Peterson: Leading With Curiosity
Garrett Peterson, portfolio manager at MidWestOne Bank in Des Moines, focuses on building relationships based on mutual trust and respect. He is proud of his efforts toward developing and implementing a commercial loan analysis worksheet to be used as an efficient tool. “No matter your role, you play a part in the customer’s experience,” he said.
Peterson credits the IBA with providing educational resources, and for the efforts made to help bankers succeed. When he’s not working, Peterson enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, being in nature, watching his kids’ activities, and Formula One racing. Peterson seeks to encourage and uplift the people around him and leads interactions with others with curiosity.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
One of the achievements I’m most proud of is developing and implementing a new commercial loan analysis worksheet, which introduced a completely redesigned format for loan write-ups. It brought together key elements like credit facility details, financial analysis, loan grades, risk ratings, relationship information, and collateral analysis into a clear, effective presentation for all bank personnel. The write-up was designed to be used across all types of commercial loans, making it a versatile tool for the team. A key part of this project was attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout. This initiative allowed me to combine my curiosity and love for process improvement to create a tool that improved efficiency and supported stronger credit decisions.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Growth comes from being uncomfortable, taking on new challenges, and pushing yourself beyond what’s familiar. Always be looking for ways to improve and adapt, that mindset will serve you well in this industry. Build strong, meaningful relationships within the banking community. When those relationships are built on trust and mutual respect, they become one of your most valuable assets. They not only help you grow professionally but also make the work more fulfilling. Finally, stay committed to a customer-first approach. No matter your role, you play a part in the customer’s experience. When you lead with that in mind, you not only build stronger relationships with clients, you help drive real, lasting results.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking offers a wide range of opportunities for growth, no matter your background or interests. Whether you’re drawn to analytics, relationship management, operations, or innovation, there’s a place for you in this industry. It’s a career where you can continually learn, take on new challenges, and make a real impact on individuals, businesses, and entire communities.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
Being involved with the Iowa Bankers Association has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I’ve been able to take advantage of educational courses that have expanded my banking knowledge and kept me current on industry trends. It’s also provided valuable opportunities to connect with other banking professionals across the state and build relationships that support the work we do at MidWestOne Bank. What really stands out is the Iowa Bankers Association truly wants its members to succeed, demonstrated through the expertise they offer and the resources they provide.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I’m a huge Formula One fan and follow Max Verstappen closely, it’s something I really enjoy. But more importantly, most of my free time is spent with my wife and our two kids. We love going to the farmers market, visiting the park, and getting out in nature. The kids are also getting into activities like gymnastics, soccer, cheerleading, dance, music, and recently acting, so they definitely keep us busy. Any time spent with the family is perfect.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
One quote that’s always stuck with me is: “Treat a man as he is and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he could be and he will become what he should be.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson. I try to live by that, both personally and professionally, by seeing the potential in others and encouraging growth. Another quote I’ve come to appreciate recently is from Ted Lasso: “Be curious, not judgmental.” It’s a simple reminder to lead with curiosity, keep an open mind, and seek to understand people and situations before making assumptions. That mindset has served me well in both banking and life.