Pub. 12 2015 Issue 2

O V E R A C E N T U R Y : B U I L D I N G B E T T E R B A N K S - H E L P I N G N E W M E X I C O R E A L I Z E D R E A M S Summer • 2015 7 Business, Commercial, Finance and Real Estate Transactions Practice Montgomery & Andrews brings outstanding legal knowledge and experience to provide practical, value-driven assistance and solutions to financial institutions and to individuals and businesses engaged in commercial and consumer transactions. www.montand.com Galen Buller Harold Lavender Alexia Constantaras Seth McMillan Suzanne Odom Thomas Olson Sharon Shaheen Carolyn Wolf Albuquerque Office 6301 Indian School Rd. N.E., Suite 400 Albuquerque, N.M. 87110 505-884-4200 Santa Fe Office 325 Paseo de Peralta Santa Fe, N.M. 87501 505-982-3873 LarryWells & Jack Campbell 2155 Louisiana, NE Suite 10300 Albuquerque, N.M. 87110 505-766-9926 Larry Wells Jack Campbell Compared to our neighbors, New Mexico is very slow in its economic recovery, but does seem to be improving. Rates have been so low for so long that many young bankers have not oper- ated in an increasing interest rate environment. I do see a new state-wide community commitment to improve the economic position of our state. Individual engagement in various new ini- tiatives and rejection of the status quo is imperative. We need job growth and an ability to retain our youth and talent in New Mexico. What Persons Have Had The Greatest Influence On Your Career? Larry Willard was a master at leveraging banking and com- munity involvement to grow a bank. Mike Stanford and Pat Dee recruited, developed, andmotivated a team of bankers to handle constant challenges and growth. They achieved this through a corporate culture of treating people with respect and had a true understanding of the importance of teamwork and having fun. Like those men, I have remained active in the community and have worked to maintain a team oriented and fun approach in leadership. Do You Have Any Advice For New Bankers? First, a gut feeling is important and should not be ignored. However, gut feeling combined with facts and data equals real- ity. Get the facts. Also, sometimes the best deals are the ones you don't make. Finally, banking is a people business. Even in today’s world of advanced technology, it’s about people and re- lationships. Tell Us About Your Family My wife Caryn and I are enjoying life together and have a fam- ily made up of five wonderful children, ages ranging from 15 to 30. We are fortunate to still have them living in New Mexico and, as a result, have the ability to spend some quality time to- gether. The oldest, Tara, is married with children and lives in Los Alamos. Micah and Evan are almost finished with college and work in Albuquerque. Although I am a fan and a past Lobo Club President, Elle will be a freshman Aggie at NMSU starting in August. The youngest, Seth, is doing well academically and playing tennis at Eldorado High School. What Are Your Interests Outside Of Banking? Most of my spare time is spent outdoors in activities includ- ing golf, water sports, snow skiing, biking, and a very irregular workout program. I have biked from Bernalillo to Valles Calde- ra to Los Alamos and back twice. What Is Your Claim To Fame? No claim to fame. I guess being active in the community or- ganizations is as close as I come. Being the incoming President of the New Mexico Bankers Association and Leadership New Mexico in the same year is an honor. Being historically involved in leadership roles in quality community organizations like NM Association of Commerce and Industry, Lobo Club, NewMexico JTIP's, Rio Rancho Chamber, Rio Rancho Economic Develop- ment, and the New Mexico Amigo's has provided me the oppor- tunity to meet and work with so many great people. 