Where are your main bank and branches located? What is the market like?

Our main bank is in Troy, Missouri, with branch locations in Troy, Hawk Point, Bowling Green, Elsberry, Winfield, O’Fallon, and Cottleville. Our market is primarily focused on residential and commercial, with some ag lending as well. The housing market is still doing very well in our area, which equates to closing numerous residential loans and financing homebuilders.

What is something unique about your bank?

We are part of a multi-bank holding company, with five separate bank charters and bank names all owned by the same company – Lincoln County Bancorp, Inc. As in-house counsel, I provide legal advice and services to all of the banks within the holding company.

How did you get started in the banking business?

I was hired as a part-time bank teller at the beginning of my sophomore year of college. I maintained that position throughout my undergraduate studies. When I was accepted into law school, I began assisting the bank’s in-house counsel at the time – Dale Cope. After I graduated from law school and passed the bar exam, I was hired full-time as assistant general counsel. After over 40 years of service to the bank, Mr. Cope recently retired and I have been promoted to general counsel.

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

There is always something new to learn! Just when you think you have a handle on the rules and regulations, a proposed rule change is published, and the learning process starts all over. Sometimes that can be a little overwhelming, but at the same time, it keeps work interesting.

Tell us about the Bank’s community investment efforts.

Our bank is very involved in supporting our communities. Whether that’s donating to local schools, food pantries, or supporting our local Chamber of Commerce, we care about the people and businesses that make our communities great places to live and work. In addition to monetary support, we also provide support through products and services that help our customers manage their finances. Additionally, we provide a lot of education to our customers and the public to help them be better informed about finances and ways to protect themselves from identity theft, frauds, and scams. We post a lot of information on our social media outlets and information on our website. Our goal in disseminating this information is to help all consumers, not just Peoples Bank customers.

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

Protecting our customers from online scams! The scam artists are compelling, and even with our efforts in communicating awareness to our customers and the public in general, we still see a lot of victims.

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

I am proud of my bank’s involvement in the communities we serve. Whether it’s volunteering for functions or sponsoring events, we are always showing our support.