Next Chapters: Four CCBers Retire

Marketing@CCB
Dec 6, 2024
4 min read

Mike Guest, Jayne Neal, Tom Toburen and Patty Weidmaier begin retirement with travel and family goals!

Mike Guest Retires December 31, After 6 Years

How/when did your career begin?

I’m going to break this into two parts because I think my life just went this way. My early adulthood was marked by growing from a crazy young boy into a Marine in 1974 as an air traffic controller. The Marine Corps taught me discipline, respect, and how to work with others in a life-changing way. I had a dream youth with a loving family and what could be described as the typical American hometown. The Marines took that to the next level.

The second part of my career was when I discovered the wonderful world of technology, computers, and data in 1978. With only a high school diploma and a few years of junior college, I talked my way into working for IBM, HP, Docusign and other tech companies. I met Michael Dell, Bill Gates and the CEOs of many companies all over the world. I learned how to pitch a solution by telling a story explaining how technology could make life better in many ways.

What are your next adventures?

My business travels have taken me to India, Brazil, Australia, and all over these wonderful United States of America. We recently traveled to Norway to see the Northern Lights, but our next adventures are going to start right back here in Kansas. We’re going to discover the amazing things in Kansas and adjoining states—such as converted missile silos and caves. Day trips will be the norm for my wife and me.

Technology and aviation are in my blood, so I’ll keep going to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas with my brothers every year. I’ll also be attending any air shows in the local area because I just enjoy being around aviation-related events. I used to golf before a shoulder injury, so I may try going back to the golf course across the street from my home.

What advice do you have for other CCB associates?

Be kind and considerate. Communication is key to every relationship, and I’ve found that the listening part of communication is vital. A long time ago my oldest brother wrote me a letter before I went into the Marines. In it, he gave me the nugget of how to talk to people: Ask them about themselves. It will open the conversation, and then you can tell them your side.

It’s been an honor working at CCB. When I worked at Lotus Development, maker of the 1-2-3 spreadsheet, they had a culture almost like a family. I still keep in touch with many of them after 30 years. CCB is the closest thing I can think of as a culture or family. Cherish what you have at Country Club Bank!

Jayne Neal Retires December 20, After 29 Years

How/when did your career begin?

My career in banking started at Bank of Gallatin in 1976, one year after high school graduation. Fun fact: Byron Thompson owned this bank one year before I started there. I had fun conversations with Louise Closick about her trips to Gallatin.

In fall 1989, I moved to Harrisonville and went to work for Archie State Bank. In 1995, I started with Allen Bank, which was acquired by Country Club Bank in 1996.

I am blessed and have enjoyed my career in banking. I have made lifelong friendships during my banking career.

What are your next adventures?

In retirement, I will continue traveling and spending lots of time with family. I am my grandsons’ #1 fan and love going to all their games and activities. In October, I turned my lifelong passion of sewing into a small business. I offer mostly mending, repairs, take-in seams, and hemming. I recently designed a lap quilt, using memorable shirts. Sewing is enjoyable and rewarding, and I’ve had the pleasure of sewing for my CCB friends. I have enjoyed meeting my new sewing customers.

I enjoy many other crafts too, from woodworking to painting (maybe I’ll take some classes) and gardening.

What advice do you have for other CCB associates?

Enjoy working—it’s a great part of life. Learn from your mistakes and charge forward. Be positive—such good feelings come from it! Smiling is free therapy. My motto is: If there is a will there is a way!