As a Banker, Jensen Enjoys Sharing Knowledge
Working as a banker has given Mark Jensen many opportunities to share his knowledge and help others with their personal finances. He has a strong background in agriculture that includes working in feed sales and even teaching ag classes at the college level. Now, as a vice president at Spencer-based State Bank & Insurance, where he also serves as a branch manager and loan officer, he gets to use his agricultural background to help the ag producers in his community.
Working as a banker has also given him knowledge to pass down to his children. “It has also allowed me to better teach my children personal finances along with giving them a good base to start their own personal finances,” he said.
What drove you to choose a career in banking?
I have always been a numbers person. From my pervious careers in feed sales to ag teaching at the college level, my career in banking gave me the opportunity to get back to working with area ag producers and to use my knowledge in agriculture to help others grow and succeed in their operations. It also allows me an opportunity to learn something new every day, either from the industry itself or from my customers.
What is one lesson working in the banking industry has taught you that you can apply to your everyday life?
Any career in banking will teach you and give you new or additional skills and knowledge that you can apply to your own personal finances — learning to be safe with your money in today’s world, finding the types of investments and options you have to best benefit you and your family. It has also allowed me to better teach my children personal finances along with giving them a good base to start their own personal finances.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
The community banks are very vital to the communities they serve. Whether it is our role in personal and business financing, serving on school or community boards, volunteering at local community events, sponsoring school or community events. It is a lot of times the glue that holds communities together.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA is an advocate for the Iowa banking industry, which makes a positive impact for our banks and communities in which we live. They keep us informed and up to date with current events and changes coming to the banking industry. The IBA provides educational opportunities in which individuals have the opportunity to expand their financial knowledge and grow in the industry.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
In the summer, I enjoy boating and being in Okoboji. My wife and I enjoy golfing, bike riding, traveling, chasing our kids around and mostly caring for our cattle.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
Be empathetic. You never know what battles others are fighting!