What is the most interesting thing you have learned from this transition to the banking industry? Growing up and still living on a century farm outside of Albany, I have always been around agriculture. Since I have been with BTC, I have learned so much about the financial aspects of operating a farm. That is something that not only helps me professionally as a loan officer but personally, assuring the family farm is in good condition when I pass it down to the next generation. Tell us about the bank’s community investment efforts. We offer so many different things, from our employees being involved in outside organizations to a nonprofit internal organization, the Area Youth Benefit Corporation. Last year, with our mascot debit card donations, we gave out over $72,000 to schools in our region. Our tagline is “Community Minded,” and I believe we show that more by our actions than just our slogan. What is the bank’s biggest challenge in the area of internet banking/mobile banking? FRAUD. It is something every bank is facing today. I don’t believe there is an end in sight with it. If you look at the bank robbery statistics the FBI releases annually, bank robberies are on a steep decline. I attribute that to the increase in fraud. With older customers having to adapt to online banking, that puts them at risk. We do “Elderly Fraud” presentations and try to educate all, not just BTC Bank customers on the dangers of it. What’s your favorite thing about your bank or banking in general? BTC Bank is truly a “family first” company. If there is an issue with a family member, they do not hesitate to let you tend to that. That aligns with my priorities and many of our employees. If you didn’t have a career in banking, what other career would you choose? I would like to give an unrealistic answer here, like “hockey player, football player, etc.,” but God did not bless me with those talents so I would say sports broadcaster. I love all kinds of sports and always have. Particularly Iowa State, St. Louis Blues and Cardinals. Being able to be paid to go to the events and talk about them would be a dream. The Show-Me Banker Magazine | 23
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