What keeps the president up at night?

It’s hard to sleep right now because this is a very exciting time. The bank is new and everyone is focused on creating and growing a top quality local community bank.

Five years from now, community banks will…

…..be growing, thriving and still opening. I’m sure there will be additional mergers but there will always be a need for quality service from community bankers that people know and trust.

Did you ever have a mentor? Who and how did he/she influence you?

It’s hard to name one person as a mentor. I spent 20 years at San Diego Trust and Savings Bank and five years at Peninsula Bank and there were so many quality people working at those institutions that I looked up to and learned from. I will say that without Kathy Parker, Dan Herde, John Rebelo and Larry Willette, I would not be where I am today. Kathy Parker taught me patience and understanding because if she didn’t have it she would have fired me when I was 25. When I think of Dan Herde, John Rebelo and Larry Willette I think of honor, integrity, empathy and hard work. I have admired and respected these individuals for much of my life and it would be an honor to even be considered in the same company as them.

Hobbies or relaxations?

Most bankers play golf but if I ever hit that little ball I would just hurt someone or myself. I bought clubs but they’re just used as a place to hang my golf hat. I know it usually raises a few eyebrows, but I’m a standup comedian. I’ve used that hobby to give back to the community serving as an emcee and/or auctioneer for dozens of nonprofit organizations events. I love to make people laugh. It’s my favorite hobby. I also love boxing, sport fishing and football.