Lessons Learned on the Links Drive Knutson
Luke Knutson is an avid golfer and has been using lessons he’s learned from golf for 10 years at Farmers State Bank in Waterloo. “Golf is a game built around integrity, and I find banking is all about integrity. I work to be someone who clients trust and feel they can come to for honest input.”
Knutson is an assistant vice president/business development officer at Farmers State Bank. He finds lots of joy in his banking career. “I truly enjoy meeting new people all the time. It’s an honor to be a small part in bringing a new business or service to the community. It’s very rewarding to be able to assist people in achieving a major goal of theirs and being a partner to them along the way.”
What is your favorite thing about working in the banking industry and why?
I truly enjoy meeting new people all the time. It’s an honor to be a small part in bringing a new business or service to the community. It’s very rewarding to be able to assist people in achieving a major goal of theirs and being a partner to them along the way.
Describe one life experience that taught you a lesson that you apply to your banking career.
I hate to be corny and use golf, but it really does offer a lot of relatable items to life and work. Golf is a game built around integrity, and I find banking is all about integrity. I work to be someone who clients trust and feel they can come to for honest input. Additionally, a lot of good golfers utilize mentors to learn from and grow within the sport. I find it extremely valuable to utilize the people around me at FSB and connections within the Iowa Bankers Association to learn what others have seen in their experiences.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking provides you the opportunity to help people each day with major life decisions. You have the chance to help somebody purchase their first vehicle, house, investment property, etc. It comes with stress at times but being able to be someone they trust in making that decision is very fulfilling.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA has really helped me make connections with other bankers all across the State of Iowa. I believe that I’ve benefited the most from the courses offered by the IBA over the years I’ve been in banking.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends as much as I can. My wife and I enjoy traveling when we get the chance and are always looking to experience new places. I’m also a very avid golfer and try to get out and play as time allows!
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
To paraphrase a Michael Jordan quote (to keep it PG), never ask someone to do something that you don’t do. I think that it’s a great quote to carry into all relationships but even more so as a growing leader. I think it’s important when building that team aspect within the workplace to lead by example, and if you’re going to expect certain qualities/characteristics out of people, you better be living up to that expectation day in and day out as well.