This visionary environment has remained through the addition of new personnel, new positions, new branches and the transition to a new CEO. Our approach to marketing initiatives, product and service offerings, and banker development isn’t stereotypical of our asset size or business structure. I love visiting with bankers from larger asset banks and hearing them say, “Wait, you have that, and you’re how big?” And it’s a good reminder that what we’re doing here is special. How did you get started in the banking business? I owned an insurance agency for seven years before transitioning to Progressive Ozark as the branch manager for the Houston, Missouri, location. I saw potential changes coming to the insurance industry that weren’t reassuring, so when the retiring branch manager asked if I’d be interested in being her successor, I thought it was worth a conversation. I’d known the retiring manager through a previous position earlier in my career. What prompted you to want to begin a career in banking? When I met with the bank leadership at the time, I quickly learned that the organization’s mission and goals aligned with my own, and I knew it was the right next step. My focus has always been on rural communities. I’m just a small-town girl at my core, but I’ve never been one to settle for small thinking. Progressive Ozark really lives up to its name in being dedicated to our local markets and the unique way of life here, while having a solutions-forward approach to business and banking. What is the most interesting thing you have learned from this transition to the banking industry? Oh, my! This is a bit of a loaded question. My degree is in marketing and, when I came into the banking industry … let’s just say it was a bit of culture shock. Early on, I attended a marketing conference, and they held a session on how to set up a Facebook Business page. I had already spent 10 years in marketing, had set up countless social pages that performed successfully and had managed paid ads accounts for multiple industries. So, I quickly learned that I had a lot of opportunities and work ahead of me. It did cross my mind that I might not stay in banking for very many years! But, as I mentioned earlier, Progressive Ozark strives to be a leader in the industry and isn’t intimidated by asset size. This organization embraced concepts that many larger banks hadn’t at that time, and I am very proud of how our brand is represented in our markets today. We have a robust marketing strategy, solid brand guidelines and a fantastic group of people who embrace our market initiatives across the organization. Tell us about the bank’s community investment efforts. Progressive Ozark makes a lasting impact with our community investment. We have specific line items in our budgeting for community, school and charitable spending, but beyond that, we have a Giving Mission to guide investment decisions. This The Show-Me Banker Magazine | 19
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