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Jun 08, 2023

Beyond a Banker - Dakota Swearengin

Beyond a Banker - Dakota Swearengin
If you went to college, where did you graduate? In what did you receive your degree?

I attended the University of Arkansas. I started out at the college of engineering but ultimately decided that wasn’t for me and I became a banker instead. 


How long have you been in banking? 

I’ve been in banking for 11 years.


What is your official job title?

AVP, Commercial Loan Officer


How/Why did you get into the banking industry?

I decided to follow in my father's footsteps and become a banker.  

 

What do people assume about your role that isn't true?

Some people assume a commercial lender just finances large scale commercial projects like apartments or office space. It’s more about building relationships with people and becoming their go-to banker whether that be for deposits or loans, large or small.  

What does Beyond A Banker mean to you? 

    To sum it up, I’d say concierge banking. I thrive on being trusted enough to be the first point of contact for anything banking. Even if the need is outside the scope of my job / expertise, I know there’s plenty of support I can rely on within our bank to take care of any banking need someone may have. That gives our customers simplicity and convenience that not too many banks can offer.


    What are you passionate about outside of work?

    Friends and family are an important part of my life and I like to spend as much time with them as I can.  

     

    Where might we see you on the weekends?

    I enjoy traveling and exploring new places, biking the NWA trails, and relaxing by soaking up the sun poolside.


    What should your job title be (if it was hilariously accurate to what you do every day)?

    Concierge Banker – I like to take on any task small and large to make things as simple and convenient as possible for any customer.


    What show(s) are you currently binge-watching?

    Succession


    When/Where are you the happiest?

    When I’m enjoying some great weather on a beach somewhere with my wife.


    Where is your favorite (local) place to eat? What is your go-to order?

    I love a good Dot’s chicken sandwich. Dot’s is a local food truck and has some of the best Nashville hot chicken sandwiches I’ve ever tasted. My order is usually the Dot’s chicken sandwich with a side of fried and poached red potatoes.


    What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

    I don’t need too much motivation to get out of bed. I hate wasting daylight on sleeping, so the less time in bed the better for me.  

     

    What special/interesting skill do you have that many might not know about?

    I have a pilot’s license and can fly a Cessna 182.


    What was your first job?

    I worked as a cashier at Chick-fil-a and even moonlighted as the cow a couple times.


    If you had a reality TV show of your life, what would it be called? 

     

    The adventures of Dakota and Cailey – Cailey is my wife and we don’t have any kids yet, so we can be pretty spontaneous sometimes. We love to travel and explore new places. We even went to Mexico over a weekend once because we had some extra airline and hotel points to make the trip free.


    What is something you wish you would have known earlier in your career?

    Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It’s ok to make mistakes and sometimes that’s what fuels the best kind of growth. 

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