Where is your bank located? 

Peoples Bank of Wyaconda’s main facility is located in the northeast corner of Missouri in Kahoka. We have branch facilities in Wyaconda and Canton, also in northeast Missouri. Our market primarily consists of agricultural businesses and residential real estate.

What is something unique about your bank?

Our bank has a diverse display of taxidermy ranging from a bear to a moose, several deer, an elk, a mountain lion and a rattlesnake, just to name a few. Our customers really enjoy looking at the animals and hearing the unique stories behind each of them.

How did you get started in the banking business?

I began my banking career as a part-time teller at our Canton branch when I began my senior year of high school. I worked as a teller throughout the remainder of high school and while I attended college. Upon graduation from Culver-Stockton College, I was promoted to loan officer and then, about 11 months later, I was offered a position as a compliance officer based out of our Kahoka branch. I have held this position since November 2022.

What is the most important thing you have learned from this career so far?

There are so many different aspects to compliance, and it is nearly impossible to remember every detail of all the regulations; so, it is most important to know where to go to find an answer when I am unsure.

What prompted you to begin a career in banking?

Banking and finance have been my passion for as long as I can remember. I have always been interested in saving money and watching it grow. I knew that banking would be a great fit for me. 

What is the most interesting thing you have learned from this transition to the banking industry?

I have learned so much about banking in my nearly eight years with Peoples Bank. Working for the best bank in northeast Missouri continues to be a blessing, and I am so fortunate and grateful for where I am today and what I have accomplished in a short amount of time. Working in various capacities over the years has given me a well-rounded understanding of banking. I think the most interesting thing I have learned from the banking industry is the number of regulations a bank has to follow on a day-to-day basis.

Tell us about the bank’s community investment efforts.

Peoples Bank is very active in our communities across northeast Missouri, whether it is local church organizations, 4-H and FFA, or local service organizations. With agriculture being very prominent in our area, Peoples Bank is a proud supporter of the local county fairs and their livestock auctions. We also have staff from our locations serving on various organizations’ boards and participating in community events throughout the year.

What is the bank’s biggest challenge in the area of internet banking/mobile banking?

I think the bank’s biggest challenge in the area of internet banking/mobile banking is cybersecurity. With increasing digital transactions, banks must protect customer data from cyber threats such as phishing, hacking, malware and fraud.

What’s your favorite thing about your bank/banking in general?

My favorite thing about my bank and banking in general is learning about the many different aspects of banking and getting to know our customers, financing their dreams and building their wealth.

If you didn’t have a career in banking, what other career would you choose?

I truly believe I was meant to be a banker. However, if I didn’t have a career in banking, I think I would enjoy working as a finance manager at a car dealership, combining my passion for finance and my interest in cars.