Featured Associate: Tim Rhodes

Regional Financial Center Manager

What do you do at Country Club Bank?

I am a Regional Financial Center Manager, but I wear lots of hats— air traffic controller, firefighter, coach, mentor, confidant, teller, banker, lender, fraud buster, matchmaker and human resources. 

A lot of people think banking is all about money. I feel like we’re more in the people business than the money business. For me, it’s more about matchmaking and making introductions.

How did you get into banking?

Like most people, I think—accidentally. I didn’t grow up thinking I wanted to be a banker (although, at Exchange City way back in fifth grade, I was the Assistant Bank Manager). 

I stopped at my bank by my house and asked where the high school interns were that school year. They said they didn’t have any and asked if I was interested. I did that for my first three years of college and focused on school. Then I went to work for Blue KC (my grandmother, mother and aunt all worked there, and both my sisters still do).

I thought Blue KC was going to be a forever home, but I ultimately went back to what I knew—banking. I’ve been in the banking world since, and I wouldn’t change it. Like Disney, I can make dreams come true—financial dreams.

What drew you to CCB?

I jokingly like to say it was a case of “if you can’t beat ‘em join ’em.” When I was working for another bank and we heard a prospect had lending or deposits with CCB, we kindly said “thank you” and walked away. We knew we couldn’t compete.

Eventually, an old colleague asked me to have coffee with him and Jo Kinsey. I was reluctant to at first because I thought the bank I was with was where I would spend my career. I decided coffee couldn’t hurt—and networking is always a good thing. Apparently, the coffee meeting was the interview, and about five weeks later I was brought on in this role.

How have you been able to advance your career at CCB?

By being me. Doing the job to the best of my ability. Clichéd as it may sound, I inherited good people and surrounded myself with good people as well. I’ve had the success I’ve had due to the success of my team. Being authentic and surrounding myself with people smarter or stronger than me has helped too.

What advice would you give other CCB associates about advancing within the bank?

Be true to yourself and remember the “why” behind the “why.” Why are we here? Yes, to provide for our families but also to provide that consultative professional financial approach for our customers. Without our customers, there is no bank, and with no bank, there is no job. Customers are the lifeblood of any organization.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

I like to steal George Carlin’s line that I have interests instead of hobbies. Hobbies cost money, but interests are free! I do rather enjoy BBQ/smoking. I have a “competitive” BBQ team, but we only compete in the Lenexa BBQ Battle. We’ve never place in the top 10, but it’s about having fun and trying to show others our passion for BBQ. I also do some small selective catering on the side with one of my BBQ teammates. 

I also enjoy watching my three boys experience life in the various stages they are in. And if I didn’t mention I am an “AFOL” (adult fan of LEGO), I just wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.

Do you belong to any community or professional organizations? If so, why are you interested in them?

I help out with the food (go figure!) for our big community outreach events at my church. 

Recently I was asked to chair the Government Affairs Committee with the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce. Before you ask, I have zero intentions of running for political office, but I’d rather advocate for the people to become more aware of what’s happening, particularly in local government (school district/city/county). These entities have more say in your day-to-day lives than what might come out of Topeka or DC. Yes, what happens in those places impacts us, but not to the daily degree local politics does.