In this episode, the guys are joined by Howard Bluver, Director at both Studio Bank (TN) and Israel Discount Bank (NY). The depth and breadth of Howard’s professional experience serves as the foundation for a wide ranging and engaging discussion. Specifically, Howard discusses his “entry” into banking after obtaining his law degree and going to work with the Securities and Exchange Commission. From there, Howard shares the critical lessons learned while working for the Office of Thrift Supervision during the Savings and Loan Crisis.  He also discusses the value of being mentored during hi ..read more

In this month's episode, the guys are joined by Jim Cone, a Director at both CapTex Bank and Victory Bank (TX). Jim shares insights ranging from his early days in business development to purchasing a bank with just $10 million in assets and growing it to over $1 billion. He also talks about the value of C&I relationships, finding the best businesses in a community and "riding with them," refusing to take “no” for an answer, and not being afraid to “pick up $100 bills if they are laying around on the sidewalk.” Lastly, Jim shares what he deems as the most important metric when evaluating wh ..read more

In this episode, the guys are joined by DCG colleague Keri Crooks for a discussion with Greg Dufour, the outgoing President and Chief Executive Officer of Camden National Bank. Greg talks about his 20 plus years with the bank and his stewardship of an institution that has grown from $2 billion (2009) to the largest publicly traded bank in Northern New England. Greg talks about the critical importance of hiring great people, the value of a strong culture, and what his future might hold. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn ..read more

In episode 13, newly elected American Bankers Association (ABA) chair Julie Thurlow joins the show. Julie, Vin, Zach, and Frank Farone discuss what she hopes to accomplish with the ABA, key opportunities and threats for the industry, and how she saved Frank when they were in Nashville at the ABA Annual Conference. Julie also appeared on season 1 episode 7, where the four dove into her background and tenure leading Reading Cooperative Bank.   For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn ..read more

In this month's episode, Zach and Vin are joined by Chris Nelson, Founder and President of Nelson Capital Advisors (and formerly of Bangor Savings Bank).  Chris talks about his early days, which took him from the broadcasting booth to the Trust Department and ultimately into the CIO’s chair. Along the way, Chris shares some of his most valuable lessons regarding the importance of managing liquidity, the efficacy of the ALCO exercise, the pitfalls of “tunnel vision,” and what he calls “rear view mirror management.” Chris also explains his current role as both advisor and educator for finan ..read more

Join Vin and Zach as they go “2 on 2” with CEO Chris Gosnell and CFO Drew Chandler of Farmers Bank and Trust (Arkansas / Texas). In this episode, the guys discuss banking in small markets, expansion into larger ones, the efficacy of hedging, and business opportunities associated with operating “in the same neighborhood” of our country’s largest lithium deposit. Lastly, the boys recount their recent trip to New England, which featured a giant bluefin tuna fish.   For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn ..read more

In episode 10, Matt McCullin, Chief Financial Officer at ANECA Federal Credit Union in Shreveport, LA joins the show. Matt, Vin, and Zach explore a wide range of topics, including Matt’s time in the banking and public accounting industries prior to his arrival at ANECA, being an opportunistic banker, not sweating the small stuff, and the "unfathomable" Karl Malone. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn ..read more

In this month’s episode, Vin and Zach are joined by Jeanne Hulit, President and CEO of Maine Community Bank. The depth and breadth of Jeanne’s resume provides the backdrop for a wide-ranging discussion that includes her:  Journey from international business to the regional and community banking arenas Time as the acting administrator with the Small Business Administration Current stewardship of a “merger of equals” Role as a Director with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Jeanne discusses the importance of saying “yes,” making effective decisions, and her passion for community banking ..read more

In episode 8 of season 2, Vin, Zach, and DCG Managing Director Steve Boselli are joined by Rob McCormick, Chairman, President, & Chief Executive Officer of Trustco Bank in New York. The four explore a wide range of topics, including the basics of running a 120-year-old institution now worth over $6B in assets, the "Walmart approach," and why it is all about location, location, location. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn ..read more

Live from the 2023 DCG Annual Conference, join Vin and Zach as they cover the key issues being discussed on stage. They are joined on the ground by three conference attendees (George Kelly of Liberty Bay CU, MA; Jon Schmaderer of TriCounty Bank, NE; Karyn Hale of Union Bank, VT) who sit down for an open forum on the opportunities / threats to their businesses, the outlook for their balance sheets over the next year, and key conference takeaways. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn ..read more