Everyone has long-term financial goals, but not everyone has the time or economic literacy to navigate the landscape of personal finance. That’s where financial professionals come in. From bankers to insurance reps to wealth advisors, these experts have the knowledge to help locals make better decisions, build wealth, and secure a financially stable future.
How long have you been working in financial services? In February 2024, I will have been working in this industry for 25 years. My first job with ANB was as a teller.
What kinds of services do you provide? Every Amarillo National Bank branch serves as a one-stop-shop for banking. We can do loans, open accounts, instantly print debit cards, and provide financial education for our customers.
How do you maintain your education or expertise? Things are constantly changing in the financial world with technology, products, and how customers bank. My main goal is to stay ahead of it all and ensure we still offer the kind of service our customers expect of us. All of it—from staying up to date to exceeding customer expectations on a daily basis—keeps me on my toes.
What motivated you to choose a career in financial services? It kind of chose me when I started as a teller at ANB. I realized I was at the perfect place. I resonated with ANB’s desire to provide excellent customer service and I knew I was capable of providing it. Twenty five years later, here I am.
What is the greatest challenge you’re facing right now? Things were slowly changing before the pandemic, and after COVID, the change has been constant. The way people want to bank today is completely different from even five years ago.
What is a common misconception about your career? That I am 100-percent a banker all the time. Leading a very busy branch, where I manage 20-plus employees and work hard to grow my team is really the biggest part of my job.
How can someone begin building financial stability? The easiest way is to spend less than you make, and keep your debt as minimal as possible. At ANB, we are always eager to help customers evaluate their spending and debt so they can meet their financial goals.
What’s one piece of financial advice you like to give? Take one month to track where your money is going, and track every penny! I believe once anyone who is struggling financially takes a moment to see where their money is going, they’ll find many ways to cut back.
How long have you been implementing financial services for businesses? Our team of seasoned, highly skilled professionals boasts more than 50 years of collective experience in the implementation of financial business systems. We have an impressive record of achievements, notably within the finance team at Merrick Pet Care. Our extensive work in this field has given us invaluable insights into the intricacies of the manufacturing and supply chain industry. We help construct business systems that enhance financial performance, while also possessing a keen acumen for generating comprehensive business intelligence reports.
What kinds of services do you provide? Our team specializes in Netsuite Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, a cloud-based system for financial management, supply chain and inventory management, production management and more. We offer an extensive range of services to help organizations adopt and optimize ERP to meet their needs. From procurement to customer relationship management (CRM) to warehouse and fulfillment systems, our professionals have in-depth expertise in Netsuite’s suite of integrated business management software.
Our services span the entire implementation lifecycle, including crucial steps such as initial planning, requirements gathering, configuration, tailored customization, data migration, and seamless system integration. We work closely with our clients, taking the time to fully understand their unique business needs. This enables us to customize the Netsuite solution to align perfectly with their operational requirements. Beyond implementation, we also provide comprehensive training and support services so our customers can maximize the system’s potential. Our ultimate objective is to enable organizations to streamline their operations, enhance visibility, and drive growth by harnessing Netsuite’s robust features.
What motivated you to start Canyon Rim Consulting? Through our extensive involvement in multiple financial system implementations at Merrick Pet Care, we took note of the intricate relationship between finance and business operations. This experience ignited our passion and led us to establish Canyon Rim Consulting.
At Merrick, we saw firsthand the role that financial business systems play in strategic decision-making and overall business performance. Accessing accurate and timely information is crucial, and these systems help make it happen.
How do you stay up-to-date in such a rapidly changing industry? Canyon Rim emerged organically through a convergence of personal interests, academic pursuits, and practical experiences—and those characteristics keep us moving forward. This industry also calls for individuals who possess robust analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail. Those are our strong suits, which gives us the ability to make sound judgments based on data-driven insights. By pursuing continuous education and aligning our skillset with the industry’s demands, we have established a strong foundation for future success.
