GOING BEYOND THE DESK TO HEAR THE STORIES OF COLORADO BANKERS Dan Kapustka SVP, Lender Alpine Bank What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is getting to meet people from all walks of life and doing so as a representative of a bank that I feel genuinely has their best interests at heart. Knowing that what we do in the day-to-day makes a truly positive impact and seeing that reflected in our customers’ experiences and feedback is truly rewarding. What are you most proud of in your professional life so far? I am most proud to have been an employee of Alpine Bank for close to 10 years, as of January 2026, and to have worked in markets from Telluride and Breckenridge to Fort Collins. It has been quite a decade! What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking? The most important thing I’ve learned is that trust is one of the most valuable things in business and life, and that integrity will always see you through any uncertainty. What is your favorite movie or book, and why? “The Lord of the Rings” — both the books and the movies are excellent, but the literature especially, due to the epic scale with which Tolkien thought and imagined, and his deep appreciation for the beauty of creation. Who is one of the most influential figures in your life? As a martial artist of 20 years, I would say it is my Sabumnim (instructor), Grandmaster Fuechsel, who has proven a pillar of virtue like few others. He is a great example of strength, discipline and honor and has made a great impact on my life and identity. Christopher McPhail SVP, Commercial Relationship Manager SouthState Bank What are you most proud of in your professional life so far? Early in my career, I was very proud of being commissioned as an Army officer. Now that I have been in banking for 30 years, I am proud of the relationships I have built with customers and teammates. What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking? The most valuable thing I have learned in my banking career is the importance of keeping your word. Keeping your word and doing what you say is important because it builds trust, credibility and strong relationships. When you consistently follow through on your promises, others see you as reliable and dependable, which fosters respect in personal, professional and financial contexts — like relationship banking, where trust is key to long-term partnerships. What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on without any preparation? I could give a 20-minute presentation on a 1031 Exchange. The 1031 Exchange is a tax deferral strategy that enables property owners to sell an investment or business property and reinvest the proceeds into another similar property without incurring immediate capital gains taxes. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was a child, I wanted to become an FBI agent. I’m not sure what drove me in that direction. What’s important to you personally? My family and my faith are the most important things to me. Together, they create stability, community and purpose.
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