Growin' Up Gregory

If you're like me, you sort of feel like you're in some weird twilight zone or movie right now where we're not sure what's real, what's not, or what's going to happen next.  While we don't know how long the shutdown and quarantine will last, one thing we can be sure of, is to take advantage of this time. To be honest, 2020 was a year I was planning to make some significant moves and start really working toward some bigger and bolder goals.  I had opportunities for some training and exposure that have been cancelled.  I had some ideas I wanted to run by some smart, successful people to gain their insight.  And Britt and I had recently started talking about business ventures or investment opportunities to pursue. But now, like most of us, those ideas are all quarantined...or are they? Technically and officially, acting on some these plans is certainly on hold.  But the thoughts, learning, and saving are not.  So what am I doing and what can you do durin...

Millennials are categorized as people born between the years 1982 - 2000.  This would put us somewhere between the ages of 18 - 36 (and makes me one of the senior members of this group).  I've read, seen, and heard many different trains of thought on millennials over the past few years as we've become the largest group of members in the workforce in America.  Some has been positive, but some not so much.  Like any other generation, we aren't perfect, but we do have potential.  We just need you to give us a chance, and here's why? Consider this - If you are a 50ish year old individual with a business, how much longer do you plan to keep working?  Based on the current social security rules and typical retirement ages, I would guess another 20 years give or take.  Would you want a business partner who was only planning to work another 5 or 10 years?  Certainly not.  You would want a partner who is going to be there for you and with you the res...

My job, like most everyone else's, can be frustrating at times.  I have friends, clients, or random potential customers who contact me about a financing need or a loan product that they've heard about through some ad on the radio, online, or on TV.  Sometimes, what we have to offer may be much better (or at least much simpler) and other times the larger company is simply able to offer something that a bank our size isn't equipped, capable, or willing to offer.  I like the way one of customer (and now friend) put it:  "A community bank may not be able to do everything, but they can do some things that other banks can't."  He unknowingly nailed what sets community banks (and other small businesses) apart - their ability to see more clearly what a customer wants and needs, and the willingness to customize a solution for their particular need (without all of the ridiculous corporate approvals that are sometimes required). For people who do a lot of traveling,...