Isn't That Rich Podcast

At Farmers State Bank, we believe in nurturing talent from within, which is why we introduced a new mentorship program designed to give employees a comprehensive view of the various departments within the bank. In this post, we're excited to share the experience of our first participant, Lexi Cavins, who embarked on a five-week journey to explore the inner workings of our institution.

A New Opportunity for Growth

The mentorship program was the brainchild of Christine Hankins and a few others, aimed at providing employees with a broader understanding of the bank's operations. It allows participants to shadow different departments, learning the intricacies of each role and discovering where their true interests might lie. Lexi was the first to be chosen for this program, and her enthusiasm was palpable from the start.

"I was so excited to be the first one to go through the program," Lexi shared. "It's easy to get caught up in your own role and not fully understand what everyone else does. This program gave me a chance to see everything and figure out what might interest me for the future."

Discovering Surprises and New Interests

Lexi admitted that she wasn't sure what to expect going in, but she was eager to learn. She was surprised by how much she didn't know about the different departments, especially the Small Business Administration (SBA) department. "I had no idea how much they do," Lexi said. "I knew they were involved in lending, but I didn't realize the complexity and the variety of loans they handle."

One of the biggest surprises for Lexi was discovering her interest in bank operations, specifically in the work done by Anna, who handles balancing, reporting, and problem-solving. "I had no idea I would enjoy that kind of work, but I loved the constant busyness and the problem-solving aspect of it," she explained.

Hands-On Learning: The Key to Success

Throughout the program, Lexi had the opportunity to engage in both observational and hands-on learning. While some departments provided overviews of their roles, others, like John Streuter in lending, took a more immersive approach. Lexi accompanied John to loan committee meetings, networking events, and even a loan closing, giving her a real taste of the day-to-day activities in commercial lending.

"I’m a hands-on learner, so being able to actually do some of the tasks and see things in action made a huge difference," Lexi noted. "It wasn't just about being told what they do—I got to live it for a day."

Reflecting on the Experience

After five weeks of shadowing various departments, Lexi emerged with a deeper appreciation for the work her colleagues do and a clearer sense of her career goals. She praised the program for its ability to help employees like her explore potential career paths within the bank, ensuring that talent is nurtured and retained.

"Farmers State Bank is really committed to helping employees grow," Lexi said. "This program is proof of that. It’s not just about hiring people; it's about helping them find their place within the company and supporting their career development."

Looking Ahead

Lexi's experience as the first participant in the mentorship program has set a positive tone for future participants. Her feedback has been invaluable in refining the program, ensuring that it continues to provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

For those considering participating in the program, Lexi offers this advice: "Keep an open mind. Don’t go into it with preconceived notions about what you think you'll like. You might be surprised by what actually interests you. And take notes—there’s so much information to absorb, and it will help you reflect on your experience later."

As we continue to invest in our employees' growth, we're excited to see where this mentorship program will take us and how it will shape the future leaders of Farmers State Bank.