Scott: Banking Through the Stages of Life
Andrew Scott, vice president of commercial lending and facilities manager at Success Bank in Bloomfield, enjoys banking because it is relationship-driven. He appreciates being there for his customers through all stages of life. He noted, that as a banker, “You’re there for someone’s first checking account, first car, home, children’s saving account or maybe even a business.”
His favorite quote is from golfer Bobby Jones, “Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots, you get good breaks from bad shots, but you have to play the ball where it lies.” Scott believes this quote sums up life very well as you can try to do everything right and sometimes it doesn’t work. He works to remember his reaction and next steps in these situations ultimately matter most.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
I attended the Foundational and Advanced Commercial Lending School at Southern Methodist University. It’s a high-level program to hone credit risk management and loan portfolio management, and it ties in real-world case studies. Learning and working with my peers was a great networking experience. It was great to share ideas, hear what’s working for others and take all that information back to my bank.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
I would emphasize the importance of relationships and adaptability. You never know who you’ll end up working with or when you might need someone else as a resource, so you should be adaptable and continue to seek opportunities as this can be key to growth. It’s hard to say no to someone who is resilient and has a strong work ethic. Adapting and changing to accommodate the ever-changing needs of customers makes for a fun and challenging career.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is relationship-driven, you become a part of their life. You’re there for someone’s first checking account, first car, home, children’s saving account or maybe even a business. You really can establish strong relationships and grow with your customers. Banking also has so many different jobs within it. You can tailor your interest into what you want your career to be, whether it’s finance and analytics, IT and technology, or customer service and operations. There are multiple avenues that you can take, making banking a rewarding and fulfilling career choice!
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA is a great road map and tool for your banking career. The IBA educational opportunities allowed me to seek knowledge on relevant topics and issues. Whether it’s learning from top educators or networking with others, there is always something to take back and apply at your bank.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, Angie, and our 5-year-old son. I enjoy almost anything outdoors – golfing, boating, snow- and water-skiing, and aviation. In the winter months, I spend more time indoors working on hotrods or target shooting.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots, you get good breaks from bad shots, but you have to play the ball where it lies.”
– Bobby Jones
I feel you can try to do everything right, and sometimes, it just doesn’t work out. Other times, you’re lucky and it lands in your lap with minimal effort or thought. How you react and make your next move when you’re in those situations can ultimately determine everything. Controlling the six inches between your ears is the most important thing you can do.