Building Relationships Beyond the Balance Sheet
Jarret Mulholland strives to make the lending process as smooth as possible for customers in his role as vice president, commercial lender at First National Bank. He believes the best results come from collaborating with coworkers across the bank to deliver thoughtful solutions to customers. As a recent graduate of the Iowa School of Banking, Mulholland gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity of bank leadership through hands-on bank management simulations that sparked his interest in leadership. His work ethic can be traced back to his upbringing on an eastern Iowa farm, where years of showing cattle and participating in 4-H taught him lessons that continue to shape his career today.
What’s something ABOUT YOUR ROLE PEOPLE MIGHT NOT EXPECT?
I think many people assume commercial lending is all about numbers and financial statements. While those are certainly important, the part of my job I enjoy most is building relationships. Every customer has different goals, challenges, and priorities, and I take the time to understand what they’re trying to accomplish so I can help them find the best solution. For me, it’s about helping people succeed — not just approving loans.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is that it’s okay to rely on the people around you. Banking has so many specialized areas that it’s impossible to be an expert in everything. I’ve learned that the best outcomes happen when you collaborate with teammates who have expertise in different areas. Working together allows us to provide better service and better solutions for our customers than any one person could on their own.
If you could instantly become an expert in one thing, what would it be?
I’d choose becoming an expert at running a bank. I recently graduated from the Iowa School of Banking, and one of the most valuable experiences was participating in bank simulations where we spent several days managing a bank. It gave me a whole new appreciation for how complex bank leadership is and how even small decisions can have a significant impact on the organization. That experience sparked an interest in leadership and made me want to continue learning about what it takes to successfully run a bank.
what’s an interesting or lesser-known fact about you?
I grew up on a farm in eastern Iowa and was heavily involved in 4-H. From fourth grade through my senior year of high school, I showed cattle every summer at the Iowa State Fair. It taught me responsibility, hard work, and the value of dedication — lessons that have stayed with me throughout my career.
What do you do outside of work to recharge?
One of my favorite ways to recharge is getting to the gym at 5:00 a.m. before work. It’s a great way to start my day. I put on my headphones, listen to music, and focus on my workout. It helps clear my mind, gives me energy, and puts me in the right mindset for the day ahead.