Sept. 13, 2022

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Hillary McQuade, vice president, director of marketing at CorTrust Bank.

Name: Hillary McQuade

Age: 31

Hometown: Dell Rapids

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I attended college at the University of Sioux Falls and have been in Sioux Falls ever since – hard to believe that was already 13 years ago!

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

My entire immediate family lives in Sioux Falls, so being near them is a blessing. But even without family nearby, it would be hard to leave Sioux Falls – it’s just a wonderful place to live, work and play. We have access to great schools, beautiful parks, an amazing food scene, entertainment options and more!

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

There are so many things I love about my job:

1. Marketing is always evolving, and no two days are ever the same. I really enjoy the versatility of my position, and I am always challenged!
2. I have met so many incredible professionals throughout CorTrust Bank’s 37 locations. I am so fortunate to work with some of the best in the business.
3. CorTrust Bank treats their employees like family; you’re not just a number here. The leadership team takes the time to get to know all employees, and I really value that.

And if that all sounds great to you, we’re actually hiring within the marketing department at CorTrust Bank!

How did you get connected to your industry?

I studied marketing while at USF and knew I wanted to enter this field. I was fortunate to quickly find a marketing position after graduation with a local nonprofit. After a few years staying in the nonprofit sector, I was actually recruited by a former colleague to join the marketing team at CorTrust Bank, and I’ve never looked back!

Describe CorTrust Bank in three words.

Local. Family. Community-focused.

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

I think I might be the original “Wedding Crasher” – the PG version that is. Growing up, my parents owned a steakhouse, lounge and catering hall. Most weekends they hosted weddings, so I frequently attended complete strangers’ wedding dances as a child. I loved it!

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

Besides getting my hands dirty and volunteering with local organizations such as Rake the Town and Habitat for Humanity, I thoroughly enjoy sharing my time and marketing knowledge with local nonprofits and organizations. I’ve chaired the Downtown Sioux Falls marketing committee and the Furniture Mission’s marketing committee and loved helping these causes find marketing success. I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to support causes throughout the Sioux Empire!

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

I miss having Strawbale Winery as a destination spot. It was a wonderful place to gather friends and family to enjoy locally made products. I would love to see something similar again in our community – I’m disappointed I never got to take my 1-year-old son there; he would’ve loved the chickens and kittens!

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

We live in a 1903 historical home in the All Saints/McKennan Park neighborhood. I would totally start a business focused on investing and renovating historic homes in this neighborhood. It would bring me a lot of joy to combine my creativity with revitalizing areas in need.