Father’s Words Drive Thomson to Do Good
William Thomson grew up watching his father and grandfather positively impact their community while they ran a bank. Their actions inspired him to pursue his own career in the banking industry. His father told Thomson, “People do business with people,” a philosophy he uses to remind himself to positively impact the community while helping customers chase their financial goals and ambitions.
Now, Thomson works as a business banker at Two Rivers Bank & Trust. “Banking is a profession where you can help people out of financial ruin and give them the chance to chase their entrepreneurial dreams,” he said.
What drove you to choose a career in banking?
I was able to be actively involved in banking while growing up, due to my father and grandfather running a bank in Northeast Iowa. The positive impact they were both able to have on the community guided me in the direction of banking.
What is one lesson working in the banking industry has taught you that you can apply to your everyday life?
The biggest lesson I have learned from working in the banking industry is the importance of budgeting and controlling your finances. It’s imperative to have a budget for yourself and your family and to stick to that budget. My wife and I have followed our budget and it’s allowed us the opportunity to travel and begin looking at homes.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is a profession where you can help people out of financial ruin and give them the chance to chase their entrepreneurial dreams. The banking industry allows you to be able to make a positive impact on your community, which is unmatched.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA has provided Two Rivers and other banks/bankers with fantastic opportunities to grow and improve knowledge in banking. It’s also a great way to expand your network of banking colleagues throughout the state of Iowa.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
It certainly depends on the season. During the summertime, I love to golf with friends or go on walks with my wife. During the winter, my wife and I try to stay active by working out regularly. Other hobbies include reading and being a part of the West Des Moines Young Professionals Organization.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
When I told my father I wanted to go into the banking industry, he told me, “People do business with people.” Simply put, my daily goal is to make a positive impact in the community while helping customers pursue and achieve their financial goals/ambitions.