mission covers monetary funding but also boots-on-the-ground initiatives such as financial reality fairs in local high schools, financial literacy programs in middle and elementary schools, senior citizen-focused initiatives, employee volunteer hours and so much more. It’s really too much to list, and we add something nearly every year! What is the bank’s biggest challenge in the area of internet banking/ mobile banking? From a product standpoint, I don’t know that we have notable challenges in online or mobile banking. As a marketer, I’d like our platforms to have a bit more polished look as opposed to the simple formatting we have, but the capabilities and ease of use for customers are leading the competition. No complaints there. I think, from a technology or digital banking standpoint, the biggest challenge is the sector itself. The pace at which technology is expanding in this industry alone is astounding. Just to be aware of what’s available is a challenge, and then you have to assess potential alignment with your brand, customers and bottom line. If technology enhancement isn’t stressing you a little right now, I’m not sure you’re paying attention. That said, I think there are answers on the horizon to meet the questions we have right now at our institution. The one good thing about the rapid expansion of technology today is that the kinks are being worked through more quickly, and that could provide a lot more clarity and opportunity in the near future. What’s your favorite thing about your bank/banking in general? I think my favorite thing about Progressive Ozark is our culture and how protective everyone is of it! It probably sounds like a strange answer, but to get a group of more than 50 people who are all generally good people who want to do a good job and work for a good bank is pretty amazing. From your first day of work here, you’re “in”; if you’re on our team, you’re in the circle of trust, and you’re one of us. Everyone is very welcoming. That said, it can be obvious if someone doesn’t align with the culture, which might tend toward some challenges, but this is a group who really tries to get everyone rowing in the same direction. They want to see you fit and enjoy your role and be successful; I don’t only mean leadership, but just as much with our personal bankers and tellers. Sometimes we joke that we have “first-world drama” instead of the “real” drama in other companies because most of the issues that come up in our organization are less real issues and more accurately would be described as just navigating the best options for a solution. I’m very thankful. If you didn’t have a career in banking, what other career would you choose? In a perfect world, our ranch would be my full-time job. My marketing degree has an agriculture emphasis; I’m a sixth-generation rancher, and our operation is on a property that’s been in my dad’s family for 150 years this year. I love a lot of what’s been happening in agri-tourism and local food sourcing over the last few years, so it would be great to dedicate a full 40-hour week to something along those lines. Other than bank marketing, I can only see myself on the ranch. 20 | The Show-Me Banker Magazine
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