New branch manager finds job that matches his personality, skills

June 25, 2019

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Erik Barnes, branch manager/ag and commercial lender at Reliabank.

Name: Erik Barnes

Hometown: Alcester

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

My promotion from loan officer in Watertown to branch manager of Reliabank’s Tea location. This opportunity allows me to grow professionally, and it brings me close to family and the Sioux Falls area.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

The greater Sioux Falls area is a perfect size. There is always a new activity or restaurant to try and also a lot of entertainment options. The population is obviously more than the town I grew up in, but it is still South Dakota, and I always run into someone I know.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I love talking and meeting with customers and learning about their business plans and goals. From there, I enjoy giving guidance and following through with a straightforward plan to making our customers’ lives and financing as smooth and painless as possible.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I did a variety of internships throughout college. My last internship was with a bank, and for the first time, I felt that a job matched my skill sets and personality traits. I really enjoy teaching customers about their finances and guiding customers through financial decisions.

Describe Reliabank in three words.

Community, family-owned, flexible.

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

I really enjoy volunteering in service organizations. I was a member of the Optimist Club in Watertown and really enjoyed connecting and giving back to kids and seeing them grow. I am looking forward to seeing which service organizations are in the greater Sioux Falls area that I can join and make an impact with.

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

I’d love to see a Chick-fil-A come to town!

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In the future, I would like to be viewed as an integral part of the community and someone my customers rely and depend on for their financial future.

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New branch manager finds job that matches his personality, skills

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Erik Barnes, branch manager/ag and commercial lender at Reliabank.

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