Banking Came Calling for Casterton-Humpal
Banking wasn’t always top-of-mind for Mindy Casterton-Humpal. She earned an associate’s degree in human services from Northeast Iowa Community College, and most of her professional experience was in sales and marketing. When an opportunity came calling, however, she answered. Four years later, as a mortgage and consumer loan officer at Bank Iowa in New Hampton, she couldn’t be happier with her decision. “I can’t imagine a career doing anything else,” she said.
As a mortgage lender, she says she enjoys building relationships with her customers and helping them achieve their goals. “Being a part of the process of a customer buying — their first home their forever home, their vacation home, their dream home — is incredibly fulfilling,” she said.
What drove you to choose a career in banking?
I joke that a career in banking chose me. Much of my professional experience was in sales and marketing. The regional president of Bank Iowa heard through mutual friends that I was looking for a new opportunity. He reached out and asked to set a time to talk about an opportunity in lending. Fast forward four years, and I can’t imagine a career doing anything else.
Describe one life experience that taught you a lesson you apply to your banking career.
It’s not one specific experience but, in general, I believe that communication is the most important part of any relationship. Communication is the core principle of my career. It’s incredibly important that expectations are clear, questions are answered, updates are provided and solutions are reached. It’s important that professionally and personally people find it easy to approach me with questions or concerns and to always feel heard.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
In mortgage lending you have the opportunity to build relationships and work together through those relationships to help people’s dreams come true. Being a part of the process of a customer buying — their first home, their forever home, their vacation home, their dream home — is incredibly fulfilling.
How does getting involved with the IBA help you and your bank?
As I mentioned, most of my professional experience has not been in lending. The resources, training and professional network that the IBA offers has allowed me to quickly get up to speed and ensure I have the knowledge and support to take care of our customers’ needs.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
I have three busy teenagers. I love cheering them in their activities the most! If I’m not sitting in the bleachers, I love to read. I’m also involved with a variety of organizations and committees in my community from sorority to Chamber of Commerce to City Council.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.”
— Winston Churchill