First Bank & Trust’s Melissa Fossell embraces business lending
The newest business banker at First Bank & Trust is this week’s Up-and-Comer. Meet Melissa Fossell.
Name: Melissa Fossell
Age: 36
Hometown: Holland, Minn. – just over an hour away from Sioux Falls. Population 187.
What brought you to Sioux Falls?
After graduation from South Dakota State University, I spent two years living in Europe and then landed in Dallas, Texas, working for Daktronics Inc. for about six years. I thoroughly enjoyed living in other countries and cultures; however, I missed the friendly Midwest and running into someone you know at Target. I wanted to get back to a smaller community in addition to being closer to my family and longtime friends.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?
It’s hard to narrow it down to just one thing. I enjoy going to work every day. First Bank & Trust has a positive culture and great people to work with. However, the favorite part of my job is having the opportunity to meet a business owner or CFO for the first time, getting to learn how that business started, where they are going and why. Sioux Falls is a growing community, which makes it even more fun.
How did you get connected to your industry?
In a roundabout way. If you asked me in college what I’d be doing now, I would have told you I’d be coaching or in athletic administration. However, when I took my first job out of college, I quickly learned I enjoyed being in a relationship-building role, educating and advising customers and co-workers. When moving back to Sioux Falls, I had some strong connections dating back to college that ultimately contacted and recruited me to the banking industry, and I haven’t looked back since.
Describe working at First Bank & Trust in three words.
Easy, empowered, exciting.
What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?
Probably a long shot, but Lululemon Athletica. It’s the first place I visit and spend money when traveling to a “big” city.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Over the next five years, I hope to continue to work for First Bank & Trust as a business banker, growing my portfolio, giving back to the community and focusing on my four young kids.