Where are your main bank and branches located? What is the market like?
Our headquarters are located in Old Monroe, Missouri. We also have four other branches located in Troy, Moscow Mills, Wentzville and O’Fallon. Our market is very diverse and competitive. On the consumer side, we serve customers looking to purchase land or those who are building their forever home. On the commercial side, we serve individuals purchasing rental properties, commercial property, operating equipment, retail buildings, land development and mixed-use loans.
What is something unique about your bank?
Bank of Old Monroe is unique because of the culture we were founded on and because we continue to evolve in our customer base and services. Many customers make it a point to come into the bank weekly to get help with their banking needs, but also to check in and talk with the employees about different things going on. It is special that customers enjoy visiting and catching up with some of the employees they know. Those personal relationships are what set us apart, and I think that says a lot about being a small-town community bank.
How did you get started in the banking business?
I got started in the banking business upon graduation in 2020. I was born and raised in the Bank of Old Monroe community and knew it may be something I would like to do. I got to see first-hand all the things the bank does to give back to the community and knew it was something I would like to be a part of. In 2020, the banking business was thriving, especially in the mortgage department. I got an opportunity to join that team, and I haven’t looked back since.
What is the most important thing you have learned from this career so far?
The most important thing I have learned thus far is the importance of servanthood. Taking time to go out in the community, meet customers and show we are willing to serve them anywhere and anytime. That goes a long way. I think one other important thing I have learned in my career so far is the importance of trust. People want someone they can trust when looking for financial assistance as they make significant decisions that impact their livelihood. I think building those relationships and having trust on both ends goes a long way in having a successful career in banking.
What prompted you to want to begin a career in banking?
One thing that prompted me to begin a career in banking is wanting to give back to the community that I grew up in. Being a part of a community bank like the Bank of Old Monroe is a great way to do that. Before I joined the bank, I always got to see all the things that the bank was doing to give back, and I knew that was something that I would like to be a part of.
What is the most interesting thing you have learned from this transition to the banking industry?
The most interesting thing that I have learned since transitioning to the banking industry is all the opportunities that exist. When you look around and see cities and towns continue to grow and expand, there will always be a need for banking. As a younger banker and someone who is just starting to get familiar with the market, that is exciting!
Tell us about the bank’s community investment efforts.
The bank is continuously staying involved in the community and is always willing to invest in the different organizations in the area. For example, this past January, we had our annual trivia night. We raised $20,000 for two different organizations, the Lincoln County Roadrunners and The December 5th Fund. The Lincoln County Roadrunners is an organization that allows kids with special needs to compete in various sports and gives them the opportunity to travel around the states. The December 5th Fund helps families who are battling the struggles of cancer by planning a day of fun for them. While the family is out for the day, the volunteers go to their house and clean for them. Both organizations are different but have the same message, which is to serve others. This is a small portion of what the bank does each year to give back.
What is the bank’s biggest challenge in the area of internet banking/mobile banking?
The bank’s biggest challenge in internet and mobile banking is fraud. Educating our customers on good safety practices when utilizing our online banking services and mobile banking app is a priority for the bank. As we continue to grow and adapt to all the new forms of technology available, it will be critical to continue to protect our customers’ information.
What’s your favorite thing about your bank or banking in general?
My favorite thing about our bank is the people that I work with. They are like a second family. Sometimes, coming to work doesn’t feel like work because of all the great people who work at our bank. I would say my favorite thing about banking, in general, is helping new and current customers reach their financial goals. As the years go on, it will be fun to watch customers’ businesses grow or reach their financial goals. Whether that is buying their first home or piece of land, it will be rewarding to help them get there and be a part of that journey.
If you didn’t have a career in banking, what other career would you choose?
I think if I did not have a career in banking, I would have most likely chosen a career in sales. Sales is like banking, as far as going out and meeting new customers, developing relationships and getting them to buy into the brand you are trying to sell. I also enjoy golfing, and many good networking opportunities can start on the golf course. Whether your work is sponsoring a tournament or taking a few clients out to play, golf is something that I excel in and enjoy.
