Where are your main bank and branches located? What is the market like?
Pony Express Bank is headquartered in Braymer, with one branch in Liberty serving six counties, which include Caldwell, Clay, Clinton, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties.
Braymer is a small community that focuses on supporting small business growth and agriculture. Liberty is experiencing significant growth with over $650 million in active projects, including major industrial expansion, downtown revitalization and new residential neighborhoods. Key developments include a massive $1.4 billion data center, new residential communities and infrastructure improvements along South Liberty Parkway.
What is something unique about your bank?
Something unique about our bank is that Pony Express Bank is a five-generation, family-owned institution led by the Page family. With a 133-year history, we combine deep-rooted tradition with personalized service. Despite having just over 40 employees, our team brings more than 800 years of combined banking experience, allowing us to deliver knowledgeable, relationship-focused service to our customers.
How did you get started in the banking business?
I began my banking career 44 years ago as a teller and, over time, gained experience across many areas of the bank. Along the way, I discovered a strong interest in compliance and regulatory matters. After earning my Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) certification, I went on to purchase a small consulting firm specializing in compliance, regulatory issues and internal control audits.
For five years, I traveled extensively throughout Missouri and parts of Kansas, serving a variety of banks. During that time, one of my clients approached me about joining their organization, as their compliance officer was preparing to retire. That opportunity ultimately led me to my current role at Pony Express Bank.
What is the most important thing you have learned from this career so far?
People are understandably protective of their finances, and even small issues can cause significant concern. I found it genuinely rewarding to help resolve those problems, not only because it provided solutions but also because it built trust with customers. Over time, and especially after attending several leadership conferences, I discovered a passion for mentoring and teaching regulations to employees, which also built trust. That realization is a big part of why I continue to enjoy my work every day.
What prompted you to want to begin a career in banking?
Well, that’s the interesting part of the story. I had originally hoped to become a scientist, but the small town I moved to offered only a very basic science curriculum. After graduating from high school, I married a hog farmer and needed to find work to help support our household. I took a position at a small community bank — and from there, everything else unfolded.
Tell us about the bank’s community investment efforts.
Pony Express Bank is deeply committed to community banking, a dedication clearly reflected in its people. Employees actively support the surrounding communities by volunteering with more than 20 local organizations, and many of those employees also serve in leadership roles as board members or trustees.
What is the bank’s biggest challenge in the area of internet banking/mobile banking?
Older customer segments may face challenges navigating online and mobile banking platforms, making it more difficult to direct them to these channels for information and services.
Keeping pace with the latest developments in digital banking is an ongoing effort, and staying ahead of evolving fraud risks adds another layer of complexity. Our entire team remains committed to supporting customers by promoting fraud awareness and providing guidance to help them bank safely and confidently.
What’s your favorite thing about your bank/banking in general?
This family-owned bank cares about its people in a way I’ve never experienced in all the years I’ve worked with financial institutions. They genuinely recognize and celebrate success, sharing good news across the team. Whether it’s a handwritten note of encouragement, a surprise giveaway or stepping in to support employees’ families during difficult times, their commitment is clear.
There’s a true sense of family here, reflected in the many employees who have dedicated more than 25 years to Pony Express Bank. That kind of loyalty speaks volumes about the culture they’ve built.
If you didn’t have a career in banking, what other career would you choose?
At this point in my life, if I were to pursue something new, I would love to own a greenhouse or a garden nursery. I enjoy working with my hands in the soil and learning which plants thrive in different environments.
For now, my husband Carl and I are focused on traveling internationally and exploring and tasting different cultures, and our goal is to visit all seven continents. We also enjoy spending time together at local sporting events with our blended family.
