Jan. 17, 2023

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Cole Robbins, a mortgage banker at Dacotah Bank.

Name: Cole Robbins

Age: 36

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

After I graduated with my chiropractic degree, I was offered the opportunity to go into an office share on the east side of Sioux Falls, and I saw it as a great opportunity to start my career.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls is continually growing and changing. I enjoy the variety of opportunities throughout the city, from family-friendly activities to sporting events and concerts. Sioux Falls has been nationally recognized as a great place to raise a family, and we enjoy taking advantage of all that Sioux Falls has to offer.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I enjoy working with homebuyers and current homeowners to achieve their goals and dreams. The collaboration when I sit down with a customer to honestly discuss what they are looking for in their first home or in their next home is a rewarding experience.

How did you get connected to your industry?

When I first returned to Sioux Falls, I was working in a different profession, and my employer was going through some changes. A family member asked if I was interested in exploring a career in mortgage lending. I joined a national bank that has locations in Sioux Falls, and I worked closely with the mortgage team to build my knowledge base and learn best practices from leaders with decades of experience. As I became more comfortable in my role, I was able to take on additional customers. When I had questions, I was able to approach colleagues who I trusted and had my best interests at heart; they wanted me to be successful, and they helped me accomplish my goals. In the summer of 2022, I joined Dacotah Bank, and I have been continuing my career as a mortgage banker at a new bank.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Collaborative, ethical, supportive.

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

I am a doctor of chiropractic, and I have an acupuncture certification.

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

I am a member of the El Riad Shrine, and I enjoy volunteering for their fundraising events.

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

I think our city has a great business community and a wealth of entertainment, restaurant and shopping options. Without any obvious answers coming to mind, I would say In-N-Out Burger.

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

I enjoy traveling and am a sports fan, so I would like to build a business focused on providing unique fan opportunities to customers that goes beyond just tickets to a game. Turn a trip into an experience where the customers don’t have to worry about the minutia and can just enjoy their potentially once-in-a-lifetime experience. We would focus on larger events such as the Olympics, Super Bowl, Final Four and World Cup.