McCormick: Lending an Opportunity to Help Others
Amy McCormick has worked in the banking industry for 20 years. She started out as a loan processor and bookkeeper and later became a lender where she has thrived. “As an ag lender, one will face challenges, but it is rewarding to see a customer purchase their first piece of farm ground or equipment and the joy it brings to them,” she said.
Today, McCormick is a vice president and ag lender at Waukon State Bank, where she has worked for the last 14 years. “The relationships that I have built with my customers over the last few years have been gratifying,” she said.
When looking back on your banking career, what are you most proud of?
Prior to getting married, I moved back to my hometown and worked for a bank in Wisconsin as a loan processor and bookkeeper. Following that, I switched banks and began working at Waukon State Bank as a loan processor and eventually became a lender. Being a lender is what I am most proud of. The relationships that I have built with my customers over the last few years have been gratifying.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
To anyone considering a career in banking, bankers come from all sorts of backgrounds. It is always helpful to have knowledge in a specific industry of banking. For example, if you would like to become an ag lender, it will help if you are knowledgeable about agriculture.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is a great career because it is rewarding to help customers. As an ag lender, one will face challenges, but it is rewarding to see a customer purchase their first piece of farm ground or equipment and the joy it brings to them. In addition, banking is a great career because there are an array of job positions that one can hold.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA keeps their members up to date on changes within the banking industry and provides numerous trainings and seminars that are a great benefit to our staff. I enjoy being able to network with other members of the IBA outside of trainings and seminars.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
When I’m not in the office, you can find me spending time with my family, whether that is helping my husband at our farm or attending an activity for one of my three children.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
I live by the guiding principles of teamwork and encouragement. Always encourage others and always be a team player!