Theisen Emphasizes Importance of Relationships
Jeff Theisen, vice president of ag/commercial loans for Fidelity Bank & Trust, says a career in banking provides no shortage of opportunities to do good for your community. With his legal background, he is proud of helping guide his bank through various regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Theisen said involvement with the IBA provides opportunities to learn how others handle similar challenges at their bank. He said banking is built on relationships, and he strives to be a positive force in others’ lives. When he’s not at work, Theisen enjoys spending time with family, volunteering, staying active, or camping in his teardrop trailer.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
Being a banker in a small community comes with many roles or hats to wear. With so many opportunities to do good, it is hard to narrow this answer down to a single achievement. With that being said, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Paycheck Protection Program was when I had my first opportunity to use my legal background to help navigate our bank through the various regulations and bring some calm vibes to our office during a truly chaotic period in our lives.
Describe one life experience that taught you a lesson that you apply to your banking career.
The best lessons in life come from the people who care about you the most. Whether it was my grandparents or parents, two of the most important things I was taught were…
- Life isn’t fair, do your part to make it as fair as it can be.
- If something is too good to be true, it probably is.
The first lesson taught me to never lose sight of the big picture and understand how one decision may have an effect in places you never thought possible. The second lesson taught me to live in the moment but to pay attention to what is sitting in front of me. As a lender, you like to be part of change and see things happen but remaining cautious and asking the right questions can spare you issues down the road.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or anyone considering a career in banking?
Find reasons or excuses to get along and work with people. One of the lessons learned through the course of a few IBA programs is to stop saying “I HAVE to (insert task at work),” and start saying, “I GET to (insert task at work).” This career is centered on relationships and, unfortunately, it is much easier to burn a bridge than it is to build one from the rubble. Be the positive force in everyone’s life.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Unless you have family in banking, I don’t think children grow up dreaming of working in a bank. If someone young happens to read this, I would want them to know the two things I love most about my job. First, you will see and experience so much variety in your job that one day will not be the same as the next. Second, you will never have so many opportunities to do good by your community and be an active part of making things better.
how does getting involved with the iowa bankers association help you and your bank?
Involvement with the IBA allows you to see first hand how people in similar careers tackle the same problems you face. This will lead to your own personal growth in addition to making banking better for everyone across the state of Iowa.
when you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I am a big fan of doing whatever I feel like in a given moment. Family is most important to me so I enjoy spending time with my mom and dad, my sisters, and my hilarious nephews. In my spare time I like to volunteer around town, golf, disc golf, pickleball, and go camping in my teardrop trailer.
what is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
If a problem can be solved, there is no use worrying about it. If it can’t be solved, worrying will do no good.” – Dalai Lama
I believe the biggest threat we face in society is a growing trend of complacency and/or anxiety about taking action. We have and always will need leaders who are willing to step up and take a stand. Don’t be afraid to try and don’t be afraid to try again if you fail.