What key challenges do small businesses face when implementing financial software? The initial transition and adaptation phase is always a hurdle. Integrating new financial software into an existing business infrastructure takes a lot of planning and allocation of resources. Comprehensive staff training is another major component. This can be difficult for small businesses who have limited financial and human resources—or a lack of technical expertise. That’s where communication becomes critical. Extensive customization helps us align the software with their unique business processes.
When that happens, small businesses can streamline their financial processes, enhance decision-making capabilities, and elevate overall operational efficiency.
How long have you been working in financial services? I have been working in financial services for 8 years, going on 9 years.
What kinds of services do you provide? My office specializes in life insurance and financial service products. Of course, what we are known for just like any State FarmTM office is helping with Auto, Home, and Renters, but we take pride in our expertise in the financial service products.
How do you maintain your education or expertise? We train with the top agents in the country every week to make sure we are providing the best service and educating our customers on what financial service products are best for their family. We have multiple group studies and travel with the best in our company continuously to make sure we stay the best in our industry.
What motivated you to choose a career in financial services? I do have a servant heart and I enjoy meeting with
families and putting plans in place to protect assets and themselves. My team feels 100% the same way, so each day we have that drive and goal to give our best to each customer we come in contact with. To me, family is the most important thing, so putting these plans in place to help others, I know GOD has put me here to help and serve others.
What is the greatest challenge you’re facing right now? One-hundred percent, I would have to say the state of our economy. We have hyperinflation right now, markets aren’t doing much, we don’t know what real estate is leaning to do, interest rates are very high. With the auto, home, life, and financial services we provide, we are constantly meeting with customers each month to make sure we have the right plan in place for their goals and their family.
What is a common misconception about your career? For sure, how many people just get excited about insurance? In the beginning of my career I knew I didn’t want to be that “insurance guy” so I have traveled across the country to train with the best and separate myself from being just another insurance office. I know the hard work has paid off. We are a top 3% agency in the country and just voted best insurance agency for the second time this year in 2023. State FarmTM agents are more than that, we offer protection of assets and financial services. How can someone begin building financial stability? Sit down with a professional. You have many great companies in Amarillo with great representation. I am friends with many of them; just do your research and pick who you would like to assist you in planning for your retirement and family. Don’t do it on your own.
What’s one piece of financial advice you like to give? Live below your means. I think as a society it is easy to get caught up in “keeping up with the Joneses.” Have a balance of saving, but also enjoy life in the present. I was one to only save for tomorrow and not enjoy today. My wife lived for today and didn’t plan for tomorrow. We met in the middle and have our balance. Find your balance for your family.
How long have you been working in financial services? I have enjoyed working in the financial services area since 1997, when I co-founded a registered investment advisory firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My colleagues and I had a passion for helping clients achieve their goals by providing investment and planning advice. In 1997, the financial service area in Tulsa was dominated by broker-dealer relationships and men. We wanted to see change in both areas. We later joined Mariner Wealth Advisors in 2012.
What kinds of services do you provide? Most clients come to us to assist them with their portfolio allocation and investment/financial planning needs, but there are many other services we provide to our clients, such as cash flow planning, insurance analysis, estate planning review by our advisors as well as our in-house estate planning attorneys, tax planning and wealth transfer planning. We can also provide family office services and business succession and valuation planning.
How do you maintain your education or expertise? I attend several conferences throughout the year to maintain designations, and Mariner has a dedicated team to provide online, in-person and webinar training on a weekly basis. If you think you have learned it all, you are mistaken. I continue learning everyday through these areas, as well as from colleagues and fellow business leaders.
What motivated you to choose a career in financial services? I love people and the thought of helping them navigate from accumulation to financial independence, where they can enjoy retirement and create memories along the way. I enjoy collaborating with our clients, through building their careers and families to traumatic transitions such as divorce or loss of a loved one, and working with them emotionally, not just in a technical form. Seeing clients through successes and challenges fills my heart with gratitude.
What is the greatest challenge you are facing right now? I would say our greatest challenge is also an opportunity. We are actively looking for advisors to join our firm with a client-first focus that aligns with the culture we have created at Mariner. We have a team approach and finding talent can be a challenge.
