Where are your bank and its branches located? What is the market like?
Exchange Bank of Missouri is headquartered in Fayette, Missouri, with branches serving Fayette, Marshall, Slater, New Franklin, Fulton and Hallsville. Our market is largely rural and community-driven, made up of hardworking families, farmers, small businesses and local organizations who value relationships and trust. While technology and customer expectations continue to evolve, our communities still appreciate face-to-face service and a bank that truly knows them.
What is something unique about your bank?
What truly sets Exchange Bank of Missouri apart is our people and our commitment to relationships. We are a hometown bank in the truest sense: locally owned, locally managed and deeply invested in the success of our communities. We blend that personal service with modern technology, ensuring our customers never have to choose between convenience and connection.
How did you get started in the banking business?
I started my banking career early on and quickly realized how impactful community banking can be. Banking gave me the opportunity to combine problem-solving, technology and service, all while making a meaningful difference for customers and the communities we serve. Community banks play a vital role in local economies, and I wanted to be part of an organization where my work could directly support families, businesses and future growth.
What is the most interesting thing you have learned from your transition to the banking industry?
One of the most interesting and rewarding things I have learned is how much behind-the-scenes work goes into keeping a bank safe, compliant and innovative. From cybersecurity to internal controls, there is a constant balance between protecting customers and providing them with seamless, modern services.
Tell us about your bank’s community investment efforts.
Community involvement is at the heart of Exchange Bank of Missouri, and it’s something I am personally passionate about. Beyond the bank’s financial support of local initiatives, our team actively serves our communities through leadership and volunteerism. I am heavily involved with the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Optimist Club, the Fayette Area Common Fund and the Central Methodist University Alumni Board of Directors. These roles allow me to help strengthen partnerships between the bank, local organizations and the people we serve. We believe community investment goes far beyond donations: It’s about showing up, building relationships and helping our towns thrive.
What is your bank’s biggest challenge in the area of online/mobile banking?
One of the biggest challenges is keeping pace with rapidly changing technology while maintaining strong security and customer education. As digital banking continues to grow, we focus heavily on cybersecurity, vendor management and helping customers understand how to use these tools safely and confidently.
What’s your favorite thing about your bank/banking in general?
My favorite part of banking is knowing that what we do truly matters. Whether it’s helping a customer protect their account, supporting a local business or ensuring systems run smoothly, our work has a real impact. At Exchange Bank of Missouri, I’m proud to work alongside people who genuinely care about doing the right thing and helping our communities have a strong future.
