11 Hoosier Banker September 2014 Continued on page 12. Let’s take that and use it in the future.’ “Wally recently retired as president of Paducah Bank. We still stay in touch. “I was also mentored by another good banker, Rick Hobart, who was Wally’s boss. Rick eventually left and went to a bank in New Albany that was under a regulatory order. He invited me to join his team in turning the bank around. “That experience helped me prepare for my move to the position of president and CEO of Harrison County Bank and, years later, of First Harrison Bank.” What is involved in turning a bank around? “A lot of hours go into it. You basically break down the project into parts and try to deal with the parts separately. Then you work to make it all come together as a ‘whole.’ “For the bank we were working on, we raised capital and restructured the balance sheet. Beyond that, we worked on solving asset quality problems, found new management and got people trained. “It took about a year and a half. Rick Hobart, the CEO, raised a significant amount of capital through some good investors in New Albany. The bank did so well, they sold it. “We also had support from Don Husk, deputy director for banks and credit unions with the Department of Financial Institutions. He was key to our success.” What do you most enjoy about banking? “I really enjoy a challenge. While this business is heavily regulated and can, at times, be frustrating, it still has great challenges to grow earnings and assets and relationships. “I know that I have business relationships that will go well beyond my banking days as friendships for years to come.” How did your upbringing influence you as a bank leader? “My father died when I was 10, and my mother was left to raise my three older sisters and me by herself. It was the mid 1960s, and it was tough for a lady back then, but our mother did a great job. “While growing up in Frankfort, Kentucky, everyone in that small town knew the Harrods, since they were local business owners. Since everyone knew my family, I would never have done anything that would embarrass my mother or my family. “In the position of president of First Harrison Bank, many people know who I am and who I work for. I am proud to wear the First Harrison Bank logo on my shirt. In that role, I am entrusted with the assets of a lot of people in southern Indiana and, just as I learned growing up, I would never do anything to cause those people to lose trust in their bank. “That’s what I tell our employees. I say, ‘People trust us to protect their money, and they trust us to give them good advice when we’re loaning them money. That’s all we really have, and if we lose that trust, we don’t get it back.’ “It is up to us to continue to earn the trust of our customers and those we work with every day.” How do you benefit from your involvement with the Indiana Bankers Association? “Again, I think the relationships will last well beyond my business career. I am very proud to say that I am a community banker from Indiana. Indiana bankers have done very well through these tough times. Stuffed animals and whimsical wall hangings bring a sense of levity to the office of Bill Harrod. Favorite sayings, comics and quips greet visitors to Bill Harrod’s office. Artwork and awards are on display throughout First Harrison Bank.Among other achievements, the bank has been recognized several times by the Indiana Chamber as one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana.
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