Welcome to another insightful episode of the Banking on Growth podcast, hosted by Mike Graham, President of Midwestern Securities. In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of technology in community banking with our special guest, Sam Biardo, CEO of Technology Advisors.

Sam brings a wealth of expertise in consulting and software development, focusing on connecting bank core systems to Creatio—a low-code CRM platform tailored specifically for banks and credit unions. Together, Mike and Sam explore how CRMs can revolutionize processes like customer onboarding, referral management, marketing automation, and even predictive AI-powered tools like "next best offer" recommendations.

What’s Inside This Episode:

As the conversation unfolds, you'll gain valuable insights into:

• The role of CRMs in improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• AI-driven decision-making, including supervised learning models that analyze customer data to deliver personalized product suggestions.
• Customer journey mapping, a strategic approach to understanding and enhancing every step of a customer's experience with your financial institution.
• Referral tracking and management, ensuring seamless handoffs and timely follow-ups to maximize customer retention.

Whether you're a tech-savvy banker or someone new to the world of CRMs and AI, this episode offers practical advice and real-world examples that highlight how technology can help community financial institutions thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. Tune in to learn how to create happier customers, build stronger relationships, and drive growth through innovation!

#BankingInnovation #FinancialGrowth

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!

Follow us for more financial insights:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwesternsecurities
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwesternsecurities
Website: https://midwesternsecurities.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@midwesternsecurities1999

-----
Midwestern Securities is a reputable independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm owned and operated by community bankers and financial professionals. With a strong track record of delivering personalized attention and financial advisor coaching that helps community financial institutions take their investment services divisions to the next level, Midwestern Securities has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

If your bank needs a team that can help, visit https://midwesternsecurities.com/.

Member FINRA/SIPC

Welcome to Banking on Growth! In this milestone episode, Cassie Tarboletti, Executive Vice President of Midwestern Securities, takes the host seat and flips the script by interviewing Mike Graham, President of Midwestern Securities. As the firm celebrates 25 years of success as an independent broker-dealer and RIA, Mike reflects on the journey, sharing invaluable insights into how the financial services industry has evolved—and what’s stayed constant.

What’s Inside This Episode:

• The dramatic consolidation of financial institutions and how Midwestern Securities has thrived amidst industry shakeups 
• The rise of technology, from the dot-com bubble to today’s AI revolution—and what it means for the future 
• How community-based financial institutions can adapt to changing consumer tastes while staying true to their core values 

Mike also discusses the importance of rules-based financial planning, strategic adaptability, and nurturing the next generation of leadership. From navigating economic downturns like the Great Recession to embracing disruptive opportunities, this episode is packed with lessons learned over a quarter century in financial services.

Don’t miss this deep dive into 25 years of growth and innovation! Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes exploring the future of financial services.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!

#BankingOnGrowth #FinancialServices #AIInFinance #CommunityBanks #BrokerDealer #StrategicPlanning

Follow us for more financial insights:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwesternsecurities
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwesternsecurities
Website: https://midwesternsecurities.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@midwesternsecurities1999

-----
Midwestern Securities is a reputable independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm owned and operated by community bankers and financial professionals. With a strong track record of delivering personalized attention and financial advisor coaching that helps community financial institutions take their investment services divisions to the next level, Midwestern Securities has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

If your bank needs a team that can help, visit https://midwesternsecurities.com/.

Member FINRA/SIPC

In today's episode, we have a special guest, Angela Beblo from Jackson Kelly, who brings a wealth of knowledge in banking and finance. Together, we'll discuss why performance metrics are vital for community banks and how understanding these numbers can lead to stronger institutions.

Join us as we unpack essential topics such as:
• The importance of monitoring key financial metrics
• How to leverage technology for better financial insights
• Real-world examples of recent bank failures and what we can learn from them

Whether you're a banking professional or just curious about the financial landscape, this podcast is designed for you. So grab your headphones and get ready to gain valuable perspectives that can help foster growth in your community bank.

Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! Let's get started!


About Our Guest

Angela Beblo is a member of Jackson Kelly, a prominent law firm headquartered in West Virginia with additional offices across several states, including Indiana and Kentucky. Angela brings extensive banking and finance law expertise, making her a valuable asset to our discussion. 

With a robust team of approximately 150 lawyers, Jackson Kelly specializes in transactional work and strongly focuses on community banking. Angela has significant experience working closely with various financial institutions in this field. Notably, she has connections to the American Community Bank, which was co-founded by a member of her firm and has since evolved into the German American Bank.

Follow us for more financial insights:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwesternsecurities
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwesternsecurities
Website: https://midwesternsecurities.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@midwesternsecurities1999

-----
Midwestern Securities is a reputable independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm owned and operated by community bankers and financial professionals. With a strong track record of delivering personalized attention and financial advisor coaching that helps community financial institutions take their investment services divisions to the next level, Midwestern Securities has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

If your bank needs a team that can help, visit https://midwesternsecurities.com/.

Member FINRA/SIPC

Join us for this episode of Banking On Growth, where host Mike Graham welcomes Wes Johnson, CPA from Forvis Mazars. In this insightful discussion, we explore the evolving landscape of community banking, particularly in light of recent political changes and their implications for tax planning. Wes shares his expertise on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, accelerated depreciation strategies, and fintech's growing influence in banking operations.

As we navigate through topics such as potential tax legislation under a Republican administration and the importance of strategic planning for community banks, you'll gain valuable insights into how these factors can shape the future of financial institutions.

Whether you're a banker, investor, or simply interested in the financial sector, this episode is packed with essential information to help you understand the current trends and challenges in community banking.

Don't miss out—tune in now to stay informed and empowered in your financial journey!

--------


The information set forth in this presentation contains the analysis and conclusions of the author(s) based upon his/her/their research and analysis of industry information and legal authorities. Such analysis and conclusions should not be deemed opinions or conclusions by Forvis Mazars or the author(s) as to any individual situation as situations are fact-specific. The reader should perform their own analysis and form their own conclusions regarding any specific situation. Further, the author(s)’ conclusions may be revised without notice with or without changes in industry information and legal authorities.

Contact
Forvis Mazars

Wes Johnson
Director
P: 217.429.2411
[email protected]

--------

Follow us for more financial insights:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwesternsecurities
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwesternsecurities
Website: https://midwesternsecurities.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@midwesternsecurities1999

-----
Midwestern Securities is a reputable independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm owned and operated by community bankers and financial professionals. With a strong track record of delivering personalized attention and financial advisor coaching that helps community financial institutions take their investment services divisions to the next level, Midwestern Securities has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

If your bank needs a team that can help, visit https://midwesternsecurities.com/.

Member FINRA/SIPC

Join us for another engaging episode of Banking on Growth with host Mike Graham as he welcomes Eric Cook from WSI. In this insightful discussion, Eric shares his journey from a community banker to a digital marketing expert, focusing on how community banks can leverage technology and data to thrive today.

Discover the importance of understanding data, the role of artificial intelligence in marketing, and how to foster a culture that values innovative marketing strategies. Whether in the banking industry or just interested in the intersection of finance and technology, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in now!

About Our Guest
Eric Cook is a seasoned banking and digital marketing professional with over 15 years of experience as a community banker. His firm specializes in web design, social media strategies, SEO, and strategic marketing services, primarily for community banks and financial institutions.

In addition to his work with WSI, Eric founded The Linked Banker, a mentoring and mastermind community that helps banking professionals leverage technology and enhance their online presence. His dual focus on institutional marketing and individual banker development allows him to bridge the gap between traditional banking practices and modern digital strategies, making him a valuable resource for financial institutions looking to innovate and grow.

