Baumgartner: Banking for Farms and Community
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egan Baumgartner, ag/commercial loan officer at Fidelity Bank & Trust in Oelwein, joined the lending industry after graduating with her agricultural business bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University (ISU). She knew she wanted to go into a career related to agriculture and impact her community. Baumgartner found a balance between these two values in banking. “I truly feel there are very few careers that would allow me to do what I love, working with farmers, while still being extremely involved in the community,” she said.
Baumgartner has attended several IBA events including the Numbers Talk & Bankers Need to Listen seminar and Next Gen Conference, which led to her joining the IBA Emerging Leader Advisory Board. She also recently completed year two of the IBA/Iowa State University Ag Credit School. Baumgartner feel these events helped her become a more knowledgeable banker and allowed her to network with other Iowa bankers. Baumgartner is also an active supporter of BUILD, IBA’s political action committee (PAC) and encourages other bankers to contribute to the PAC. She added, “I am extremely thankful to have the IBA and am grateful for all they do for Iowa bankers.”
Where did you attend college/what degrees have you obtained?
I was raised in Hawkeye on my family’s farm. Being from Hawkeye, it was a no-brainer that I cheered for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes instead of the Iowa State University (ISU) Cyclones. However, because of the ag career path I wanted, I ended up earning my agricultural business bachelor’s degree from ISU in December 2021 and have been in lending since.
When looking back on your banking career, what achievement are you most proud of and why?
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve made with the customers and community members I serve as well as with my co-workers and other Iowa bankers. I’ve always said trust and communication are the two most important things in any relationship – if you don’t have that, your ship is sunk. One of my favorite quotes is from Stephen Covey, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” I pride myself on listening to individuals and finding ways to help their business or operation. After all, they are the reason I come to work every day and why I love what I do. For me, there is no greater joy than knowing I’ve helped a customer whether it’s allowing them to start a new venture, making the loan process seamless, or having tough conversations to ensure their financial success.
What piece of advice would you give to your past self or to anyone considering a career in banking?
Regardless of where your interests lie, I truly feel everyone can learn and grow from a career in banking. There are many different avenues someone could take. In any industry, new changes will be implanted over the course of one’s career. I believe how you react to those changes makes all the difference in the success of an organization. If I could advise my past self or anyone considering a career in banking, I would emphasize the importance of being a constant learner and asking questions along the way. It is important not just knowing “how” to do something but understanding “why” you do something. By looking at the bigger picture, it helps everyone appreciate the important role we have in our communities.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
One of my favorite parts of being an ag/commercial lender is the fact that I don’t have to sacrifice any of my values: faith, family and farming. I truly feel there are very few careers that would allow me to do what I love, working with farmers, while still being extremely involved in the community. Between coordinating the Fayette County Fair Queen Contest and Concert Committee, heading the Maynard Community Club, and serving as President of the Oelwein Rotary Club, I’m very involved in the community, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
I have been fortunate to attend IBA’s Numbers Talk & Bankers Need to Listen seminar and just wrapped up year two of the IBA/ISU Ag Credit School. These events helped me become more knowledgeable in my field and allowed me to forge new connections with other Iowa bankers. Life isn’t always about what you know, it is about who you know, and the IBA does a fantastic job helping individuals network. Most recently, I enjoyed attending the IBA Next Gen Conference which sparked my interest to become more involved by joining the IBA Emerging Leader Advisory Board. I also continue to be an active donor of BUILD, IBA’s political action committee (PAC), and encourage all of you to support it as well! I am extremely thankful to have the IBA and am grateful for all they do for Iowa bankers behind the scenes.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
When I’m not at work, I enjoy being active outside whether it’s on the farm, traveling, kayaking, waterskiing or snow skiing. I also enjoy playing sports or attending games, especially when it’s the Hawkeyes or the Green Bay Packers. My husband does occasionally drag me along to an ISU game, but as long as they aren’t playing the University of Iowa, we don’t have issues. I also enjoy playing cards or board games, playing piano, and spending time with friends and family.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
We live in a society where our lives always seem to be going a million miles an hour and never slow down. Regardless of how crazy things get, I believe there is beauty in the chaos and to always look at the positive of any situation. While I consider myself to be a planner, I’m always reminding myself, “you make plans and God laughs.” Life is a gift, so enjoy every second.