Walter’s Small Business Passion Persists as Banker
For eight years, Jennifer Walter owned Walnut Street Gallery, an art gallery and customer picture framing business in Uptown Ankeny. She says the relationships she built as a small business owner opened the door to her current career as vice president and private banking manager at First National Bank in Ankeny. “I still have a passion for the success of small businesses, and building strong relationships is what continues to keep me in this role,” she said.
Walter says banking provides tremendous career opportunities in a variety of fields. “The personal and professional growth potential in banking is vast and allows you the opportunity to find the position that best uses your individual skill set and gifts,” she said.
What drove you to choose a career in banking?
I owned Walnut Street Gallery in uptown Ankeny for 8 years and worked there for a total of 15 years. It was an art gallery and custom picture framing business. As a former small business owner, it was the relationships that I had built in the community that opened the door to a role in banking for me. Certainly, it was a unique transition to banking but it truly was about relationships. I still have a passion for the success of small businesses, and building strong relationships is what continues to keep me in this role.
What is one lesson working in the banking industry has taught you, and how do you apply it to your everyday life?
I have learned how important it is to build trust with our clients and to take a genuine interest in our clients and their needs. This is true in each of our lives and interactions as we develop relationships with friends, family and our community.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
The personal and professional growth potential in banking is vast and allows you the opportunity to find the position that best uses your individual skill set and gifts. As a woman I have felt no glass ceiling in banking or in my career at First National Bank which his very encouraging.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
We are so blessed as bankers to have the support and resources available at our fingertips through the IBA. I am grateful for the educational opportunities and enjoyed attending my first year of the Iowa School of Banking this summer. The IBA genuinely cares about each and every Iowa banker and the success of our banks!
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I enjoy so many things but mostly spending time with those that I love! I love Gardening, cooking, biking and serving in my church and community.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
“In whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.”
— Corinthians 10:31