Erwin Loves ‘Team Aspect of Banking’
Joni Erwin enjoys working on a team. She grew up learning the value of teamwork through working on her family farm, playing sports and being involved in various community organizations. She finds the team aspect is also present in banking when she works with customers or when collaborating with others in her organization to help customers achieve their goals.
Erwin works as a commercial and ag lending officer at Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company. “A career in the banking industry offers a ton of growth opportunity for any individual, and it is fulfilling to help customers meet their goals!” she said.
What is your favorite thing about working in the banking industry and why?
For my entire life, I have always enjoyed being a part of a team. When I was growing up on my family farm, playing sports, and involved in community organizations, I was always with a team working towards a common goal. I love the team aspect of banking; partnering with your customers and collectively as an organization to help them meet their financial goals.
Describe one life experience that taught you a lesson that you apply to your banking career.
Prior to working in the banking industry, I served as a district field manager for the Iowa Corn Growers Association, covering an 11-county territory in North Central Iowa. When I began in this role, there were portions of my territory that I was unfamiliar with, so I didn’t know many farmers in those communities. During harvest in my first year of the position, I would pull into field driveways when I saw a combine, hold up my snacks I brought and ask to ride along for a few rounds. While this took a lot of courage, it lead to some meaningful conversations about our organization and issues facing their operations. In these situations, I applied the five seconds of courage concept I learned from a conference speaker. The speaker emphasized that life happens when you show outstanding courage for five seconds and make the first move. I still apply that to my career today, and it helps me to get outside of my comfort zone.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
A career in the banking industry offers a ton of growth opportunity for any individual, and it is fulfilling to help customers meet their goals!
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
I enjoy being involved with the IBA because it allows me to network with other professionals in my industry and discuss issues and successes we come across with our customers. Additionally, I really appreciate all of the training and continuing education opportunities that the organization offers.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
When I am not lending money to farmers and business owners, I enjoy biking, golfing, boating in Clear Lake and taking road trips with my boyfriend, Tom. I also love my time in southeast Iowa on my family farming operation and especially spoiling my niece, Jenna and nephew, Landon!
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.
— Philippians 4:6 (NLT)