Nov. 12, 2024

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Lexis Cramer, branch manager at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, 401 W. 57th St.

Name: Lexis Cramer

Age: Never ask a lady her age. 😊

Hometown: Hitchcock

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I’ve lived in a variety of places throughout South Dakota, in Colorado and more recently Minnesota. When the opportunity to move back to South Dakota presented itself, Sioux Falls was a no-brainer. South Dakota will always be home, and Sioux Falls has a lot to offer.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

There’s so much I love about Sioux Falls! It’s big enough to have the best amenities within minutes but small enough that you still get a little bit of that small-town feel — you’re always bumping into someone you know when you’re out and about. Additionally, Sioux Falls is still growing, which presents so many opportunities for growth both personally and professionally.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I enjoy so many facets of what I do that it’s hard to pick one. I truly appreciate working for a local organization that is so invested in its employees and community. I love that I never know what the day will bring or who will walk through my door. But, no matter what, I am supported and empowered to make decisions that put people first.

How did you get connected to your industry?

My background consists of numerous leadership positions throughout multiple industries, including restaurant management and retail management. After having a child, working nights, weekends and holidays just wasn’t practical anymore. I met with my first boss in banking, and we hit it off right away. She had been in the business for more than 20 years and was willing to be my boss and mentor, and she has since become a good friend. She was a wealth of knowledge and helped me find my passion — and path — in banking.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Involved, open-minded, supportive.

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

I love to ride motorcycles — like, a very long way. Many of my days off in the summer include me riding 1,000 miles in 24 hours.

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

I believe the best way to give back is through our youth. I was a CASA advocate and truly cherished every minute of that. Now that my son is in school, I’m looking forward to spending more time in the classroom and volunteering at his school whenever possible.

I also make an effort to donate blood every chance I can get. First National is phenomenal about setting up regular blood drives as a way to give back.

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

I would love to see a Punch Bowl Social come to Sioux Falls.

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

I would start a gym that had a focus on overall health and wellness. I envision this being a one-stop shop for those who want to improve their health through physical activity, learn about balancing hormones or hormone replacement therapy, discover holistic approaches to wellness, dive into supplements, receive chiropractic care, etc.