Hartman Brings Positive Attitude to Banking

Although she says she is not a great baker, Josie Hartman once spent a couple of years working in a bakery. She said her co-workers in the bakery made the job memorable and taught her the importance of a positive attitude. “I always remember to bring that positivity anywhere I go so that I can continue to find great groups of people to work with,” she said.

Today, Hartman is lead teller and customer service representative at First Central State Bank in DeWitt.

How did you get into banking as a career?

I moved to Clinton last year during the pandemic where jobs were hard to come by because everything was shut down. After a few months of searching for jobs, First Central had an opening and I was lucky enough to land a job as a full-time teller.

Prior to your current role, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had, and what lesson did it teach you that you still use today?

I worked in a bakery for a couple years and I am totally not a good baker and know nothing about baking, but it ended up being one of my favorite jobs. The people I worked with taught me that a group of great people make the job great no matter what you are doing. I always remember to bring that positivity anywhere I go so that I can continue to find great groups of people to work with.

What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?

Any career in banking, is going to teach you basic skills and knowledge that you can apply to your own finances. Learning how to be safe with your finances, finding the best account types and rates that will benefit you, and understanding the details that you can see on your account, are all things that this career is going to teach you.

How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?

It allows more room for growth for both myself and my bank being associated with a large group like the Iowa Bankers Association. Meeting new people and learning what techniques, ideas and policies that other groups involved in Iowa Bankers use and are willing to share, can lead to new and inviting changes to me and my bank.

When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?

I love spending time with my friends and family. We like to have bonfires, game nights or going to the Quad Cities and having a shopping day. Anything I do with them makes my heart happy.

What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?

Stop worrying about what other people think about you and just live how you want to live.