GOING BEYOND THE DESK TO HEAR THE STORIES OF COLORADO BANKERS John Pike EVP, Commercial Real Estate & Public Finance Vectra Bank How did you get started in the banking industry? I’ve always known I wanted a career in finance and real estate, which is why I chose to major in both at the University of Denver. After graduating, I landed my first role in the industry, and more than 40 years later, I’m still proud to be part of it. What makes your bank unique? At Vectra Bank, we like to say we’re big enough to count but small enough to care. We’re backed by a $90 billion institution, yet we maintain the local decision-making and customer focus of a true community bank. I appreciate the autonomy to run my market here in Colorado while still collaborating closely with our affiliate banks across the western United States. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? What motivates me most is helping borrowers achieve their financial goals while enabling the creation of developments that truly matter to the community. By pairing smart, responsible financing with purpose-driven projects, we’re able to build something unique — something that supports growth, strengthens local economies and leaves a positive mark on the region. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know. Something many people don’t know about me is that I spent 20 years coaching competitive baseball. I was fortunate to lead a team to a national championship and coach two players who later played professionally — one in the major leagues and another in Double-A. Another fun fact is that I am related to Zebulon Pike, the namesake of Pike’s Peak. What do you listen to on your morning commute? Usually country music, but I also enjoy classic rock. Kaycee Lytle Greeley Market President Bank of Colorado How did you get started in the banking industry? I never initially considered banking as a career, but that changed when a rural bank president spoke to my senior capstone class at Oklahoma State University. His comments about helping farmers, ranchers and local businesses meet their financial needs resonated with me and my agricultural background. I had already accepted a role in a different industry, but when I ultimately chose to make a career change, I began pursuing opportunities in lending. More than 20 years later, I am grateful to have built a banking career that has allowed me to serve exceptional communities in Colorado and Wyoming — an outcome I can trace back to that single classroom experience. What do you like to do to give back to the community (either personally, as a bank representative or both)? I believe a successful community banker must be actively involved in the community they serve to truly understand its needs beyond the bank’s walls. I currently serve as president of North Range Behavioral Health and treasurer of the Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce, and I am a past president of the Weld Food Bank. These roles have deepened my understanding of challenges and opportunities in my community and strengthened my ability to advocate for agriculture while helping build sustainable local solutions. What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking? One of the most important lessons I have learned in banking is reflected in a quote that has sat on my desk for nearly 15 years: “Consistency is critical. Consistency will overcome resistance. Consistency creates credibility. Credibility creates trust.” While banking has been anything but consistent — marked by mergers, economic cycles and regulatory change — I have found that providing steady leadership and guidance through change builds trust with employees, customers and communities alike. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I grew up on my family’s cattle ranch and have always wanted to have a ranch of my own — I’m still working on that! What is your favorite movie or book, and why? My favorite movie is “October Sky.” Its portrayal of rural kids working hard, believing in possibilities and creating opportunities through persistence reflects the values I strive to model in both my career and my leadership. 13 Colorado Banker
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