Sieck Grows Bank to Impact Communities
Dwayne Sieck, president and chief executive officer of Central Bancshares, Inc., enjoys being a banker because it allows him to make a direct impact on the economic health and quality of life in his community. One of his achievements includes growing a bank to nearly $9 billion in assets through mergers and acquisitions and organic growth across 17 cities and nine states over a 12-year period. His advice to new bankers would be, “to listen to your clients and the needs of the communities you serve, be a student of the industry, and aim high. This will set you apart.”
Sieck currently serves on the IBA’s Advocacy and Policy Committee. This group helps formulate and guide the legislative agenda for our industry. In addition, he appreciates that he’s been able to build his network through the IBA. “The IBA provides several opportunities to develop relationships with other bankers and bank partners across Iowa. This network has led to garnering not only good business opportunities but also sound advice,” he noted.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
I am proud to have worked with a team that grew a bank from scratch to nearly $9 billion in assets through mergers and acquisitions and organic growth across 17 cities and nine states over a 12-year period.
The lessons I’ve learned along the way have shaped how I lead our bank today. I work to fully understand all stakeholders to ensure alignment is strong between our stakeholders and our associates. I am relentlessly focused on a strong culture, which values our clients and our associates serving them each day.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
My advice would be to listen to your clients and the needs of the communities you serve, be a student of the industry, and aim high. This will set you apart.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is the lifeblood of a community. As a fully emersed and engaged banker, you can make a direct impact on the economic health and quality of life in your community.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
Currently, I serve on the IBA’s Advocacy and Policy Committee. This group helps formulate and guide the legislative agenda for our industry. The IBA provides several opportunities to develop relationships with other bankers and bank partners across Iowa. This network has led to garnering not only good business opportunities but also sound advice.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I love being outdoors, coaching or playing sports with my kids, listening to live music, four-wheeling, riding my motorcycle, or simply mowing on my tractor.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
If it is to be, it’s up to me.