Farm Lessons Propel Pasker in Banking Career
Jason Pasker — now in the 20th year of his career — started working at a bank immediately after high school, and he says he hasn’t looked back. Prior to banking, however, he helped his neighbor on the farm. He says that experience taught him to work hard, be resilient and be tough — lessons he says are mandatory for farm work. “These lessons are something I learned at a young age and have carried with me my whole life,” he said.
Today, Pasker is a commercial loan officer at Ohnward Bank & Trust in Marion, where he enjoys helping people achieve their financial goals. “It truly is a great thing to get to see the joy it brings to each customer,” he said.
How did you get into banking as a career?
I started into banking right out of high school and haven’t looked back. This year is my 20th year in banking.
Prior to your current role, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had, and what lesson did it teach you that you still use today?
Prior to banking I helped our neighbor on the farm. The lessons of working hard, being resilient and being tough were mandatory on a farm. These lessons are something I learned at a young age and have carried with me my whole life.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is a career of making relationship. I get to help someone buy their first car, or their first house. I get to help someone start their own business. It truly is a great thing to get to see the joy it brings to each customer.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA has been a great learning tool for me. I have been through their Consumer and Commercial Lending Schools, along with their two-week Iowa School of Banking program. The knowledge I took away from these classes have played a huge role in my career and created long-lasting relationships for the bank.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I love coaching. I have been coaching youth sports for 10-plus years but, most recently, I have been really involved with my son Max’s sports. That means I spend the spring and summer on the baseball field, my fall on the football field and my winter in the wrestling room. I have also added volleyball to my coaching list. This year, I have decided to help with coaching our daughter Ava’s volleyball team. So needless to say, I love coaching. With that said, if I have extra time, you will find me cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes and spending time with family and friends.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
— Wayne Gretzky
“Smile. People like people that smile.”
— Paula Pasker (my mom)