Pub. 1 2021 Issue 5

September 2021 | 15 MISSOURI BANKER MEET YOUR Name: Jacob L. Brewer | Title: Assistant Vice President Bank Name: Peoples Bank of Wyaconda in Canton Where are your main bank and branches located? Do you target a specific market? The original bank in Wyaconda, Missouri, is still in operation today. The main bank is in Kahoka, and we also have a branch in Canton. We are in an Ag-heavy market in Northeast Missouri. What is something unique about your bank? We still are operating under the original charter, which was established in 1914. How did you get started in the banking business? I started my banking career at Peoples Bank of Wyaconda. I was hired as a Loan Officer by David Alderton, Jr & Brian Alderton. What is the most important thing you have learned from this career so far? Being adaptable to economic changes and environmental issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and providing optimal customer service to our communities. Tell us about the Bank’s community investment efforts. We take pride in the communities we serve. We focus on being involved with our schools — the classes, the teachers and administrators, and any extracurricular activities — and local FFA chapters and 4-H programs. What is the Bank’s biggest challenge in the area of internet/mobile banking? As we are located in rural areas, we often see customers unsure about enrolling in internet and mobile services because they are not as comfortable navigating through today’s technology. However, our ability to get the necessary information to our rural clients is improving each year. On a side note, these services require an internet connection/signal, which is not always strong in our market. What is your favorite thing about your bank/banking in general? Assisting the people in our communities. It is a great feeling to have helped someone purchase their first home, a younger individual purchase their first car, or a young child open their first youth savings account. If you did not have a career in banking, what other career would you choose? If I did not work in banking, I would have to say I would most likely be a State Farm Insurance Agent. My grandfather, Richard, and my father, Brett, were both State Farm Insurance agents in the Northeast Missouri area from 1957 to 2018. ■ To connect with Jacob, please contact him at Peoples Bank of Wyaconda at (573) 288-5209.