Chris Nicholl Senior Community Bank Division Leader, SVP Vectra Bank Colorado How did you get started in the banking industry? I originally worked at a non-bank lender. I interviewed at a bank when my co-worker turned down their offer. That was 29 years ago, and I feel as if I have had several different careers working in banking. I have been in retail banking, private banking, treasury management and business banking, and now I oversee several markets and a credit analysis team. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? The most rewarding aspect of my job is helping people reach their goals and their next steps. For some clients, it is the acquisition of equipment or a building to grow their company. For other clients, it is a deep dive into their financial situation and working on a plan with them to reach whatever the next steps are: debt consolidation, dream vacation, new car, new house … It is very satisfying to hear the stories from the clients and be a small part in the success of their planning What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking? I think the most important thing I have learned from banking is the importance of leveraging your team and having a great network. We all work in several different teams on a daily basis. Knowing the strengths of your teams, where you need help and who to ask in your organization will help your client and team in the most efficient way possible. Growing your network inside and outside of your organization will give you access to different points of view and various ways to solve problems, and it helps me feel I have a larger community. Who is one of the most influential figures in your life? My grandfather Barry McCallan. Pops, as the family named him, moved his wife and seven children to Denver to start a company with his next-door neighbor. I believe his entrepreneurship is what draws me most to working with clients and helping them achieve their dreams. CBA Centerpoint Lauren Kvamme Vice President Treasury Management MidWestOne Bank How did you get started in the banking industry? I never expected to end up in banking. While working as a waitress, one of my customers — a branch manager — saw something in me and encouraged me to apply. I got hired at a bank that’s no longer in business, where I received three months of training. Shortly after, I helped open 15 new branches in Denver in one day. That experience taught me invaluable lessons about sales, entrepreneurship and how to navigate chaotic, high-pressure environments. What makes your bank unique? MidWestOne Bank’s uniqueness lies in its history and mission. Founded in 1934 by “Grandpa” Ben Summerwill, the bank was built on a foundation of trust and community. That legacy continues today through the bank’s mission: “Take care of our customers and those who should be.” This guiding principle shapes everything we do, ensuring that our customers are always the top priority. In 2024, MidWestOne strengthened its presence in Denver by acquiring Denver Bankshares, the parent company of the Bank of Denver. This move allowed us to offer even more personalized services to the Denver community, staying true to our commitment to exceptional service. What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on without any preparation? If I had to give a 20-minute presentation with no prep, it would be on fraud prevention. Fraudsters are constantly getting more creative, and their only job is to exploit businesses and steal money. Meanwhile, business owners juggle so many other responsibilities. Helping them protect their assets and focus on growth is something I’m deeply passionate about. I believe banks should equip their clients with the knowledge and tools to stay ahead of fraudsters. Tell us something about yourself most people don’t know. I once worked as a houseboat instructor at Lake Powell. It’s funny because I had no boating experience at the time! I was hired despite it and quickly learned to navigate 50-foot boats. The experience taught me a lot about confidence, adaptability and handling the unexpected. Colorado Banker 12
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