Davis Emphasizes a Learning Mindset
Tanner Davis, loan officer at Cedar Valley Bank, finds fulfillment in being people’s “financial first responder.” He is proud of his efforts toward helping establish a housing development in Vinton, which won an award at the 2023 HousingIowa Conference.
Davis credits the IBA with providing valuable resources that have assisted in his career development. He says that being a community banker often requires wearing many hats, and he has found value in being a lifelong learner.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
Although still early in my career, I am currently most proud of being part of a team that played a crucial role in getting a housing development in Vinton and that has facilitated multiple grant and down payment assistance programs to get tons of new housing in the development. This has brought new families to Vinton and allowed people a chance to start families and stay in Vinton. This project received an award at the 2023 HousingIowa Conference for the single-family development category.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
Prepare to become a lifelong learner. Being a community banker allows for employees to wear multiple hats in the workplace. With dynamic oversight and regulation, it is crucial to be a constant learner to equip yourself to serve your customers at the highest level. Banking has a lot of opportunities to excel in many different areas within the workplace, and if you stay committed to learning, it will benefit you greatly.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
“Bankers Hours.” In all seriousness, it is the lives that you get to touch and serve daily. Being a community banker and involved in a lending role, it is rewarding to see the results from your work in the community. Being a community banker, you are not just a banker, you end up being the financial first responder for many of your clients. You help make real impacts in the community and people’s lives!
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA is an invaluable resource for our bank. Between trainings, schools, compliance, and regulatory oversight, we utilize the IBA weekly. The IBA has played a vital role in my career development with the different banking schools offered. I have completed the four main schoolings, and the information and hands-on training has expanded my banking and lending knowledge greatly. The networking that the IBA provides also pays dividends by forming relationships and peer groups that provide career-long learning experiences and friendships.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
When I am not at work, I like to hangout with my wife and two boys. We are a very outdoors-focused family, spending most of our summer on the river, in our garden or camping. I love to hunt as well, and I’m looking forward to passing that passion down to my kids.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
“Be faithful with what you’ve been given, and bold with what you’re called to build.”