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.

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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.

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💬 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.

In this episode of The Currency of Knowledge podcast, we welcome Nathan, a new associate at County National Bank Wealth Management—and a familiar face to longtime listeners. Nathan joins us for a candid and educational conversation about risk, reward, and navigating market volatility.

In this episode of the "Currency of Knowledge" education series, the hosts engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Barry Malik, head of retirement plan services. Together, they explore the essential process of helping clients define their financial priorities and goals. Barry emphasizes the importance of personalized financial discussions, shedding light on how individual aspirations, such as travel plans or health concerns, can shape retirement visions. They introduce the concept of a financial purpose statement, a concise reflection of what truly matters to clients, serving as a guiding light for their financial journeys. This episode underscores the idea that financial goals are unique to each individual, much like a tailored suit.

https://www.cnbb.bank/Portals/0/Your Personal Savings Planner.pdf?ver=UfuIgWd97d33fSspISfAzQ%3d%3d

This episode focuses on wealth management. Guest Jake Johnson, CNB Assistant Vice President, Private Banking Officer, discusses the fundamentals of financial planning, emphasizing its comprehensive nature beyond traditional financial advice to include tax and estate planning tailored to individual client needs.

Johnson highlights the significance of building client relationships, understanding their objectives, and delivering continuous support, comparing financial planning and the fitness discipline. He also discusses his role in private banking, the importance of client service, and guides on selecting a wealth advisor based on credentials, trust, and prioritizing client interests, noting his pursuit of CFP certification.