A flying friend — Reed Peters, First State Bank CEO — called and said he heard the news. We agreed a change in career was a good idea, and he was right. My banking career was started. Have you had any mentors throughout your career? My grandfather, Fred Dikeman, and father, Darrel Dikeman, were my mentors and life coaches. My grandfather was always working on equipment, metal lathes, old Lincoln cars and airplanes. The grandkids would huddle around, and he was always more than eager to share a wrench. The advice he shared with me that I never forgot was when mutual funds were in their infancy, and I shared my business college thoughts with him on the merits of the investment. He said, “Gene, always remember that return of your investment is more important than return on it.” My father already had experienced the benefit of my grandfather’s thoughts and values but added this. Whether you are behind the wheel of a truck or on the stick in an airplane, you are responsible for the outcome, no one else. “Be responsible and you will earn respect and trust,” he would say. What’s the best day for you as a community banker? Any day I get to help people is a great day, bank customers or not! I look forward to talking with the staff about what’s going on in the community and outlining what we’re going to do to help. Once the bank opens, I enjoy greeting customers, introducing myself and talking to them. It’s fun when you see a husband and wife come to I agreed to be the chair of the KBA in large part because the association is so well-managed, with talented staff that are committed to helping the banks in the communities and the banking needs of everyone we serve. 7
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