In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
I am a lender with my own loan portfolio which consists of consumer, ag and commercial loans. During the past few years, I have handled the majority of our branches Operating Line renewals and new loan requests. I work with many participated loans from the bookings to daily transactions and correspondence. My day-to-day consists of building loan requests, doing underwriting and due diligence tasks and creating loan documents to get them to the funding stage.

How did you get into banking?
Banking wasn't really an interest of mine starting out. I was commuting back and forth to community college and was looking for something flexible and with part-time hours. I was hired at another bank as a teller when I was 19 years old. It ended up turning into a full-time job and now my career.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
​Effective leadership is when someone knows, understands and exhibits behavior towards the common goal and allows others to learn along the way with them so everyone feels utilized and as if they are contributing too.

​Why is banking is a great career?
Banking is a great career to consider because it offers so many different opportunities to learn and grow such as Operations, Compliance and I.T. Working in banking does not necessarily mean you are constantly handling cash or shuffling papers – there is so much more to banking than I ever imagined, and I have so much more to learn!

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
"You can't control everything. Sometimes you just need to relax and have faith that things will work out. Let go a little and just let life happen." -Unknown

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
I am an agricultural and commercial lender. I also maintain our credit analysis software.

How did you get into banking?
I was coloring dollar bills in a suitcase in kindergarten when we were asked what we would bring on vacation. I think that was the start of it.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
​Having the guts to do what is right and having the people that work with you know that there is no other option.

​Why is banking is a great career?
Everybody has a dream, and those dreams rarely don't have a part that deals with money. I really love helping people put together the pieces and help them achieve that dream.

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
I really like to listen to Joe Rogan. He is controversial, and I don't always agree with his opinion, but what he talks about helps keep me sharp on both sides of the spectrum.

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
I am responsible to ensure that my coworkers have the training, tools and resources to accomplish their responsibilities and meet their personal and professional goals. To provide and encourage a proper work/life balance.

How did you get into banking?
When I separated from the military I attended a two-year college with the intention of getting a degree in accounting. At my interview they told me I had too much "personality" to be an accountant and suggested I enroll in the Banking program. After 40 years in the business, I believe I made the right choice.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
Compassionate, supportive, firm, decisive, encouraging and vision are qualities I believe are conducive to effective leadership. Effective leaders don't take themselves too seriously and have the ability to encourage and promote fun into their work life.

Why is banking a great career?
You have the opportunity and the ability to serve others every day. You will find no greater satisfaction then participating in the achievement of others in reaching their personal and professional goals of home ownership or starting and/or managing their own business. There are so many opportunities in our industry, I have blessed to be part of it!

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
I am not sure who the original author is, but my Dad used to remind us often, "It's nice to be important, but it is more important to be NICE". He also reminded us that, "If you want to have great accomplishments, have others achieve theirs."

Is there anything else you'd like people to know about you or banking?
I am truly blessed to have a very supportive wife, family, co-workers and friends. The opportunity to participate in an industry that give so much back to our communities and state. I am a bit biased, but there is no better career path for individuals that are looking for a way to earn a good living, spend quality time with their families and also give back to society and their communities. Come join the fun!

In your own words, describe what your role is at the bank:
My role is to provide leadership that helps set the goals, objectives and vision of the bank. To develop and ensure actions create a culture that helps motivate the bank's board and staff to achieve those desired goals and objectives that meet the vision. I try to create the desired culture by fostering a great "family" work environment for all employees that utilizes each person's talents to their full potential.

How did you get into banking?
I grew up in a banking family, both my dad and uncle worked for the Abbott Bank Group out of Alliance. I began working summers at the bank during high school and naturally pursued banking as a career because I enjoy seeing people achieve their dreams.

What does effective leadership look like to you?
​Effective leadership to me is creating an environment that allows people to do the most with the talents that they desire to use.

​Why is banking is a great career?
Banking is a challenging yet rewarding profession because it has a wide variety of job duties available that can grow with your experience, compensation is attractive, and most banks provide great benefits.

Share your favorite book, podcast or quote. Why is it your favorite?
It isn't a job if you love what you are doing.
I love my job.

Is there anything else you'd like people to know about you or banking?
Recently I became a grandfather of two wonderful little girls, one from each of my kids who now live within minutes of home. So I look forward to being a Grandpa.