Havens: Environment, Culture Make Banking Enjoyable
Kyle Havens was working at a Hy-Vee when he first started thinking about banking as a career. The atmosphere created by the employees of an in-store branch of TS Bank looked appealing to him. While there weren’t any openings at that time, he applied for a teller position at a different bank and began his career. “You could say the environment and culture is what drew me in — not banking itself,” Havens said.
Soon after, Havens learned of an opening at TS Bank and applied. Today, he is a systems analyst at TS Banking Group in Treynor. “Banking is much more than what it seems on the surface,” he said. “I like to think there’s a role for every type of skillset here, and sometimes the only limits are what we put on ourselves.”
How did you get into banking as a career?
I was working at a Hy-Vee, and I would pass the in-store TS Bank branch, and I really enjoyed the environment the bankers created. They always seemed to work together so well, enjoyed the challenge of their jobs and have fun. I wanted to do something challenging but enjoyable, so I thought it may be a great opportunity. Unfortunately, they had no openings at the time, so I applied for a teller position at a different bank and started there. Lo and behold, not much time later, a friend of mine had started at the bank and encouraged me to apply for a newly opened position, and the rest is history. In short, you could say the environment and culture is what drew me in — not banking itself.
Prior to your current role, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had, and what lesson did it teach you that you still use today?
When I was in high school, I spent summer breaks painting rooms and doing landscaping for a retirement community in my hometown. The work could be long and the days could be tiring, but seeing the finished product of days — sometimes weeks — of work made any difficulties or struggles worthwhile. It helped me understand that many great things take time and patience in addition to determination to be achieved. Being patient and doing things with care and consideration was a fantastic lesson for a teenager to learn.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
If you can find a bank (or any job you enjoy, for that matter), that shares your values and has a positive, healthy workplace culture, you will find heaps of opportunity. Banking is much more than what it seems on the surface. I like to think there’s a role for every type of skillset here, and sometimes the only limits are what we put on ourselves.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA has given me the chance to continue to grow my skills and widen my knowledge base with a variety of educational experiences. It’s also helped me further my understanding on the importance of community banking.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
If I’m not travelling, I am consistently working on home renovations. There’s always another home project to plan, and I’m happy to do it!
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are hard work, stick-to-itiveness and common sense.”
— Thomas Edison