In this episode, Dan and Chris chat with John McNair, President of the Community Bankers Association of Georgia, about the marketing options available to community banks and how small banks can best target their community customers. They also talk about the importance of embracing technology as a small bank.
Topics Include:
- Why a rising rate environment is good for banks
- How long it takes a bank to make a dollar
- What’s happening to the efficiency ratio
- What technology trends benefit banks
- What technology trends pose a barrier to entry for banks
- Why banks need to do a better job of branding and marketing
- Why rural banks feel more pressure to market their products
- And other topics…
Guest bio:
John joined the Community Bankers Association of Georgia in October 2018 after a 14-year career with the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). He started his career with ICBA in September 2004 as a regional calling officer. John’s charge was to personally engage with community bankers throughout the greater Northeast region. His mission was (and still is) simple: help community banks flourish by introducing business and educational services commensurate with the needs of each community bank. Additionally, John engaged community bankers in the government and regulatory relations process via grassroots advocacy.
Because of this philosophy and overall success, John was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2016. He was selected to take over leadership of all member relations for ICBA and implement his philosophy, vision, and execution strategies.
John graduated from The University of Delaware with a B.A. in Economics. He also holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Wilmington (DE) University. Prior to ICBA, John worked for a variety of firms serving the community banking industry. He and his wife, Lisa, also owned a small business serving community banks and their small business customers. John serves on the Board of Regents of the Paul W. Barret School of Banking.
John has been married for over 30 years to his college sweetheart, Lisa (Cimino) McNair. Lisa holds a B.S. in Accounting, an MBA, and is a Certified Public Accountant (PA license). Their daughter, Lauren, is a graduate of the University of Georgia and holds a B.B.A. in Finance.
John & CBA of GA have been working with Chris’s agency, Agora Eversole, for several years in a mutually beneficial relationship with AE as a Preferred Service Provider member, and AE handling the email marketing for CBA of GA.
Lightning Round:
Personal Best: Having a healthy, happy family
Business Best: Turning CBA around
Favorite Book: Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams
Most Impactful Advice Received: if you want to do well, you’ll do the jobs the others don’t want to do
Advice for Team: We all have goals and objectives, but don’t think about your number. Instead, put the customer’s needs first. Don’t put square pegs in round holes. Always think of what’s important to your customer, not how you’re going to win a sale. If they win, you will win.
Resources Mentioned:
- Website: CBA of GA https://www.cbaofga.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBAofGeorgia/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBAGeorgia
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cbaofgeorgia/
- Email: [email protected]