VE minutes with... FIVE Jay Wisener

President, Arkansas Region

First National Bankers Bank, Little Rock

Q. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN BANKING?

A. With a degree in finance, I knew that banking was something that I was interested in, even though my family didn’t have much history in working in banking. So, I talked to a friend from my hometown of Warren who worked for the Arkansas State Bank Department. He encouraged me to apply with the bank department. I was hired in April of 1992 and worked as a safety and soundness examiner for just under four years. It was a great way to learn a lot in a short time about the banking industry.

Q. YOU SERVE ON THE ABA BOARD OF DIRECTORS, WHY DO YOU FEEL SERVICE TO THIS ORGANIZATION IS IMPORTANT?

A.

To maintain a healthy and growing banking industry in Arkansas and beyond, it takes giving back and supporting our trade associations which are vital to the well-being of community banking in our state. The ABA provides a number of key resources that really help our industry, from training, networking, industry events and serving as a voice/representative in legislative affairs affecting the banking industry at both the state and national level. It’s very important to have the ABA representing the bankers in Arkansas as we are all busy doing our daily jobs of leading our community banks.

Q. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BOSS AND A LEADER?

A. To me, a leader is someone that leads by example and actually doesn’t mind rolling up his or her sleeves to get your hands dirty if need be to get the job done. A boss gives orders and just supervises. A true leader works side by side with his or her time. Leaders lead by doing and showing, not just by talking. Leaders also truly listen. My grandmother told me once, “There’s a reason God gave you two ears and one mouth!”

Q.

WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR SUPPORT/INSPIRATION?

A. In my role at FNBB and growing up in a small town in Arkansas, I get to travel around the state visiting and talking with our customer community banks. I see firsthand ALL the many special things and ways that community banks truly support and serve the communities where they are located. I find my inspiration knowing that our bankers’ bank serves these banks with our products and services which helps these banks continue to stay locally owned and be a resource for its community for generations to come.

Q. MY SECRET WEAPON IS MY…

A. Desire to help others and following through when I say I will do something. Also, being friendly and treating others like they would like to be treated is not a bad thing! You never know when someone is just having a bad day.

Q. WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A.

I’m one of the few bankers that doesn’t play golf. I’d rather be playing a pinball machine or two or three.