Pub. 1 2021 Issue 3

June 2021 | 19 people can be difficult, especially since many people are switching industries. The positions people want may not be the positions they can get. It will work out, but we will need patience. We will have to become more efficient, operate on a leaner staff, and fill in the gap with technology. Banks that innovate will do well,” he said. “You have to accept technology and modernize.” The bank initially had $19 million in assets; it currently has $900 million and several in-state locations. In addition to Missouri, Midwest Regional Bank conducts business in four other states. Tyler is happy with the bank’s slow, measured growth and an emphasis on small business. In St. Louis, for example, there are lots of small businesses and a great network for getting referrals. “There’s a natural market; someone’s uncle, brother or cousin always works in the small big city that is St. Louis,” said Tyler. Although opportunities are there for large commercial businesses, focusing on the small business community works well with the bank’s structure and lenders. MIBA membership is valuable to Tyler because the association provides connections. “Especially nowadays,” said Tyler, “bankers generally wear a lot of hats. They have different roles and spend their evenings in the community and with family. They don’t have time to explore on their own or meet vendors several times over. But MIBA makes those connections for you. If you need contacts or connections, seminars or conventions, they can help you with that.” Tyler strongly recommends attending the MIBA-sponsored seminars and conventions. “MIBA has great educational material and connections,” he said. “I go to as many events as I can. There’s a real feeling of camaraderie, and you have the opportunity to network with people. The human capital you take back is invaluable. Since you never know when you will need something, you build out that network, and that group of people, who can help you and your business. Later on, you may realize that you’ve been introduced to the wonderful tools and resources you need.” Tyler’s favorite quote is from a wartime speech Winston Churchill gave Aug. 20, 1940: “Never … was so much owed to so many by so few.” Tyler relates to the quote because it reminds him that “I am blessed where I am at. Everything we have as a country came with the sacrifice of others before us. I think you have to remember where you came from, be grateful to the generations before, and look out for the following generations.” Tyler enjoys golfing, gardening, drinking and collecting wine, and being outside. “I love to be outside,” he said. Tyler has a wife, Kelly, and an 18-month-old daughter named Elizabeth. He spends most of his free time with them, but he and Kelly like traveling and just got back from a Napa Valley vacation; now that he and Kelly are vaccinated, this was the first vacation they’ve been able to take since the pandemic began. His parents and in-laws took care of Elizabeth for them while they were gone. “Elizabeth has a lot of energy,” said Tyler. “We rested and caught up on sleep.” ■