Zach Bunney
Senior Vice President
FirstBank
How did you get started in the banking industry?
I went to a job fair at the University of Northern Colorado and FirstBank offered a $2,000 signing bonus. 15 years later, they are still putting up with me!
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
I have been blessed to know a lot of different people from a lot of different backgrounds, each with their own unique story. The opportunity to hear their stories and hear the passion in their voice about their goals/dreams would be enough, but then to have an opportunity to play a small role in making the dream a reality is very rewarding.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking?
I will be the first to say that I still have dues to pay, so to be honest, it is truly humbling to think others might care what lessons I have learned. Narrowing it down to one thing was too hard, so the first of two most important things I have learned is to assume positive intent — doing so changes the way you listen and the way you ultimately help people, which is what it is all about. Secondly, everything will be OK in the end. If it is not OK right now, then it is not the end.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Like every other kid, I wanted to be a banker. 🙂
Who is one of the most influential figures in your life?
The foundation of my life and, as such, the most influential figure in my life is Jesus Christ. My faith is the lens through which I view the world, and I hope my time in banking serves to show that light to others. Additionally, I have had so many great mentors at FirstBank, and I think those people know who they are and how grateful I am. But I would be remiss if I failed to mention my wife, who keeps me grounded and focused on what matters.
Kayla Johnson
Loan Officer
FirstBank
How did you get started in the banking industry?
Growing up, I dreamed of being a large animal vet, earning degrees in equine science and business management, with plans to own a veterinary clinic. After not making it into Colorado State University’s vet school, I had to choose between a research position or starting a career. With my passion for finance, I opted for banking. Now, 11 years later, I’m thriving in the industry and loving it!
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job — and what makes our bank unique — is being a generalist. I get to learn a little about many areas, making each day interesting. One day, I might help an employee with a home equity loan, and the next, I could be building an Excel workbook or learning new technology.
What do you like to do to give back to the community (either personally, or as a bank representative or both)?
FirstBank encourages all employees to volunteer and give back to the community. In my time at the bank, I have had the pleasure of working with several non-profits including CASA, SafeHouse Denver, A Woman’s Work, Habitat for Humanity, The Inn Between, Special Olympics and so many more!
Also, through my church, World Mission Society Church of God, I participate in events for the International WeLoveU Foundation and ASEZ WAO (Save the Earth from A to Z, We Are One Family) a global volunteer group aimed at becoming one by having the heart of Heavenly Mother and taking necessary action to promote more sustainable practices and make a positive impact on the environment. Events we have participated in include blood drives, park cleanups and disaster recovery events.
Tell us something about yourself most people don’t know.
In college, I was a rodeo queen!
Meiying Li
AVP
Alpine Bank
How did you get started in the banking industry?
24 years ago, I was a childcare teacher in Aspen and was looking for a new challenge after my son was born. Alpine Bank came to my mind because I had seen that they sponsored almost every event I attended in Aspen. After my interview, I called the hiring manager, Mary Ryerson, often to find out the result. She told me she hired me because of my persistence and that I must have really, really wanted to work for Alpine Bank; also, she wanted me to quit calling her at home every evening! I have worked hard to master the English language and learn banking policies and procedures. Alpine Bank recognized my drive and has promoted me to AVP.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from a career in banking?
Integrity. Always doing what you say you will do and standing up for what you believe in, supported with ethics and morality.
What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on without any preparation?
FDIC insurance coverage. In this day and age, people want to protect their hard-earned money. I pride myself on being able to explain FDIC insurance coverage so the customers funds will be fully insured, while retaining deposits at Alpine Bank. I go the extra mile to assure our customers have confidence in Alpine Bank Aspen, their local community bank.
Who is one of the most influential figures in your life?
My husband, Danny. I came to the U.S. 29 years ago, after we were married. The move to the United States totally changed my life. I left my family and the country I grew up in and came to this strange country. I couldn’t speak or understand English. The past 29 years have been an interesting and challenging journey that has included a lifelong pursuit of learning and growth. I have embraced a different culture, different food and different work experience. Through all the changes, I have adapted and become the confident person I am today. Danny also has taught me that everything is possible if you believe in yourself and work hard to fulfill your dream.
Brandon McCuistion
Vice President
Fowler State Bank
What makes your bank unique?
Fowler State Bank is unique in a few different aspects. We are a single‑branch bank that has been owned by the same great family for over 100 years. That kind of continuity and being such a staple in a community for that long creates very strong relationships with our customers that may go back multiple generations. While not unique to just our bank, we take great pride in truly knowing all of our customers and even more pride in being able to be a financial partner with them in whatever they need.
What do you like to do to give back to the community?
I am fortunate enough to get to work in the same community I grew up in, so I take the responsibility to give back very seriously. I serve as the president of the local Chamber of Commerce, sit on the local college’s foundation board, help with various scholarship committees and help coach the high school baseball team as well as coach various sports in the youth recreation program.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of banking is being able to assist people with achieving their goals and aspirations. Those goals and aspirations are so different for everyone, but it means just as much to helping a little kid start their first savings account, someone buying their first vehicle, starting a new business or expanding an existing business. As a banker, we get to be a partner in all of those experiences and witness first-hand the successes of our customers.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I grew up loving baseball and playing guitar, and I played both until I graduated. Since I wasn’t a prodigy in either one, and I couldn’t figure out how to put the two together, I did what any other guitar-picking baseball player does when they grow up: finance.
