Tell us about your background: where you grew up, where you went to school, industry experience, and volunteer work.
I grew up in Hull, Iowa, and attended Dordt College and Northwest Iowa Community College. After college, I worked in construction and also built houses in Mexico through a non-profit for four months. I later married my wife, Kami, and we moved to Chamberlain in 2006. We have three children ages 12, 9, and 6. I’ve worked for a couple of different banks, with three years as a personal banker and ten years as a commercial/ag banker. I feel like my personal and professional experience, as well as the people I have had the pleasure of meeting over the years, led me to FNB, where I started in November 2020 as an ag banker. The Bank’s credit philosophy, reputation, and commitment to long-term customer relationships echoes my own professional philosophy.
What is your role at FNB? What does your day-to-day work look like?
I am an ag banker living Chamberlain, South Dakota. I spend a lot of time contacting customers and prospects regarding their respective operations. As their ag banking advisor, I need to be well-informed on the state of their operation. I have an obligation to our customers to provide financial advice and services to continually earn their trust and business. Additionally, I work throughout the day with the ag team, credit group, loan committee, and retail team to ensure that we are executing the Bank’s market and industry strategies. Communication is key, as it literally takes all lines of business and collaboration with various departments to deliver a good customer experience.
What’s the best memory or experience you’ve had at FNB?
The best memory has to be the first time I presented new credit requests to loan committee, because it was a culmination of working hard to build relationships with customers.
If you could switch jobs with anyone at the Bank, who would it be and why?
It would have to be Internal Risk Review. In my past work experience, I was tasked with the auditing of consumer and small business commercial credits for purchased banks. I developed a passion and appreciation for credit philosophy and executing risk management.
What’s your favorite motto or quote?
Be who you are and be honest. Trust your instincts and learn from mistakes. If you treat people right, the rest will take care of itself.
What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?
I brew my own kombucha tea.
If you had $500 to spend at any local business, where or what would you spend it on?
Premium cuts of beef and fresh seafood, dine at “mom and pop restaurants,” and purchase locally brewed wine and beer.