and team members can reach me via cell phone, email and other online platforms. On the flip side, when I am in the office, I am available to my family when needed. Today’s technology really helps me easily stay connected while spending time with family and friends. In a family-owned business, there is always a fine line between professional and personal time, but I try to always be 100% present in whichever role I am engaged in.
Any last thoughts for the community bankers in Missouri?
Use the benefits that you receive with MIBA membership. There are many educational and networking opportunities that can help you make your bank better than ever. We are all in this together, and hearing issues and solutions that other banks have may help you with similar issues, while what you face may help others.
