Harvey Driven by Willingness to Learn
Alek Harvey started his banking career as a part-time teller. At the time, he says he had no aspirations to go beyond that role in the banking industry. Fast-forward to today and he’s still in banking as an assistant vice president, loan officer at Iowa Falls State Bank — the same bank he started his career.
Harvey says inexperience should never be a deterrence. “I came into banking without any experience, but because I was willing to learn and take on new responsibilities it brought new opportunities that I might not have gotten otherwise,” he said.
When looking back on your banking career, what are you most proud of?
Staying with the same bank through my whole career so far. I started as a part-time teller with no further aspirations but, over the years, as I took on more projects and grew as a banker I learned that this was something I wanted to make into a career.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
To not let inexperience deter you. I came into banking without any experience, but because I was willing to learn and take on new responsibilities it brought new opportunities that I might not have gotten otherwise.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
People are always going to need financial services. As community bankers, we can fill a role that the bigger can’t with our service and knowledge of our customers. My favorite transactions are the ones with first-time homebuyers, taking them through the steps to see if they qualify, guiding them through the process, and then getting the payoff at closing when they finally own their first home. It’s very rewarding.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The strongest professional connections I have made in my career, outside of my own bank, have come from attending IBA events, specifically the schools. Over the last few years I have learned the importance of having a professional peer group that you can reach out to, work on deals with and bounce ideas off of.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I am a musician, so most days after work I am playing my drums for an hour or two. I’m sure my neighbors love it!
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
Our bank president says this all the time and I really like it: You apply for your next position every day.