Mark Thatcher Jr. Mark is the BSI Sales Manager. His dayto-day responsibilities include customer relations, sales training with the staff, various administrative duties, researching new technology, and quoting large jobs — pre-sale and on-site. How did you get into the industry? In 2006, I left a successful sales job and came to work with my family at BSI. I started working with my grandfather on vault door preventive maintenance. From there, I went on to the installation of all bank equipment, then project management and coordinating installations, and working on large projects. To this day, I always have a hard hat and tool bag in my truck, just in case. What are some of your company’s strengths from your perspective? Our caring culture sets us apart. The culture that my grandfather started still exists here almost 42 years later. Our team is passionate about customer service first, and the same passion for our industry is a really close second. Industry peers across the U.S. are discussing the innovation that takes place here, and that is a testament that we are doing right by our clients. Do you have a favorite client success story? Recently, one of our customers had a hookand-chain attack that left their ATM out of service and unrepairable. We just happened to be storing one of their spare machines and used it to swap out the damaged one. Within hours, we moved 2,500 lbs. of concrete and steel, placed the new machine, and had the ATM up and running. How are you and your company involved in the community? A cause we feel very strongly about supporting, and is near and dear to us, is the Alzheimer’s Association Heart of America Chapter. We support their research and believe in their purpose of finding ways to help those close to and caring for someone with Alzheimer’s. Our involvement with associations also includes Folds of Honor, Segs 4 Vets, and several scholarship programs. Finally, many of our FI customers contact us for help supporting their local community programs. We are always happy to give back to the communities we live and work in. What do you see as the benefits of MIBA membership? One of the benefits of the MIBA membership is that it allows us to get a glimpse of what our customers are seeing and being challenged with, which helps us become a more educated and better supplier. Have you had important mentors during your career so far? Who were they, and what was the most important lesson you learned from them? My father and grandfather. They taught me persistence and patience. My grandfather also taught me about something he thought was important: showmanship. He said, “Anyone can do this job, but doing this job professionally is where the difference is made.” What three recommendations would you have for someone if you were mentoring them? 1. If this was easy, everyone would be doing it. 2. Be patient … If that doesn’t work, be more patient. 3. If you are meant for this industry, steps one and two come naturally. Do you have any last words summarizing your thoughts for anyone reading your article? The way my grandfather started this company is the American Dream. I am proud and thankful to be a part of that legacy. We are grateful for our employees, customers, and business relationships. ■ BSI is proud to mark three generations of trusted service. In addition to their Kansas City headquarters, their growth includes satellite offices throughout the Midwest (Omaha, Denver, Springfield and St. Louis) and access to over 300 years of collective experience. They are opening their doors to new markets, bringing the strength of products developed for financial institutions to other industries and individuals. BSI customers enjoy the peace of mind they receive, knowing they are protected by the highest quality security products and services on the market. To learn more, please visit bankerssecurity.com. Mark Thatcher Jr., wife, Ashlee, daughter, Henslee and son, Hagen. 2023 Issue 2 | 19
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