Jay discovered Heartland Bank in 2019, and Heartland discovered an incredible asset in Jay when he decided to bring his time and talents over to a community bank. Working in the financial industry since 1994, Jay had worked for five other institutions, most of those were “big” banks, before he found his home at Heartland.
Jay is a Treasury Management Specialist at Heartland assisting local business with finding their path to success. As his background includes branch management, underwriting, commercial lending, treasury management inside sales, commercial sales management, management of a consumer loan portfolio, and acquisition logistics, Jay’s skill set is impressive and a hidden gem for his team. He additionally plans to obtain his CTP (Certified Treasury Professional) certification and eventually complete his Ph.D. in management.
Jay is an example of one aspect of Heartland Bank that isn’t necessarily known by the clients and customers who put their trust in the bank…these walls contain some extremely talented and devoted individuals. Quality and Excellence is not just an award bestowed by other associates to deserving individuals within the bank, it is a mindset that is developed through a culture of professionalism, career growth and strategic goals. “You have to be committed to giving 100% to both your fellow associates and clients. Even when things do not go as planned, your fellow associates and clients know that you gave your all. I am a believer in giving 100% on good days or bad,” shared Jay. This outlook is developed from within, from years of being devoted to your client and from learning that doing good is as much a moral obligation as an embraced company value.
Jay understands that these lofty values lead to quality relationships and lasting partnerships. “When speaking with clients about Heartland, I always discuss the importance of relationships. We are a relationship-oriented organization where decisions are made locally. Local decisions mean that we are helping our neighbors and building business where we live. Also at Heartland, our clients are more than just sales goals; we sincerely care about helping them to thrive because when they thrive, our neighborhoods are stronger.”
Thriving communities and comfortable workplaces are also a result of focused inclusion efforts. “At Heartland, I am most proud of having the opportunity to be involved in various committees such as our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion group as well as our Community Reinvestment Act/Fair Lending committee. Through these groups, I’ve had the opportunity to have input on matters of the organization beyond my role in Treasury Management. One of the things that I love most about Heartland is that whatever your interests may be, there is an opportunity to be involved.”
Jay is also involved in the Columbus community. Currently residing in the Eastmoor neighborhood, Jay was born in Toledo and also went to school there. “Outside of work, I serve as president of the Alumni chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in Toledo where I am also an advisor to the undergraduate chapter at the University of Toledo. I became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. at the University of Toledo in October 1997. I am a past, two-term board member of Stonewall Columbus, sponsor of Columbus Pride, board member and treasurer of Fellaship, a mentorship program that assists minority males with their transition from high school to college, and several other community organizations. Outside of work, I am heavily involved in mentorship whether it’s part of an organization or on my own. I have many great mentors in life that have made a huge impact on my life, and so I believe it is my responsibility to assist others.”
Jay has a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Bluffton University, a Master of Business Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, a graduate certificate in diversity, equity and inclusion from the University of South Florida, and he’s currently enrolled for a Ph.D. in management.
“Just a few little-known facts about myself are that I am an avid reader and enjoy biographies and books about leadership and management. Also, I am a presidential history geek, and I’m full of random facts about United States Presidents. I consider myself to be a life-longer learner and enjoy challenging myself. My original life goal was to be a lawyer and for my first three years at the University of Toledo, my major was political science. I was accepted to multiple law schools, but later decided I would continue studying business. I do not have any children of my own, but I have three smart and handsome godsons.”
If you are wondering what your bank is really committed to, you can stop wondering and come on over to Heartland where you know that relationships and communities are what keep us all thriving!