By Ben Maskus, SBA Analyst, Core Bank.
Deciding on a career path can be difficult. When I was speaking to my college golf coach at the University of Nebraska Omaha about my plans after college, he insisted I do something I loved and was passionate about. “But I love golf, Coach.” Coach Porter jokingly responded, “If you love golf so much, don’t get in the golf business, you’ll never play. Get in the banking business – that’s all they do.” So here I am, two years into my banking career, and have yet to step foot on the golf course.
I was born in Overland Park, Kansas to two wonderful parents, Bryan and Jane. Like most kids I wanted to participate in every sport and be outside as much as possible. I developed a passion for sports and the outdoors. Over time golf seemed to resonate with me most. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to play golf while attending college. I attended the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg Texas for one year, transferred to Dodge City Community College, then transferred to The University of Nebraska-Omaha where I finished my education. Side note: I transferred due to golf, not academic reasons.
I was playing golf in the spring of 2015 when I was introduced to a man who happened to work at a bank in Omaha, and he needed a summer intern. Here is where my Banking career began. I worked for the same bank two consecutive summers before accepting a full time position working as a Credit Analyst in the Correspond and Agriculture portfolios.
I found that there were a lot of parallels between banking and golf. For example, golf is game of character, and character also happens to be one of the 5 C’s of credit. Every golf course you play is different, just like every credit/loan is different, which requires flexibility and thinking outside the box. I quickly fell in love with banking and the big picture of how it all works.
I moved to Kansas City in the summer of 2018 and found Core Bank.
I was immediately surprised how inclusive the process was, and could see how each individual contributed to the overall success of Core Bank. It is very easy to come to work every day when you see the impact you make on customer’s lives, as well as your co-workers.
At the end of the day, I’ve learned golf is very similar to Banking because it all ties back to relationships. Customers don’t usually choose a bank because of the name, or their colors, but because the experience and relationships it has granted them. Golf might not be my career, but has led me to one I’m very grateful for.