Where are your main bank and branches located? We are located at the Belton branch, but we are headquartered in Jefferson City and have 22 locations throughout the State of Missouri. What is something unique about your bank? We are very involved within the community and are a familyoriented bank. When I was going through the interview process, I was told that I would never miss one of my kids’ events due to my job and that has always been the case. How did you get started in the banking business? While I was in college, I worked for a community bank in my hometown during the summer and I really enjoyed it. I was pursuing an accounting degree at the time, and I knew I liked working with numbers, so it was a natural fit. What is the most important thing you’ve learned from this career so far? As much as you would like to, you aren’t going to be able to help everyone with their financing needs for various reasons. It’s better to be honest up front and see if you can’t provide them with other solutions. I find that this job has taught me how to be a better businessman and communicator. MISSOURI BANKER Meet Your Ben Compton Market President — Belton Hawthorn Bank “It’s very rewarding helping people try to achieve their goals. ” Tell us about the Bank’s community investment efforts. Each region of the Bank is very involved within their community, whether that is offering scholarships at the local schools, having annual coat drives, donating food during the holidays and donating to the local fundraisers. What is the Bank’s biggest challenge in the area of Internet banking/mobile banking? Staying current with the changes in the technological advances that are advantageous to our customers. We currently have a highly successful and convenient internet and mobile banking platform along with our treasury services product. We will need to stay competitive to retain and gain new customers in the future. What’s your favorite thing about your bank or banking in general? Being able to help local families and businesses with whatever banking needs they may have. It’s very rewarding helping people try to achieve their goals. If you didn’t have a career in banking, what other career would you choose? I would pursue something in real estate such as a commercial real estate broker. I have personally flipped two homes and have always been passionate about real estate. ■ 2023 Issue 2 | 13
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