Pub 1 2021 Issue 4

August 2021 | 19 Are there any specific individuals who have had a significant impact on your career? How? I won’t name names here, but I will say that I have been extremely fortunate in my career to work for leaders (both at FCS and on the banking level) that “got it.” They understood what it took to be successful in this industry, and they were willing to share that knowledge. These individuals were effective communicators and valued the development of staff. In essence, they helped me to develop the necessary tools to grow in this industry. Without their commitment to development, I think my path would have been much different. If you look back at your career and life, what would be three things you’ve learned that you would share with someone you are mentoring? 1. Respect: Show respect to customers, co-workers, leaders, and the industry as a whole. You cannot expect to receive respect if you do not first give it. 2. Persistence: This is a tough business that requires constant attention and development. There is no “finish line,” so to speak. The race continues every day, and you must commit to keep growing and learning. 3. Balance: Being a community banker means you represent the institution at all times, whether at the bank, church, a school function or whatever. It is kind of a 24/7 job in some aspects. You have to make certain you allow some “me” time and some “family” time. It is important in a lot of ways and provides that always needed recharge. The pandemic seems to be winding down. Do you think it permanently changed the banking industry? If so, how? No doubt there are lasting changes. In my opinion, the most profound change was the acceleration of digital banking. Suddenly customers were using online products, bill pay, remote deposit etc. at a rapidly increasing pace. Customers that would have never before considered digital were forced into it and many have found they really like it. If we as an industry and individual banks do not recognize this and provide access to these products, I think customers will likely move away from us. That is why MIBA’s ability to align vendors with this need is so crucial. Do you have a favorite quote? Or do you have a favorite writer or book that might benefit other bankers? I am an avid reader, both recreationally and for the profession. I will be honest and say that I do not have a favorite. I feel that any reading stimulates the mind and helps our critical thinking and cognitive process. Whether an industry-related article, a good novel or simply the newspaper, reading keeps us relevant, introduces new ideas and confirms long-held opinions. My recommendation is to skip golf one day a week and spend an hour reading instead. Given that I am very competitive and a really bad golfer, this practices is much better for my emotional health! What do you do in your spare time? My spare time is pretty much spent on two things: 1. Anything outdoors, and 2. Anything grandkids. When not with the grandkids, I love woodworking, fishing, hunting, baseball and working on the little hobby farm. I don’t think I will have a problem finding something to do after I retire! ■