Follow us for more financial insights:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwesternsecurities
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwesternsecurities
Website: https://midwesternsecurities.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@midwesternsecurities1999

-----
Midwestern Securities is a reputable independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm owned and operated by community bankers and financial professionals. With a strong track record of delivering personalized attention and financial advisor coaching that helps community financial institutions take their investment services divisions to the next level, Midwestern Securities has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

If your bank needs a team that can help, visit https://midwesternsecurities.com/.

Member FINRA/SIPC

Welcome to the Banking on Growth podcast, hosted by Mike Graham, President of Midwestern Securities. In this episode, we are excited to have Charlie Kelly, a partner at Remedy Consulting, join us for an insightful discussion on the intricacies of technology contracting and negotiation within the banking sector.

About Our Guest
Charlie brings a wealth of experience from his time at one of the largest core vendors in the industry, where he managed pricing and contracts. With over six years at Remedy Consulting, he and his team focus on helping community banks and credit unions navigate the complex landscape of technology contracts. Their mission is to ensure financial institutions receive fair treatment from their technology vendors while maximizing their growth potential.

What You’ll Learn

• Understanding Technology Contracts: Charlie explains how contracts are structured in the banking industry and the implications these agreements have on growth opportunities for banks and credit unions.
• The Role of Consultants: We discuss why more than 50% of financial institutions are now turning to consultants like Remedy for assistance with their technology contracts. Charlie shares insights into how consultants can save institutions money and provide strategic guidance during contract negotiations.
• Market Trends: The conversation dives into current trends affecting technology vendors, including the impact of private equity on service quality and customer support. Charlie highlights how these changes can affect user experience and operational efficiency.
• Navigating Vendor Relationships: Learn about community banks’ challenges when dealing with large core providers and how Remedy Consulting helps clients achieve better outcomes in their vendor relationships.
• Case Studies: Charlie shares real-world examples of how Remedy has successfully assisted clients in negotiating better terms and conditions, ultimately leading to significant cost savings.

Join Us
Whether you’re a financial institution executive, a board member, or simply interested in the intersection of finance and technology, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you understand the importance of strategic vendor partnerships in driving growth.

Stay Connected
Don't forget to subscribe to Banking on Growth for more episodes featuring industry experts sharing their knowledge on navigating challenges in the banking sector. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your network!

Thank you for tuning in!

Subscribe now to receive notifications and access the complete library of empowering episodes designed exclusi

Follow us for more financial insights:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwesternsecurities
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwesternsecurities
Website: https://midwesternsecurities.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@midwesternsecurities1999

-----
Midwestern Securities is a reputable independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm owned and operated by community bankers and financial professionals. With a strong track record of delivering personalized attention and financial advisor coaching that helps community financial institutions take their investment services divisions to the next level, Midwestern Securities has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

If your bank needs a team that can help, visit https://midwesternsecurities.com/.

Member FINRA/SIPC

Join us for this exciting episode of the Banking on Growth podcast, where host Mike Graham, President of Midwestern Securities, welcomes Jim Perry, Senior Strategist at Market Insights. Together, they dive into the evolving landscape of community banking and the importance of adapting to new technologies and consumer needs. 

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The Role of Community Banks: Discover how these institutions can leverage their close relationships with customers to foster growth and innovation.
• Insights from Finnovate Fall: Jim shares key takeaways from his recent experience at this major fintech conference, including discussions on financial inclusion and cutting-edge technology demos.
• The Future of Banking: Explore strategies for community banks to embrace fintech partnerships and enhance their service offerings.

Don't miss the invaluable insights that can help your institution thrive in a rapidly changing financial environment!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Please share your thoughts in the comments below or connect with us on social media.

Tune in now and empower your financial institution to grow and adapt!

Subscribe now to receive notifications and access the complete library of empowering episodes designed exclusively for community financial institution leaders seeking to thrive in wealth management services.

Follow us for more financial insights:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwesternsecurities
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwesternsecurities
Website: https://midwesternsecurities.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@midwesternsecurities1999

-----
Midwestern Securities is a reputable independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm owned and operated by community bankers and financial professionals. With a strong track record of delivering personalized attention and financial advisor coaching that helps community financial institutions take their investment services divisions to the next level, Midwestern Securities has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

If your bank needs a team that can help, visit https://midwesternsecurities.com/.

