Bankers Security (BSI) was founded in 1981 by Chris Thatcher. What started as a vault door and bank lock company quickly evolved into a full-service bank equipment company servicing the Midwest. Chris loved to teach and share his skills with anyone who wanted to learn; his peers and bankers have kindly referred to him as a security expert. One of his many talents was working on vault door time locks; the skills required for this job are similar to that of a watch/clockmaker. Companies from across the United States would send Chris their time locks to be repaired and serviced. Today, Chris’s son and grandson are proud and honored to carry on his vision since his retirement in 1997.
“My father developed a tremendously loyal customer base,” said Mark Thatcher Sr., President and CEO. “Customers enjoyed the advantage of his 20 years of experience, enhanced by the personal touch of a family-owned business.” Sustaining continued growth over the years, the company has remained true to its mission of building a lasting relationship with its customers through its products and the unrivaled services they provide.
We recently sat down with Mark Thatcher Sr. and Mark Thatcher Jr. and talked with them about their business, life and hobbies. What follows are excerpts from our conversation. We hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as we did.
Mark Thatcher Sr.
Mark is the President and CEO of BSI. His day-to-day responsibilities include company operations, working with office staff, and, his favorite, entertaining clients. Mark owns a boat and enjoys taking his clients out on The Lake of the Ozarks, a place he has frequently enjoyed over the past 21 years.
Do you have any hobbies?
Besides boating, I love designing. Right now, I am designing a home made out of shipping containers. Over the past few years, I have designed and built temporary and mobile banks, and ATM enclosures from shipping containers. This hobby provides me with a great creative outlet that is multi-dimensional and allows my work and play to blend.
What are some of your company’s strengths from your perspective?
My father started this company with an excellent service mentality. We have tried to maintain that throughout the years. Along with service, we have also been able to “think outside the box,” which has been very successful in finding solutions to our customer’s needs.
Do you have a favorite client success story?
In the very early years, it was just my father and me. The company was struggling to make it. BSI, at the time, had a silent, unlisted number; somehow, a banker found us and called us for some lock work. That one job put us over the hump, and we never looked back. That customer is still with us today and is one of our biggest accounts.
How long have you been a member of MIBA, and what do you see as the benefits of membership?
We have been a member of MIBA since the mid-80s. We were one of the first to join and exhibit at the conventions. Our membership has been a huge part of our growth, along with establishing strong and close business relationships.
Have you had important mentors during your career so far? Who were they, and what was the most important lesson you learned from them?
I would have to start with my father; he taught me not just the skills part of our business but how to make customers happy. There have been many others as well. Some have passed on, and I fondly remember them, while others remain my very dear friends to this day.
What three recommendations would you have for someone if you were mentoring them?
- Create good customer relationships and always do a little more than is expected.
- Learn patience.
- Work hard and don’t quit.
Do you have any last words summarizing your thoughts for anyone reading your article?
My 40th year with BSI is this March. My son, Mark Jr., likes to say, “One year in bank equipment is like dog years, so it’s actually like 280 years.” BSI has pretty much defined my life, professionally speaking. I love this industry, and I care about the clients we serve. I truly enjoy helping customers solve their needs through typical solutions or by different and creative means.
Mark Thatcher Jr.
Mark is the BSI Sales Manager. His day-to-day responsibilities include customer relations, sales training with the staff, various administrative duties, researching new technology, and quoting large jobs — pre-sale and on-site.
How did you get into the industry?
In 2006, I left a successful sales job and came to work with my family at BSI. I started working with my grandfather on vault door preventive maintenance. From there, I went on to the installation of all bank equipment, then project management and coordinating installations, and working on large projects. To this day, I always have a hard hat and tool bag in my truck, just in case.
What are some of your company’s strengths from your perspective?
Our caring culture sets us apart. The culture that my grandfather started still exists here almost 42 years later. Our team is passionate about customer service first, and the same passion for our industry is a really close second. Industry peers across the U.S. are discussing the innovation that takes place here, and that is a testament that we are doing right by our clients.
Do you have a favorite client success story?
Recently, one of our customers had a hook-and-chain attack that left their ATM out of service and unrepairable. We just happened to be storing one of their spare machines and used it to swap out the damaged one. Within hours, we moved 2,500 lbs. of concrete and steel, placed the new machine, and had the ATM up and running.
How are you and your company involved in the community?
A cause we feel very strongly about supporting, and is near and dear to us, is the Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America Chapter. We support their research and believe in their purpose of finding ways to help those close to and caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Our involvement with associations also includes Folds of Honor, Segs 4 Vets, and several scholarship programs. Finally, many of our FI customers contact us for help supporting their local community programs. We are always happy to give back to the communities we live and work in.
What do you see as the benefits of MIBA membership?
One of the benefits of the MIBA membership is that it allows us to get a glimpse of what our customers are seeing and being challenged with, which helps us become a more educated and better supplier.
Have you had important mentors during your career so far? Who were they, and what was the most important lesson you learned from them?
My father and grandfather. They taught me persistence and patience. My grandfather also taught me about something he thought was important: showmanship. He said, “Anyone can do this job, but doing this job professionally is where the difference is made.”
What three recommendations would you have for someone if you were mentoring them?
- If this was easy, everyone would be doing it.
- Be patient … If that doesn’t work, be more patient.
- If you are meant for this industry, steps one and two come naturally.
Do you have any last words summarizing your thoughts for anyone reading your article?
The way my grandfather started this company is the American Dream. I am proud and thankful to be a part of that legacy. We are grateful for our employees, customers, and business relationships.
BSI is proud to mark three generations of trusted service. In addition to their Kansas City headquarters, their growth includes satellite offices throughout the Midwest (Omaha, Denver, Springfield and St. Louis) and access to over 300 years of collective experience. They are opening their doors to new markets, bringing the strength of products developed for financial institutions to other industries and individuals. BSI customers enjoy the peace of mind they receive, knowing they are protected by the highest quality security products and services on the market.
To learn more, please visit bankerssecurity.com.
