Jeffrey K. Spencer

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

I actually had three first jobs. I worked part-time at a lumber yard and part-time at a retail store. On the weekends, I was a banquet busboy at a local hotel. At an early age, I learned the importance of being on time and understanding that other people who I worked with relied on the things I do, just as I relied on them. It taught me to be responsible and to strive to make a difference in my employment, co-workers and customers.

What drew you to banking?

I was drawn to banking totally by accident. I graduated high school and was not sure what I wanted to do for a living. I was looking for a job, and a friend’s mom who worked at a bank suggested I apply. I applied as a teller and learned that they offered tuition reimbursement and many different avenues to learn. So, I started right out of high school, received excellent reviews and progressed by learning different positions in the bank. This year I am celebrating 50 years in banking.

In your opinion, what is the most exciting trend or development in banking right now?

The biggest development I can see in banking right now is not a new development, but the continued ability to build personal relationships. Not AI relationships or things that are artificial. People will see right through that. Customers still want that personal relationship.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in banking?

The best advice I could give would be to be patient and respectful of others, stay focused on your current job responsibilities and understand there are many different career options in banking. Also, don’t be afraid to say thank you to fellow workers along the way. It means an awful lot to them.

I have worked at every level of banking since starting my career as a teller, and I accomplished this without a college degree, but with the belief and assistance of others who also believed in me.

If you weren’t a banker, what would you do for a living?

I would probably have leaned toward a career in baseball in some capacity. It has always been a passion of mine, and I believe I could be an instrumental part of an organization.

Who or what inspires you?

I had several mentors in my early years of banking, and I had the opportunity to watch how they handled situations and built trust with employees, peers and customers. I observed the admiration and respect they received; seeing that response from others is what inspires me.

What is the thing you have done/accomplished, professionally or personally, that you are the most proud of?

I was fortunate to be given the position of Chief Lending Officer of a financial institution by someone who believed in my abilities. I have worked at every level of banking since starting my career as a teller, and I accomplished this without a college degree, but with the belief and assistance of others who also believed in me. I headed the stock conversion for a bank; I was a Regional Manager. Personally, I have been married nearly 35 years.

What’s your go-to comfort food?

My wife’s pot roast.

What do you do for fun when you’re not working?

I enjoy golfing, especially with my son because we always have a great time and a lot of laughs. I really enjoy traveling with my wife, and spending time with my grandchildren.

Tell us about something on your bucket list.

As a big baseball fan, I have always wanted to attend a game at every single major league baseball stadium. So far, I have made it to 10.

What’s your favorite memory?

I have traveled extensively to all 50 states, Mexico and Canada. I’ve been fortunate to have visited all 50 state capitals. For a period in my life, I was a professional musician and was able to travel with a band, wrote and recorded songs.