Lashbrook Finds Growth in Banking
Alayna Lashbrook, consumer and real estate loan officer for Peoples Savings Bank (PSB), began her banking career at 18 years old. When she looks back at her career thus far, she can see how much she has been able to grow as a banker. “Banking has taught me a lot including how to build relationships with customers, how to have challenging conversations and how to grow my role in our community,” she said.
Lashbrook also noted like she enjoys her career so much because she is able to truly make an impact in her community. “It is rewarding to serve customers and see how much they grow. We stand by them through so many of life’s biggest events and all the small ones in between,” she said.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
When I graduated high school in 2021, I knew that I wanted to find a job that had something to do with finances. I ended up applying to be a teller at a bank in my hometown. I loved what I did and wanted to be the best at it. However, with not much room to grow within that bank, I started searching for another job. That is when I saw that my current bank, Peoples Savings Bank, was hiring for a loan administrator. Within my first year I transitioned into my current role as a consumer and real estate loan officer. When I look back at my banking career, I don’t have one accomplishment that stands out more than another. However, I can see how much I have grown – especially since I began my career in banking at 18. Banking has taught me a lot including how to build relationships with customers, how to have challenging conversations and how to grow my role in our community. I am proud to be working at PSB. We are constantly encouraged to be involved within our town’s organizations, churches, and schools. We are encouraged to donate when/where we are able to and to strive to enrich our local towns.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
Banking is an industry that is ever evolving. There are always innovations and changes. When I first began at PSB, one of the best pieces of advice that I was given was to be a sponge. In a banking career, you will never be able to know everything. There are always things to learn about. So, my advice would be to ask questions, take notes, research and absorb as much knowledge as you can.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Besides getting federal holidays off and having an excuse to golf quite often…banking is great! In my role as a lender, there are so many moments each day that remind me why I do what I do. It is rewarding to serve customers and see how much they grow. We stand by them through so many of life’s biggest events and all the small ones in between. If you have a passion for helping people, learning and teaching, integrating relationships and more – banking is the perfect career for you.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
The IBA does such an amazing job at providing opportunities for you throughout all stages of your career. The classes that they teach provide such great resources and wisdom. Not only that, but they allow you to network with other peers. At the end of the day, you are leaving these classes as a more well-rounded banker and coming back to your bank with fresh ideas and feedback.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
When I am not at work, I try to spend as much time outdoors as possible! In the spring and summer months, we stay busy with camping and golfing. In the fall, my husband and I are typically in a deer stand, and in the winter, you can find us riding snowmobiles. We love to stay active outdoors, but I also love to relax with a good book!
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
“If an opportunity scares the heck out of you, it probably means you should run towards it.”
Whether it is in your career or your personal life, if something is scary and challenging, there is usually a good reason that you were given the opportunity.