Scott Aylor
Commercial Market President, Boulder County
First Interstate Bank
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is the impact we’re able to make in our local community. As bankers, we play a pivotal role — from financing new developments and helping businesses expand, to supporting first-time homebuyers in achieving their dream of homeownership. Seeing clients’ financial goals come to life is incredibly fulfilling and a reminder of how meaningful our work truly is.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking?
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that relationships and trust are at the heart of banking. Finances can be deeply personal and sometimes sensitive, so building trust within your network takes time and genuine effort. It’s incredibly humbling when clients refer new business or view you as a trusted advisor — those moments are a true testament to the relationships you’ve built and the integrity you bring to your work.
What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on without any preparation?
I could easily give a 20-minute presentation on SBA 504 lending. I’m passionate about this program because it empowers small business owners to purchase their own space — creating long-term stability and equity while supporting business growth. It’s one of the best financing tools available, and I believe more business owners should be aware of how it can help them expand and invest in their future.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
In college, I founded a nonprofit organization that provided temporary housing for individuals experiencing homelessness by repurposing recycled shipping containers. The experience taught me a great deal about leadership, community needs and the vital role nonprofits play in strengthening our communities. Today, as part of a community bank, I’m continually inspired by the incredible nonprofits we support and the difference they make locally.
Jereme Koehler
Senior Vice President
FirstBank, now part of PNC Bank
How did you get started in the banking industry?
When my wife (then girlfriend) moved to Vail for work, I saw it as the perfect time for a fresh start. I wasn’t enjoying my job at the time, and a position at FirstBank in Avon caught my eye. Banking had always been on my radar because I admired my uncle, who was a bank president, and thought it could be a career that offered both growth and purpose. I was fortunate to be hired as a management trainee, and 16 years later, I’m still here. FirstBank has given me opportunities to learn different areas of the business, grow as a leader and build a rewarding career.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
As an internal auditor, I have the opportunity to add value across the entire organization by helping teams enhance efficiency, strengthen controls and reduce risk through meaningful insights into their business processes. The most rewarding part of this role is knowing that my work not only improves how we operate internally but also contributes to a stronger, more resilient organization that ultimately serves our customers more effectively and builds their trust in us.
What do you like to do to give back to the community (either personally, as a bank representative or both)?
I serve as secretary/treasurer for Jeffco Prosperity Partners, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Jefferson County families move from poverty to prosperity. We use a two-generation approach, supporting parents and children together through education, coaching and community connections. It is incredibly rewarding to see the impact this work has on families’ lives.
What do you geek out about?
Fantasy football. I probably spend too much time on podcasts and stats, but I love the strategy behind it, and honestly, I just love football.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to own a toy store. To me, it sounded like the ultimate dream job: playing with toys all day and having fun at work. Of course, I didn’t realize back then how much online shopping would change the world of retail.
Sandra Cafuentes
Branch Manager
Vectra Bank
How did you get started in the banking industry?
Growing up, I remember thinking that working at a bank or for the government is considered a highly respected profession, and I always envisioned myself working in one of those fields. My banking career began after we moved to Colorado from Mexico. I needed a car, so I went with my parents to KeyBank to apply for a car loan. After getting approved, I started making my payments in person and asked what it would take to work there. They told me where to apply, so I did, and I was hired a week later. I’ve been in banking ever since, now with Vectra Bank.
What do you like to do to give back to the community?
As part of Vectra Bank’s mission to give back to the community, I host financial literacy and SBA workshops for my clients and local communities. These events support small business owners by promoting their businesses, building community and encouraging networking and collaboration. I’m passionate about financial literacy and committed to helping underrepresented communities, small business owners and women entrepreneurs. I also serve as the board chair for Adelante Community Development, a nonprofit that empowers small business owners through workshops, mentorship, leadership programs, digital literacy and access to resources.
What are you most proud of in your professional life right now?
I’m most proud of helping my customers achieve their goals, whether it’s buying their first home, growing their business or learning about credit and investing. I take pride in bringing financial literacy and the resources Vectra Bank offers to my clients and my community. I’m also proud of the skills I’ve developed throughout my career, including public speaking, hosting community events, coaching, mentoring and team development. Being able to adapt to the ever-changing banking industry has been incredibly rewarding. As well as my participation in the Branch Manager Advisory Council with Zions Bancorp, representing Vectra Bank, that has been an incredible opportunity where I was able to bring my ideas and participate in meeting sessions with our CEO and COO.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is how to build trust and long-term relationships with clients, colleagues and the community. Banking isn’t just about managing money; it’s about understanding people’s goals and dreams, guiding them toward financial success and creating genuine connections that make me a trusted advisor.
What is important to you personally?
My kids, my family, my community and my career. My kids are my biggest motivation; they inspire me to grow, learn and be the best version of myself every day. I want to show them that anything is possible when you have faith and determination. They are my most valuable relationships and my legacy. My family keeps me grounded and supports me unconditionally. My community matters because I strive to make a positive impact on everyone I meet. And my career is important because it allows me to make a meaningful difference in my clients’ lives. I’m deeply committed to my work at Vectra Bank as a branch manager, business developer and community leader. I am driven by a passion for helping people and promoting financial literacy.
Ty Gavette
Assistant Vice President
Bank of Colorado
How did you get started in the banking industry?
I grew up on a dairy farm north of Greeley in the early years of my life. After our family liquidated the milk cows, we moved east, where we ran a custom hay retrieval business and my mom became a schoolteacher. My parents instilled the importance of agriculture in my siblings and me. After attending Monfort School of Business, I realized it was possible to link my education with an industry that I love. Bank of Colorado afforded me a great opportunity to work with farm and ranch families and provide banking solutions to those who need it most.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Working with a long-term client and watching their family operation become financially sound and provide an opportunity for their next generation. The greatest compliment someone can give is a referral; it allows me to know that I made a lasting impact on someone.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking?
Being a genuine person who shares common values with clients and the bank leads to a fortified relationship. Re-investing in the community in which we work continues to be the foremost goal that leads to a greater impact. “People working together in a strong community with a shared goal and common purpose can make the impossible possible.”
What do you geek out about?
Outside of the bank, I spend most of my time hunting and fly fishing in the Rocky Mountains with my wife and 3-month-old son. My wife says, between tying my own flies and cooking what we harvest, I have accumulated an inexcusable amount of outdoor gear.
