In this episode of Currency of Knowledge, we sit down with Ryan Tarrant, President & CEO of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, to talk about leadership, economic development, and the long-term vision for Jackson, Michigan.

Ryan shares how nearly two decades as a congressional aide in Washington, DC shaped his approach to collaboration, bipartisan problem-solving, and community-focused leadership. We explore how those experiences now inform his work at the Jackson Chamber—bringing together business leaders, nonprofits, educators, and local government to move the community forward.

This conversation dives into:

·        The Drive Jackson 20-year community vision plan

·        Workforce development and talent retention in Jackson County

·        Downtown revitalization, housing initiatives, and quality of life

·        How chambers of commerce can “punch above their weight” through advocacy

·        Why long-term vision matters more than short-term wins

·        Leadership lessons learned from public service and community engagement

Ryan also shares a personal perspective on balancing future-focused planning with living fully in the present—offering insight that resonates beyond economic development.

Whether you’re a business leader, community advocate, chamber professional, or simply interested in the future of small cities and regional growth, this episode offers valuable perspective and practical ideas.

In this episode of The Currency of Knowledge, we sit down with Rann Painter, President and CEO of the Michigan Bankers Association, to discuss the rapidly changing world of banking, financial literacy, and consumer protection.

Rann shares insights on how banking has evolved over the past decade — from fraud prevention and cybersecurity to stablecoins, digital currencies, and new federal regulations. We also explore the Michigan Bankers Association’s role in advocating for both banks and consumers, including their leadership in making financial literacy a high school graduation requirement in Michigan.

Get an inside look at our summer internship program as we talk with interns from marketing, wealth management, retail administration, and commercial lending. Hear their stories, what they learned, how the bank shaped their career paths, and their personal answers to our signature question: “What is wealth?”


This episode highlights real experiences, meaningful mentorship, and how young professionals are building their futures in finance, banking, and beyond. Great for anyone interested in internships, career development, or understanding today’s emerging workforce.

Welcome to The Currency of Knowledge, an educational video series by County National Bank (CNB) where we explore real stories, expert insights, and the power of relationships in community banking.

In this episode, Trent, Vice President of Commercial Lending in Portage/Kalamazoo, Michigan, sits down to discuss what commercial lending really means for small businesses and entrepreneurs. From helping startups secure funding to guiding established companies through expansion and succession planning, Trent shares how CNB builds lifelong relationships that go beyond banking.

🔗 Subscribe for more episodes of The Currency of Knowledge – where financial wisdom meets real-world experience.

In this episode of Currency of Knowledge, we sit down with Brad Smith from Advisa to talk about building strong organizational cultures and the power of the Predictive Index. From defining company values to developing effective leaders, Brad shares how culture drives success—and why it’s the real competitive advantage. Plus, we get personal about running, family life, and what true wealth means. 

In this episode, we sit down with Mark to talk about the vital role agriculture plays in our community and how local banks support farmers in growing their businesses. With years of experience in ag lending, Mark shares what makes working with farm families unique, the challenges they face, and the opportunities that come with serving one of the region’s most important industries. Whether you’re in banking, farming, or simply curious about the backbone of our local economy, this conversation highlights the passion, dedication, and impact of ag lending.

Welcome to The Currency of Knowledge podcast by County National Bank Wealth Management. In this episode, hosts Christopher Phillips and Holleigh Baker sit down with Kathryn Mohr, an experienced attorney and community leader, to explore the often-overlooked but crucial topics of business succession and estate planning.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations redefining wealth beyond the balance sheet.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments—what’s your biggest question about succession planning?

In this episode of The Currency of Knowledge, host Holleigh sits down again with Austin Jenkins from Dimensional Fund Advisors for Part 2 of their conversation—this time diving into the timely and often misunderstood world of ethical and sustainable investing, also known as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing.

Whether you're an environmentally-conscious investor or looking to align your finances with your personal beliefs, this episode breaks down the essentials of investing with purpose—without compromising performance.

In this episode of The Currency of Knowledge, host Holleigh Baker is joined by Austin Jenkins, Regional Director at Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), for an insightful discussion on portfolio diversification and asset allocation. Together, they break down what it means to build a well-diversified investment portfolio, the roles of different asset classes, how to assess risk tolerance, and the psychology behind staying invested. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, this episode offers foundational knowledge and practical advice to help you create a sound, long-term investment strategy.

This is part one of a two-part series with Austin Jenkins. Don't miss it! 

In this episode of The Currency of Knowledge, co-hosts Christopher Phillips and Holleigh Baker discuss one of the most essential—and often overlooked—aspects of financial planning: estate and trust settlement. With decades of experience guiding families through this emotional and logistical process, they offer clear, practical advice on how to prepare your estate, support your beneficiaries, and avoid unnecessary complications during a time of loss.