THE FACES OF ARKANSAS BANKING

with Matthew Gill

SVP Retail Operations - Security Officer Legacy National Bank, Springdale

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF REGARDING YOUR LEADERSHIP AT LEGACY NATIONAL BANK?

There is nothing better than to see someone on my team take that next step in their career. I view the teller line as the farm system with major league baseball. We start from the basics and get them prepared for their career. I have seen people on my team move to assistant managers, credit analysts, and loan assistants. It is tough dealing with the turnover, but if my team isn’t being promoted then we are not doing our jobs.

OVER THE COURSE OF YOUR CAREER, WHAT IS THE BIGGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE SEEN IN BANKING?

I think Covid has had the biggest impact on banking since I started in 1994. It forced everyone to embrace technology that their banks offered since most banks had their lobbies closed for an extended period of time. We always had customers that used technology, but we also had those that would come into the branch for face-to-face interaction. Once people were used to the technology, they continued to use it after the pandemic. Our lobby traffic has seen a decrease while our online and mobile activity has steadily increased.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BOSS AND A LEADER?

To me, a boss is someone who has knowledge of a job. A leader is someone who has the same knowledge but also has a vested interest in their team. They want to see the people on their team grow and further their career. They are willing to roll up their sleeves and get in the trenches and help their employees when needed. Also, I think a leader is accessible to their team. Let them know you are available and will make time for them.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG BANKERS STARTING THEIR CAREERS?

Get involved and meet other bankers. Networking is so important in today’s banking environment. The way fraud is evolving, it is vital for me to have contacts at other banks. Getting involved with the Emerging Leaders was a great way for me to make connections with bankers from all across the state.

“Get involved and meet other bankers. Networking is so important in today’s banking environment.”

MY SECRET WEAPON IS: My quick wit and sense of humor.

I ALWAYS START MY DAY WITH: Wordle

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND ONE MILLION DOLLARS? Quickly

WHAT CAN YOU SIMPLY NOT RESIST? One donut

WHERE WOULD YOU TRAVEL? Fiji

TALKING OR TEXTING? Texting

FAVORITE PAIR OF SHOES? Flip flops

IF YOU WERE AN ACTION FIGURE, WHAT ACCESSORIES WOULD YOU BE SOLD WITH? Ice chest and golf clubs

WHAT TIME DO YOU GET UP IN THE MORNING? 6:05

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS STILL LEFT ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

Seeing a concert at Red Rocks and Ryman Auditorium, and an African safari.