Kleinkopf: Training Is Key to Success in Banking
Alan Kleinkopf is proud to have been involved with all departments within the banking industry. “This has allowed me to gain a tremendous amount of knowledge of how every department operates and how it funnels into the big picture,” he said. “Training is an excellent opportunity to gain more knowledge to help you further your career and allows you to help your institution.”
Kleinkopf, a graduate of Iowa State University, is currently the senior vice president of F&M Bank & Trust in Burlington. He is responsible for the retail and business banking departments, as well as all risk management and compliance functions.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
Looking back on my career, I am most proud I that I have been involved with all departments within the bank. This has allowed to me gain a tremendous amount of knowledge of how every department operates and how it all funnels into the big picture.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
Never miss a training opportunity even if it does not fit into your current position. Training is an excellent opportunity to gain more knowledge to help you further your career and allows you to help your institution. Always remember to share your knowledge with others. This allows the whole organization to work more efficiently and you are able to better serve your clients.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is a great career because there are so many different functions, from handling money on the front line to back-end operations. No matter if you choose to be a teller, loan officer or crunch numbers in the back room, we are all working together to be a financial resource to our community.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
Iowa Bankers has been a valuable resource for both training and advocacy for the banking industry. I have been able to attend many webinars conducted by Iowa Bankers and go to many schools such as Compliance School and Iowa School of Banking. By being involved with Iowa Bankers, I have been able to create a very good network of other bankers to discuss important issues.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
When I am not at work, I love to spend time with my wife, daughter and son. We love to do many different things as a family. In the summertime, you will most likely find us having fun in the sun and hanging out by the pool. It doesn’t matter what we do, just as long as we do it together.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
“Do the best you can. No one can do more than that.”
— John Wooden
“The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.”
— Jim Henson