Isn't That Rich Podcast

It isn’t often that a CEO starts out as a teller and climbs all the way to the top position at his company, but that’s exactly what Farmers State Bank CEO, Charles Holland, did.

Early Beginnings and Education

Born and raised in Harrisburg, Illinois, Charles graduated in 1996 and went on to pursue an accounting degree at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Despite not initially knowing he would be a "numbers guy," Charles's participation in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) program and winning state and national competitions sparked his interest in business. This newfound passion led him to focus on accounting, ultimately shaping his future career.

Family Life and Faith

Charles met his wife, Amanda, at church during his junior year of college. Their meeting was, as Charles describes, part of God's divine plan. They have three children—Will, Graham, and Jack—and a household full of pets, including dogs, cats, quail, and even a tortoise. Charles's faith plays a significant role in his life, influencing his personal and professional decisions.

From Coal Mining to Banking

Before joining Farmers State Bank, Charles worked as a cost accountant in the coal mining industry, a family business. However, when the coal mine sold in 2002, Charles transitioned to banking, starting as a teller. Despite initial challenges and ego adjustments, he valued this entry-level experience as it provided a comprehensive understanding of the bank's operations and customer interactions.

Climbing the Ranks

Charles's career at Farmers State Bank saw him in various roles, from collections to loan officer, and even marketing. His diverse experience allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the bank's operations and the needs of its customers. However, his journey was not without its difficulties:

• Ego and Role Adjustment: Transitioning from a cost accountant to a teller was a humbling experience. Charles had to adjust his mindset and embrace the learning opportunity rather than seeing it as a step down.
• Conflict Resolution: In collections, Charles had to deal with difficult conversations, often confronting customers about overdue payments. This role taught him valuable lessons in conflict resolution and the importance of empathetic communication.
• Reluctance from Colleagues: As a family member, Charles faced skepticism and resistance from some colleagues who were wary of nepotism. They feared he might cut them out or take over their roles, which created a challenging work environment initially.
• Marketing Challenges: When Charles took on marketing, the bank's strategies were outdated. He had to revamp the entire approach, focusing on community engagement and financial literacy, which was a significant shift from traditional advertising methods.
• HR and Operations: Balancing multiple roles, including HR and operations, Charles had to navigate the complexities of managing people, enforcing standards, and ensuring the smooth running of the bank’s backend processes.

Leadership and Culture Change

In 2017, Charles became CEO of Farmers State Bank. At that time, the bank was struggling with profitability and a broken culture due to frequent leadership changes. Recognizing the need for stability and a positive work environment, Charles, along with his family and leadership team, brought in Roxanne Emmerich from the Emmerich Group to help transform the bank's culture. This initiative proved to be a turning point, significantly improving both employee morale and the bank's financial performance.

Faith and Community Impact

Charles and his family believe strongly in putting God at the center of their lives and business. This faith-driven approach extends to the bank's operations, including displaying scripture on their signs, which has attracted many new customers. Charles's commitment to being a light in the community and showing love to others is a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Charles emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic, continuous personal development, and putting God first. He believes in the power of hard work and dedication, advising future leaders to be their best selves and to always strive for improvement. His journey is a testament to the fact that with perseverance, faith, and a genuine love for people, one can achieve great success and make a significant impact.

Overcoming Family Dynamics

Coming into the bank as the "son-in-law" brought its own set of challenges. Charles had to earn the respect of his colleagues and prove his capabilities beyond the family ties. Early on, there was resistance from some employees who were concerned about his intentions and potential changes he might bring. However, through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to the bank's success, Charles was able to win over his colleagues and establish himself as a capable leader.

Transformation Under Pressure

During the transition to CEO, Charles faced personal challenges as well. His father was gravely ill, adding emotional stress to an already demanding period. Despite these difficulties, Charles remained focused and dedicated, ensuring that his personal struggles did not affect his professional responsibilities.

Charles Holland's story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about holding a title but about serving others, fostering a positive culture, and leading with integrity and faith. His journey from teller to CEO is an inspiration to all aspiring leaders in the banking industry and beyond.