Supporting Local Community Drives Stevenson
Paul Stevenson currently serves as president of Clear Lake Bank and Trust. He is extremely proud of the positive impact the team at Clear Lake Bank and Trust has made on northern Iowa communities. “As a community bank, Clear Lake Bank and Trust has played an integral role in promoting and stimulating the local economy,” he said.
Stevenson has really enjoyed his banking career. He’s found fulfillment in helping people achieve their financial goals. His advice to new and young bankers would be to get involved in organizations that will improve the quality of life and the economy in their communities. “We all need to work together to make our communities a better place to live, work and raise a family,” he added.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
As a community bank, Clear Lake Bank and Trust has played an integral role in promoting and stimulating the local economy. I’m extremely proud of the employees of Clear Lake Bank and Trust and everything we have done as an organization to positively impact the northern Iowa communities we serve.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
The best advice I would give anyone beginning a career in banking is to continually make connections with people and to build those relationships. A wise person once told me that you cannot have influence outside of a relationship.
I would also explain that a career in banking will be equally defined by the success of the bank as well as the prosperity of the communities you serve. Make a concerted effort to get involved in organizations that will improve the quality of life and the economy in your communities. We all need to work together to make our communities a better place to live, work and raise a family.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
I have really enjoyed my career in the banking industry and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in helping people with their financial goals. There is nothing more satisfying and fulfilling as to see the joy in a person’s face when they achieve a financial goal. There are few times in a person’s life when they are as happy as they are the day they purchase their first home or reach their lifelong dream of starting a business.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA is a valued resource for our industry and is very well regarded throughout the country. As the largest banking association in the country, members are granted valuable access to state and national political leaders. The employees at the IBA are very knowledgeable and provide our employees with information on important topics including compliance, legislative issues and education. Our employees appreciate the access and the ability to connect with IBA staff with any questions they may have.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
Clear Lake Bank and Trust truly believes and focuses on a good work-life balance. Outside the office, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My wife and I are also incredibly excited to be welcoming our first grandchild in February.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
Fresh off the election cycle, it seems like people are very polarized in their views. However, I believe in working to find things in common with others to see if that leads us down a path where we can find mutual respect for one another’s opinions.