2009 Rising Stars in Banking: Brad Koehn

In the 10-and-a-half years since Brad Koehn became president at F&M Bank in West Point, Neb., the bank has posted what Koehn calls "quality strategic growth." What was viewed almost exclusively as an ag bank has since bridged into the broader market, doubling its installment loan portfolio and establishing a reputation as a full-service bank. The bank added an in-house IT system, built a new headquarters in West Point, opened a loan production office that grew into a full-service branch in Gretna, and worked doggedly to help its many livestock customers weather "a very difficult period," which continues today. Koehn also assisted in the acquisition of an affiliated bank in Falls City..He is 43..Before he started banking, he worked as an examiner with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, first in the Sioux City, Iowa office then in the Omaha, Neb., office. The flames of the farm crisis "were out but the embers were still pretty hot," Koehn said. He learned a lot about what not to do during loan review assignments in slumping markets across the country..In 1992, Koehn switched from regulator to regulated, when he joined a bank affiliated with the Pinnacle Bank organization of Lincoln, Neb. He started as a vice president and senior loan officer who also oversaw compliance. He then moved into a regional lending position covering Nebraska and Kansas and took more responsibility helping Pinnacle's founding family, the Dinsdales, run their organization. He eventually became responsible for 18 banks and/or branches.."I kind of joke that I got my Ph.D. in banking in Palmer, Neb.," Koehn said. "It reinforced all the things I learned as an examiner, in an actual banking setting.".Central to what he learned is "the importance of fundamental financials," Koehn said. "It's ingrained that there's no shortcut, no special secrets.".Hence Koehn and his team "spend a lot of time and effort with our customers, especially at renewal season, in financial analysis, almost to the point where it's financial consulting. That takes a lot of time and a lot of effort, but it provides an awful lot of value," he said..The approach has paid off, particularly in the case of livestock customers, Koehn said.."Through the efforts of the lenders in our bank, under the culture that we've established, almost all of our livestock customers have gone through this very difficult period without [having to change] their business models," Koehn said. "To me, that's the sign of being a successful banker. You can't prevent economic downturns, but you certainly can help your customers be financially prepared, and I think we've done a good job of that," he said.."If our customer fails, that's a reflection of failure on our bank, and everybody in our bank knows that and understands that culture. Our customers know it too.".Koehn said he started attending Nebraska Bankers Association programs when he moved to West Point in1998 and has since become closely involved with the organization.."My first major role was when the NBA facilitated the creation of the banker-owned Bankers Title Agency of Nebraska. I was pretty active in the creation of that and then served on the initial board and stayed on the board for four years.".His regulatory background made him a good candidate for the government relations committee, which he served on for three years and chaired in 2006..He later joined the association's board of directors, which he serves on now. He completed a one-year term on the executive committee in April."Association work has been fulfilling," Koehn said. "It has gotten me—particularly on the government relations side—back to some of my original roots in banking. Nebraska is really fortunate to have a strong council that represents our industry."Other 2009 Rising Stars in Banking include:David Wittenberg, United Prairie Bank, Mankato, Minn.Amy Thiede, Prairie Community Bank, Marengo, Ill.Mike Stratton, Better Banks, Bartonville, Ill.Greg Vetter, American Bank Center, Bismarck, N.D.Lisa Artz, Choice Financial Group, West Fargo, N.D.Barbara Finney, MidWestOne Bank, Oskaloosa, IowaAnthony Gambaiani, Jackson County Bank, Seymour, Ind.