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IBA Member Spotlight: Jeremiah Clemons

Clemons Looks Beyond the Numbers

Jeremiah ClemonsBeing a banker means building connections with your customers and helping them through difficult situations. For Jeremiah Clemons, these are his favorite aspects of the job. Clemons, a credit card specialist at GNB Bank, appreciates that banking allows him to understand more about different businesses while connecting with all kinds of people and learning new things. “Banking is a lot about the numbers, but even more about the people you get to work with,” he said.

Clemons originally joined the banking industry as an Iowa bank intern. As an intern, he was able to attend IBA courses which he has continued to do as a full-time banker. Now, he has even joined the Consumer Credit School Advisory Board. He added, “Taking IBA classes helps you learn from expert sources beyond your boss or manager. It also allows you to network with bankers that you might not meet otherwise.”

When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?

I’m proud that I get to help people work through difficult situations. Banking is a lot about the numbers, but even more about the people you get to work with.

What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?

If you like people and basic math, you can learn the other aspects of banking. It is a field where all types of personalities and people are needed. In this field, you will be exposed to many different aspects of business, connect with all kinds of people, and find that there is always something new to learn.

What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?

In banking, no two days are the same. Some days you meet with customers, and you help them purchase a new vehicle. Other days, you play detective and solve a problem for someone. There are a lot of different avenues and career paths in banking, so anyone can find their passion in this industry.

How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?

I was actually an intern with an Iowa bank and able to attend the IBA Intern Program before entering the workforce full time. More recently, I joined the Consumer Credit School Advisory Board. Taking IBA classes helps you learn from expert sources beyond your boss or manager. It also allows you to network with people from across the state you might not meet otherwise. I’m now a part of an email group to learn how other bankers handle situations involving bank vendors, trends or product offerings.

When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?

I enjoy attending live sporting events.

What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?

“The only man who never makes mistakes is the man who never does anything.”

– Theodore Roosevelt