Isn't That Rich Podcast

At Farmers State Bank, we believe in growing our people from within. We don’t just say it—we put it into action. One way we do this is through the MyFSB Mentorship Program, an initiative designed to give employees a deeper understanding of the bank’s inner workings, explore career paths, and develop leadership skills.

So, what’s it really like to go through this program? We sat down with Becca Hertz, one of our customer service representatives, to get her firsthand experience. Spoiler alert: It involves spreadsheets, surprises, and a Halloween photo that changed everything.

A Halloween Picture That Changed the Course

Becca started at Farmers State Bank three years ago as a part-time teller while juggling school. But her journey with us began in the most unexpected way—through a social media post.

“I was working at a gym, and my friend Lexi posted a picture from work for Halloween,” Becca shared. “It looked so fun! I texted her, ‘Hey do you love your job?’ She said yes, and two weeks later, I was hired.”

That spur-of-the-moment text led Becca into the world of banking, and she quickly fell in love with it. Over time, her passion for the job grew, leading her to apply for the mentorship program to see where her career at Farmers could take her next.

The MyFSB Mentorship Experience: 36 People in 3 Weeks

The mentorship program is not for the faint of heart. In just three weeks, Becca met with 36 people across various departments, learning the ins and outs of banking. “It was overwhelming but in the best way,” she admitted. “I got to see how everything connects, from loans to deposits to mortgage lending.”

She even spent a full day with the marketing team (who, in her words, tried to bribe her into saying they were the best department). “I loved sitting with every team, seeing their processes, and asking a million questions. The more I learned, the more I realized how much I still had to learn.”

Surprises, Challenges, and Aha Moments

One of the biggest surprises for Becca was discovering just how many steps go into ensuring accuracy in banking.

“The level of checks and balances blew my mind. I mean, I knew we double-check everything, but I didn’t realize just how many systems were in place to make sure things are correct.”

She also saw firsthand the emotional side of banking, particularly in lending. “It would be so rewarding to help someone buy their first home or start their business. But on the flip side, having to tell someone they don’t qualify—that would be really tough.”

Another surprising aspect for Becca was the sheer variety of roles within the bank. “I knew there were different departments, but I had no idea how intricate and interconnected everything was. From compliance to IT to SBA lending, each role plays a crucial part in making the bank function smoothly.”

The Biggest Takeaway: Confidence

Through the mentorship program, Becca didn’t just learn about banking—she gained confidence. “I used to feel unsure when a customer would ask about something outside my usual role. Now, I know exactly who to send them to. And more than that, I feel like I belong here, like I can grow here.”

She also found that developing relationships with colleagues across departments made her more comfortable in her daily work. “Now, if I need something, I know who to reach out to. Having that personal connection with people makes the bank feel like a community.”

Advice for Future Mentees

Becca encourages anyone considering the mentorship program to dive in headfirst. “Keep an open mind and ask all the questions. Even if you think you know where you want to end up, you might be surprised. And don’t just listen—engage.”

She also suggests extending the program slightly. “Three weeks was a whirlwind. Maybe adding an extra week would help mentees absorb everything without feeling rushed.”

How Farmers State Bank Benefits from the Mentorship Program

Beyond individual growth, the mentorship program benefits the bank as a whole. By fostering internal talent, Farmers State Bank ensures that employees are not only well-trained but also deeply invested in the success of the organization.

Becca pointed out how the program helps create a stronger, more knowledgeable workforce. “When employees understand different aspects of the bank, they can provide better service to customers. They also feel more valued and engaged in their work.”

The mentorship program also fosters innovation. By bringing fresh perspectives into different departments, mentees can suggest new ideas or improvements that might otherwise go unnoticed. “Even as someone relatively new, I was able to suggest small process changes that made a difference,” Becca shared.

Looking Ahead

So, where does Becca see herself in the future? “Honestly, I don’t know, but I trust I’ll end up exactly where I’m supposed to be. Every department had something I loved. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see!”

One thing’s for sure: Whether it’s in customer service, lending, or even making spreadsheets look pretty, Becca has a bright future at Farmers State Bank.