This week’s Up-and-Comer is Ethan Johnson, a business banker at Reliabank.

Name: Ethan Johnson

Age: 27

Hometown: Watertown

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I ended up in Sioux Falls because of college athletics at the University of Sioux Falls. The big kicker was my brother would be my coach for the following four years!

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

My family and the family business.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Building relationships is extremely satisfying.  Being “that person” a customer counts on for their financial success definitely gives me an added sense of purpose in life. I also really enjoy tracking the asset and earnings growth of the bank each quarter.

What made you decide to become part of your family business?

In high school and college, I always dreamed of getting out of South Dakota. Shortly after graduating college in May of 2014, I realized what great opportunities lie ahead of me if I started working for the family business. I became involved with Prairie Family Business Association a couple years ago and that has really helped us lay the foundation to succession and developed a personal “road map” for me.

Describe Reliabank in three words.

Family. Giving. Service.

What do you think people might be surprised to learn about your business?

We will celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2020. My grandfather came to work for the owner in 1944 and had to wait 24 years to own the bank himself. Then, Grandpa Walter Johnson only owned it for eight years before his death. My dad, David Johnson, took over management at age 23 when his dad died and over the years bought the bank from his family.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Chipotle.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I undoubtedly see myself with Reliabank. I may still be lending in five years, but I do see my role slowly evolving to include more responsibility for strategic decisions.