Parmater Makes an Impact in Banking Career
What Jenna Parmater enjoys most about banking is that it gives her an opportunity to make an impact on her community. Whether that involves helping customers with their financial goals or educating them to better understand how to improve their financial situations, she has found many ways to make a positive impact.
A graduate of Mount Mercy University, today Parmater is a business development manager at Cedar Valley Bank & Trust in Vinton. “Every day is different in the banking world. You never know what customers are going to come in or what problem you will help solve,” she said. “Just when you think you’ve heard it all — you haven’t.”
What is your favorite thing about working in the banking industry and why?
My favorite part of the banking industry is being able to make an impact on the community that I grew up in — whether that is assisting someone in making their dreams come true, or educating people to better understand their financial situation and how to improve it.
Describe one life experience that taught you a lesson that you apply to your banking career.
Expect the unexpected. I took a position right out of college in the advertising industry thinking this would be my path, then a turn of events of company layoffs coincided with the flood of 2008 landed me in the banking industry in Des Moines. This unexpected change opened so many doors of opportunity. Every day is different in the banking world. You never know what customers are going to come in or what problem you will help solve. Just when you think you’ve heard it all — you haven’t.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
If you want to make a difference in the lives of others, there is no better way to see it from the ground level. You get to help individuals through some of life’s biggest events and create lasting relationships with them and the communities you serve.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
Being involved with IBA has given a wide variety of new knowledge that allows me to be a better team player in decision making. From Iowa School to Banking to webinars on HR regulation changes, there is something for everyone to learn and bring back and share with the rest of the team.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
When I am not at work, I can be found spending time with my husband and two boys outdoors, usually fishing or riding horses. With our oldest now in sports, we spend a lot of time at football and basketball games or watching the Hawkeyes.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
Behind every door is a new opportunity.