Hulett Helps Drive Growth in Rural Iowa
Trevor Hulett, commercial and ag banker for F&M Bank in Anamosa first found interest in banking after interning at his local bank when he was 16 and has been driven by a passion for finance and helping others achieve their goals ever since. Hulett said his experience playing college football taught him, “When life knocks you down, the way you bounce back says more about you than the initial result.”
Hulett said a career in banking provides variety — one day he might be helping a farmer buy more acres or helping someone develop their new business. When he’s not working, Hulett enjoys spending time with his wife and kids or working with his brother on their tree planting business. 
What drove you to choose a career in banking?
I interned at my local bank at 16 and always had a fascination with finance and helping people reach their goals in life. Whether its helping them buy their dream home, create their own business, or continue their family’s business, I wanted to be a part of their success and be a resource to help them obtain those goals.
Describe one life experience that taught you a lesson you apply to your banking career.
In college playing football, whether we were in a workout or on the field, we had a small habit of getting up off the ground quickly. When life knocks you down, the way you bounce back says more about you than the initial result. Life happens and mistakes are made, but responding quickly with genuine care for the situation gives me a clear conscience that I did everything I could with the cards I was dealt.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is a great career because you get variety in your day. One day I might be helping a farmer buy their next 40 acres, and the next I could be helping someone create a new construction business to service our community. Throughout each day, month and year, you can see your efforts compounding by being an advocate and catalyst for prosperity for small businesses in rural Iowa.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA does a great job of giving lenders, credit analysts and upper level management the building blocks to provide sound, quality financing within our communities. Additionally, the peer groups and leadership opportunities offered give bankers a network to connect with and learn about additional programs, structure to loans, etc.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
If I’m not in the bank, I’m either spending time with my wife and kids, watching them play sports, or enjoying the outdoors. If I’m not with them, I’m working with my brother on our own small business planting trees across eastern Iowa. It’s one thing to know what businesses have to deal with, it’s another to do it yourself and really understand what your client’s day-to-day looks like.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
“Rome wasn’t built in a day, but they didn’t take many days off”- Unknown