Lange: Serving People and Strengthening Communities
Josh Lange, loan officer at First Bank Hampton, job shadowed and interned there in college and knew he wanted to pursue a career in banking after seeing the impact bankers made in the community. He said banking provides rewarding opportunities to help people through the ups and downs of life, with each day being different than the last.
When asked about his involvement with the IBA, Lange said, “The IBA has helped me more than I could have ever imagined.” He lives by one of his grandpa’s favorite parts of the Bible, “The Parable of the Good Samaritan.” When he isn’t working, he enjoys golfing, being outdoors, and spending time with family.
What drove you to choose a career in banking?
What drove me into the banking industry was the desire to help people financially. I didn’t exactly know what that all involved at first. I had an internship/ job shadow with First Bank Hampton over Christmas break when I was in college. I saw how a community bank truly helped the community and all the people a bank serves. That opened my eyes and made me want to pursue a career in banking. I don’t just get to help people financially but get to serve the whole community and try to make it a better place.
Describe one life experience that taught you a lesson you apply to your banking career.
As a banker you see every side of people. You see the good and you see the bad. Something I heard a lot throughout my life is “you never know what someone is going through”. A lot of the time people come to you because they need help with something going on in their life. It is rewarding getting to help people. Not only during the bad times but also the good times.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking has to be one of the most unique & rewarding career paths you can choose. There are many different opportunities and careers you can choose from in banking that you may not even realize. Every day is different than the last. The best part is you get to serve the community around you and help it become a better place.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
Being involved with the IBA has helped me more than I could have ever imagined. I jumped into my banking career right out of college. Going to IBA schools throughout the first few years of my career have helped me grow not just with education, but with networking as well. The IBA gives not just me but our whole bank excellent opportunities to grow and better serve our communities.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
A few of my favorite hobbies when I am not at work include golfing, being outdoors, and spending time with my family.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
Something I live by and was one of my grandpa’s favorite parts of the Bible, “The Parable of the Good Samaritan,” which can be found in Luke 10:25-37. I encourage everyone to give it a read.