How did you get started in the banking industry? Actually, I grew up with it. My father worked for the Nebraska Bankers Association, so I was introduced to financial services early on. As a young adult, I went to work for a banking software company that supports community banks. I would help with troubleshooting and training bank employees on how to use the software. I wasn’t particularly tech-savvy, but I really enjoyed working with people, so I made the switch from software to banking by entering the management training program at FirstBank in 2007. What do you enjoy most about your job? I really enjoy building relationships with customers and coworkers. I also enjoy having a measurable impact on the community and seeing that impact firsthand. It’s rewarding to help people build their dream homes or grow their businesses. What makes your bank unique? FirstBank is committed to serving all members of our diverse community and has introduced meaningful DEI initiatives, including a multicultural banking center where customers can receive banking services in their preferred language from team members who understand their culture and concerns. In what ways do you like to give back to the community? I personally serve on the board of Bryson’s Chase Foundation, a small, non-profit organization that assists families with the expense of mental health treatment for their children. I am also on the Finance Committee of the Independence Center in Colorado Springs, which provides information, resources and support to help people with cognitive, physical or mental health disabilities. FirstBank encourages all employees to participate within the community and provides volunteer time off as an added benefit. Additionally, FirstBank helped launch and continues to be the main partner of Colorado Gives Day, Arizona Gives Day and Coachella Valley Gives Day. Since each program’s inception, over $390 million has been raised for a variety of non-profits in these areas. What do you listen to on your morning commute? Bloomberg Radio for current events and entertaining and informative podcasts like Planet Money and Smartless with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett. Sam McKelvey Senior Vice President FirstBank – Colorado Springs GOING BEYOND THE DESK TO HEAR THE STORIES OF COLORADO BANKERS What makes your bank unique? Bank of the San Juans is part of a community of banks. Under the Glacier Bank umbrella, our bank offers a unique niche with a community banking philosophy spread throughout our 17 bank divisions in 144 different communities. Bank of the San Juans operates in 20 locations throughout Colorado and 14 distinct communities. The majority of all decisions are made at the local level by employees living and working in our local communities. Our motto is One Big Happy Little Bank, and we are just that. Year after year, we have been ranked in the top 20 by Forbes magazine for America’s Best Banks. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? The most rewarding aspect of my job is watching the growth and success of our customers, our employees and our communities. It has been rewarding to see other people’s success over the years, whether it’s the young newlywed couple who became homebuyers for the first time, the small business owner that was able to purchase their own building after years of leasing, or the legacy business owner that passed their operation on to the next generation. It is fulfilling to see our employees get promoted to the next level, and our local non-profits expand operations and services due to the philanthropy of not only Bank of the San Juans but other banks in our communities. As an industry, we play an important role in our communities, and it’s been a lot of fun having either a direct or indirect role in that growth. What is the most important thing you have learned from a career in banking? Banking is built on trust. Honesty and integrity are vital in this industry. Our customers entrust us with some of the most personal and confidential pieces of their lives — their finances. With the recent bank failures, many customers turned to their bankers for advice, questions and assurance that their money is safe, sound and secure. Having that open dialogue and confidence from a customer is vital to our success. At the end of the day, it all comes down to people and relationships. I am grateful to be surrounded by some of the best in our industry. Tell us something about yourself most people don’t know. I may be the only banker that doesn’t know how to play golf. I’ve tried it a time or two, but I am terrible. Thankfully not every relationship is built on a golf course. Maybe someone will have the patience to teach me someday. Until then, you will find me enjoying all of the other outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer. We truly live in the best state around. Jennifer Landini Regional Market President Bank of the San Juans 17 Colorado Banker
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