Oct. 8, 2024

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Ben Eide, vice president of executive banking at Plains Commerce Bank.

Name: Ben Eide

Age: 36

Hometown: Madison

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Family, opportunity.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Family, community; It’s an amazing place to raise kids.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I’m a service guy. Taking care of people is my calling. I love building relationships and being that primary go-to contact, going the extra mile, doing the little things and always following through.

How did you get connected to your industry?

My father recently retired from a long career in banking, but I never really saw myself following in his footsteps. I’m what we affectionally refer to as an “accidental banker.” After college, I was looking to make a move to Sioux Falls, so I landed a teller position to get a foot in the door. I was always a customer-service guy, but I quickly discovered I had a knack for relationship-building and service-oriented sales as well. As the door widened, it brought with it more opportunities, and I haven’t looked back since. But who knows? Maybe on some level, that little kid in me just wanted to be like dad.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Professional, lively, supportive.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a big nerd at heart. I grew up with cartoons and comic books, Star Wars and superheroes, video games and fantasy novels. As an adult, seeing those stories I grew up with come to life on TV and in movies is thrilling. I’m also a huge fan of the NFL and a fantasy football fanatic.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Buying local – supporting local retailers, restauranteurs, service providers, etc. Our community has so many amazing shops and businesses that give back. We try to support local rather than shop at the big-box stores and chains, and get involved with as many community events as possible.

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

Medieval Times.

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

 A Minnesota Vikings-themed sports bar and grill.