Where are your main bank and branches located? What is the market like?
Our main branch is located in Rothville, Missouri, with branches located in Brookfield, Marceline, Lee’s Summit and Napoleon, Missouri. I live and work in Brookfield. We are a small community, so our market is competitive with four other banks in town.
What is something unique about your bank?
Something unique about our bank is we opened in 1904 and just celebrated 120 years of service. We are family-owned, and we take pride in serving our customers. Our motto is “Big Enough to Help, Small Enough to Care.” We may be small, but our team of employees works very hard to make each transaction a smooth process and create relationships with our customers.
How did you get started in the banking business?
I am a fifth-generation banker. My family charted the Sumner Exchange Bank in Sumner, Missouri. In 1891, when the railroad station left the town, the bank closed. Since then, we’ve had several family members involved in the banking industry.
What prompted you to continue the family tradition and join the bank?
I pride myself on customer service and helping others. I am a people person, and although it’s difficult at times, I like to work with the public.
What is the most important thing you have learned from this career so far?
Something important I’ve learned from this career is to always take pride in what you do. Always treat people fairly and remain calm, you never know someone’s situation. The banking industry is an ever-changing world, there is always something new to learn. CHANGE IS OKAY!
Tell us about the bank’s community investment efforts.
We take pride in our community by sponsoring agriculture and athletic programs, school clubs, community activities and numerous youth programs.
What is the bank’s biggest challenge in the area of internet banking/mobile banking?
Our biggest challenge currently with internet banking/mobile banking is fraud. There is so much debit card fraud; it is unreal. It’s hard to prevent. Hackers are very good at tricking people.
What’s your favorite thing about your bank/banking in general?
My favorite thing about the bank is we are family-owned and we are a small bank. We still have that “hometown” feel.
If you didn’t have a career in banking, what other career would you choose?
I used to work at a title company. I would probably go back to that. I love to do paperwork, and I love the title industry.
