Dizdarevic ‘Jumps’ at Opportunity in Banking
While Elvis Dizdarevic was working as an internal auditor for Hy-Vee, the controller for Midwest Heritage — the grocery chain’s banking subsidiary — announced her retirement. It was a role that Dizdarevic, who graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in accounting, had much interest in. He says he “jumped at the opportunity.”
Now as a vice president and controller for Midwest Heritage, he says he tries to always see the big picture. I am a financially conscious person, but working in the banking industry requires you to pay attention to the news and understand the overall economic landscape,” he said. “You learn to relate the news to your current job.”
What drove you to choose a career in banking?
Nothing necessarily drove me into banking, it was by chance. Midwest Heritage is uniquely positioned in that we a subsidiary of a retail grocery company, Hy-Vee. I had previously worked for Hy-Vee as an internal auditor and the prior controller for Midwest Heritage had announced her retirement. I saw an opportunity to apply my accounting experience in a field that had always interested me and jumped at the opportunity for a new challenge.
What is one lesson working in the banking industry has taught you that you can apply to your everyday life?
See the big picture. In many ways, being an accountant at heart, I am a financially conscious person but working in the banking industry requires you to pay attention to the news and understand the overall economic landscape. You learn to relate the news to your current job. As a result you make more informed personal financial decisions, such as how to shop for groceries and when to buy a car.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
At its core, banking provides people with the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Whether it’s a loan to fund a piece of ag equipment to keep a family farm running, a commercial building space for a startup company, a first home purchase for a newly married couple or financial retirement advice, banks offer that path for all individuals to get closer to their dreams.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
Being involved with the IBA has given me the chance to attend the Iowa School of Banking to expand my knowledge of the banking industry. That alone has helped me make better decisions within my bank. It has also helped me make connections in the industry that I wouldn’t have made without the association.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my fiance and two little dogs. During the summer, we spend many of our weekends out on the lake with the dogs. Otherwise, you can find me supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes or trying to golf as much as I can.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
— Wayne Gretzky”