What is a common misconception about your career? A common misconception in wealth advise is you can do it on your own. I was blessed to have a mentor early in my career that pushed me to do my best, be my best, continue growing and learning with a team. While many feel they can perform the full scope of services on their own, I believe a team approach is better for professionals. Having a second eye on all decisions is something all clients deserve, and clients appreciate when someone is available and ready to meet their needs, rather than waiting for their advisor to return to the office.
How can someone begin building financial stability? One of the first areas to start building financial stability is participating in company sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k). If you are not participating, you are leaving part of your salary on the table, as many employers offer a match. Second, looking at your budget and cash flow will help you determine how much you can save monthly on an after-tax basis and start investing. After-tax investing is particularly important, as you will pay tax on every dollar you take from an IRA or 401(k).
What is one piece of financial advice you like to give? It is much easier to start earlier than waiting until later and catching up. Many people are fearful about taking the first step, but you will be so glad you did, and it is not as scary as you might think.
How long have you been working in financial services? I have worked in financial services for 18 years.
What kinds of services do you provide? At FirstBank Southwest, we provide full-service solutions for individuals, families and businesses. Whether it is a checking account, personal banking, mortgage loans, business loans or investment advice, we are here to help! We want to be your first and last call whenever you need assistance or have a question about your finances.
How do you maintain your education or expertise? I’m a huge believer in continuous learning and the value it brings to our customers, the bank and my own personal growth; I’m very fortunate that FirstBank Southwest shares that value.
I recently graduated from ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking, a threeyear program on all facets of banking and bank management presented by the Wharton School and American Bankers Association. I learned from the best in the business and met other bankers from across the country who are also striving to find the best ways to serve their customers.
What motivated you to choose a career in financial services? Both of my parents worked in financial services, and my mother is still active in personal financial planning. So for me, this career felt natural. I love the chance to use my analytical skills to solve problems, and community banking is so personally rewarding. We get to see the real impact we can have in people’s lives. Nothing beats that.
What is the greatest challenge you’re facing right now? Everything is moving and changing so quickly. People are concerned about the economy, inflation and being able to pay their bills. Our mission is to have the right answers at the right time to help people navigate the uncertainty.
What is a common misconception about your career? That it’s “boring.” I promise you, it’s not, especially the past few years. In a lot of ways, this is the most exciting time to be in banking—even if it’s not always easy.
How can someone begin building financial stability? Financial stability is about having a vision for where you want to go and a plan to get there. Everyone’s goals are different (and they can change). When it feels overwhelming, start with small steps, and find someone you trust who can help guide you in making a plan.
What’s one piece of financial advice you like to give? Have a goal. Do you want to go to school? Take a vacation? Buy a house? Have three month’s salary in savings? Whenever you are making a decision that involves money, ask yourself, “Will this get me closer to my goal or further from it?”
How long have you been working in financial services? In addition to home and auto through Farmers, I have been offering life insurance since I started my agency in 2009. What kind of services do you provide? We offer a variety of life insurance solutions to fit your specific needs and budget, including term life insurance and more permanent coverage plans, such as Farmers Index Universal Life. How do you maintain your education or expertise?
As life insurance agents with Farmers, my team and I are required to keep up with the latest training for the products we offer. Our life and financial licenses require continuing education, as well.
What motivated you to choose a career in life insurance and financial services? I have a heart for helping others. Protecting families from a financial burden after a loved one passes away is important to me.
What is the greatest challenge you’re facing right now? Farmers Insurance is well-known for auto, home and business insurance. But we’re also experts at competitive life insurance options. Getting the word out that we offer life insurance can be a challenge.
What is a common misconception about your career? The insurance and financial services industries sometimes have a bad reputation due to agents who look out for themselves instead of what is best for the client. That’s definitely not the case with the agents I know! People also think life insurance is expensive and out of reach. That’s not true, either.
How can someone provide financial protection for their family with life insurance? Life insurance gives your family options after you pass away. For instance, a family that loses a loved one without life insurance has decisions made for them—like having to move out of a home they can no longer afford.
What’s one piece of financial advice you like to give? Get life insurance while you are young and healthy. Review your policies and your beneficiaries on a regular basis to be sure your coverage is up to date with what your family needs.