Member FINRA/SIPC

Join us for our latest episode of Banking on Growth with host Mike Graham as he welcomes Eric Cohen from Merchant Advocate. With over 25 years in the credit card processing industry, Eric shares his journey of creating a unique service that helps businesses save on credit card processing fees without switching providers. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Importance of Transparency: Understanding the complexities of credit card processing and how it affects businesses.
• Community Banks and Merchant Services: Why community banks should consider partnering with Merchant Advocate to enhance their service offerings.
• Creating Value for Clients: How to solve pain points for business owners, fostering trust and loyalty.

Eric’s innovative approach has saved clients over $300 million, and he explains how community banks can leverage this model to retain customers and grow deposits and loans. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights!

👉 Subscribe now for more episodes!

Follow us for more financial insights:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwesternsecurities
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwesternsecurities
Website: https://midwesternsecurities.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@midwesternsecurities1999

-----
Midwestern Securities is a reputable independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm owned and operated by community bankers and financial professionals. With a strong track record of delivering personalized attention and financial advisor coaching that helps community financial institutions take their investment services divisions to the next level, Midwestern Securities has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

If your bank needs a team that can help, visit https://midwesternsecurities.com/.

Member FINRA/SIPC

Welcome to today's episode of Banking on Growth. We are excited to have Chris Furlow, President and CEO of the Texas Bankers Association, joining us. With a long history of leadership in the banking industry, Chris brings a wealth of experience and insight, especially when it comes to advocating for community banks. Chris shares how the TBA navigates the complex regulatory landscape while also creating an environment that fosters business growth. From reducing unnecessary hurdles to proposing constructive ideas, the association is a driving force in improving the business environment for community banks. We’ll hear firsthand how advocacy isn’t just about lobbying—it’s about fighting for policies that allow banks to continue supporting families, small businesses, and local economies.

Chris also touches on the shifting economic landscape, discussing how the pandemic, inflation, and rising interest rates have impacted the banking industry, particularly community banks. With thousands of pages of new regulations, the challenges facing the sector are significant. But, as Chris explains, the Texas Bankers Association is working tirelessly to ensure that the banking industry remains strong, vibrant, and most importantly, aligned with the needs of the communities it serves.

Follow us for more financial insights:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwesternsecurities
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwesternsecurities
Website: https://midwesternsecurities.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@midwesternsecurities1999

-----
Midwestern Securities is a reputable independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm owned and operated by community bankers and financial professionals. With a strong track record of delivering personalized attention and financial advisor coaching that helps community financial institutions take their investment services divisions to the next level, Midwestern Securities has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

If your bank needs a team that can help, visit https://midwesternsecurities.com/.

Member FINRA/SIPC

Discover how to bridge generational gaps and build meaningful customer relationships in the latest episode of "Banking on Growth" with Michael Graham and guest Robert Zondag. Learn the power of social media, the shift from transactions to relationships, and the importance of owning your customer experience. Don’t miss out on these game-changing insights!

👉 Watch now and transform your financial strategies!
📧 Connect with Robert Zondag at [email protected] for more info. 

#CustomerExperience #FinancialGrowth #GenX #SocialMediaStrategy #AI #BankingOnGrowth #FinanceInsights

Follow us for more financial insights:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midwesternsecurities
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midwesternsecurities
Website: https://midwesternsecurities.com/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@midwesternsecurities1999

-----
Midwestern Securities is a reputable independent broker/dealer and Registered Investment Advisory firm owned and operated by community bankers and financial professionals. With a strong track record of delivering personalized attention and financial advisor coaching that helps community financial institutions take their investment services divisions to the next level, Midwestern Securities has established itself as a trusted partner in the industry.

If your bank needs a team that can help, visit https://midwesternsecurities.com/.

Member FINRA/SIPC