toward the future. Whether you’re leading a city or a bank, your focus should always be on helping your customers and community thrive, which will ultimately benefit the organization you are leading. What are you most proud of when you think about Stockgrowers State Bank and its impact on the community? Without question, it’s our people and the difference they’ve made in the lives of our customers. I think back to the Starbuck Fire in 2017 and the wildfires we’ve experienced since then. Those were incredibly difficult times for southwest Kansas. Families lost homes, fencing, livestock and livelihoods. Our team stepped up because that’s what community banks do. We worked alongside customers, found ways to help and remained committed to supporting our customers and communities through recovery. Another defining moment came in 2022 when our own bank experienced a fire. The building suffered significant smoke damage, but I gathered our team that morning and told them we were going to be open for business by 9:00 am. I recognized that while “open for business” might not look the same as it did the day before, we would find a way to serve our customers, and our team responded to the challenge. One thing I told our team that morning has stayed with me ever since: “Our challenge is not our customers’ problem.” No matter what we’re facing internally, our responsibility is to take care of the people who trust us with their financial future. That’s what makes me most proud of Stockgrowers State Bank. Every success we’ve had has been because of our team working together towards a common goal. Community banking has never been about one individual; it’s about working together to make a positive difference in the lives of our customers and our communities. How would you describe your leadership style, and what values have guided you throughout your career? I’ve always tried to lead by example. One of the greatest lessons I learned came from Tom Fellers, who hired me at Stockgrowers State Bank. He told me years ago, “If you don’t fight for your team, nobody else will,” and my parents lived by the same philosophy. Those words have stayed with me throughout my career. Whether it’s advocating for our employees with our board or standing up for community banks through KBA, I believe leaders have a responsibility to support the people they serve. When your team knows you’ll stand beside them, they’re willing to accomplish incredible things together. What values and life lessons have stayed with you throughout your career? My parents taught me the importance of hard work, honesty, building relationships, and treating people and our country with respect. Those lessons have never changed and continue to guide every decision I make today. My Christian faith has also been a constant source of guidance. One Bible verse I often reflect on is Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.” None of us lives life that perfectly or ever will, but it’s something I strive toward every day. If we approach people with kindness, compassion and grace, we’ll be better leaders, better bankers and better neighbors. The Stockgrowers State Bank Staff Team participates in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. 8
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