Where are your main bank and branches located? And what is the market like?
Our main bank is located in St. Clair, MO, with branches in High Ridge, Lonedell and Eureka. The market areas for each branch vary widely in median income, with two being more rural and two mostly urban.
What is something unique about your bank?
Farmers & Merchants Bank has been operating under the same name since 1913.
How did you get started in the banking business?
Well, I have always been good with numbers. However, I was not even looking at banking as a career in the beginning. My family owned a catering company with a private park for about 15 years when we had a catastrophic fire that destroyed our catering hall and kitchen. We were in a spot where we were unable to rebuild, and I was forced to look for a job to help support our family. After multiple interviews where I was told that since I owned a business, I was “overqualified” (for pretty much any “normal” job), I walked into this small community bank that had the friendliest people working there. I asked if I could submit a resume, was directed to an office off the lobby, and was hired as a teller after an impromptu interview with the branch manager. Little did I know I would be adopted into the family that is Farmers & Merchants Bank. As I stated earlier, being good with numbers made it a perfect fit for me, and seven years later, I am still at it.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from this career so far?
In this career and life in general, never judge a book by its cover because people will always surprise you. You will meet some of the most genuine and eccentric people, and sometimes the people you least expect may be the ones who surprise you the most. We get people from all walks of life in our branches, and if you underestimate someone, they will likely prove you wrong.
Tell us about the Bank’s community investment efforts.
This is where FMB stands out from the rest. We are a true community bank, very involved in our schools and organizations. One example is our Mascot Debit Card Program. Implemented in 2013, this program offers customers the option to choose a local school mascot debit card. Through their use of these cards, FMB has donated more than $176,000 to these schools through this program since its inception.
What is the Bank’s biggest challenge in internet banking/mobile banking?
Cybersecurity and fraud are two definite challenges in these areas, but the combination of our staff experience, attention to detail and strategic partnerships with our core and outside vendors all play a vital role in ensuring we hit any challenges in these areas head-on. We make it a top priority to keep up with technology in this area. Our Online Banking and Mobile App offer the most up-to-date technology and conveniences out there. We also try to educate our client base as best we can on the various updated incidences of fraud to help mitigate any risk in these areas.
What’s your favorite thing about your bank/banking in general?
It is definitely a combination of the customers and the bank family. I say family because being a part of this bank is truly having an extended family. Several of our customers have become like family at this point as well. We celebrate with them, and we mourn with them, and that’s what community banking is all about.
If you didn’t have a career in banking, what other career would you choose?
I have a strength in hospitality, and I love to bake and cook in general. That being said, probably having my own café or bakery would be a great fit. I would still get to interact with people and become part of their lives, just in a different way than I do now.
