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2010 40 Under 40: Michael Garner

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When it came to launching his career, Michael Garner hit the ground running.

While still a student at Drury University, Garner was a member of the 2001 and 2003 World Champion Students in Free Enterprise teams.

Following graduation, Garner began his career with UMB Bank as part of the Management Rotation Program. He became a commercial loan officer in 2004, and he says his career at UMB was put on the fast track out of necessity when he was just 24.

“There was a period of six months where I was the only official lender at the banking center until a position was filled. During that time I was able to step in and perform a role which was beyond my experience,” he says. “I really felt as though I grew in my capabilities and established a foundation for how I work today.”

As a result of his efforts, 2006 was a bit of a banner year for Garner. UMB awarded him its Rookie of the Year Award and the inaugural Doug Page Management Rotation Program Award, in recognition for excellence in commercial credit.

Garner is now vice president and commercial lending officer with UMB, and his initiative has served him well.

“Clients don’t always just walk in the door,” he says. “Many times you must go and find them.”

Garner credits UMB with providing him the support and encouragement to sustain active involvement and leadership in several worthwhile organizations.

He says he is most enthusiastic about his involvement with Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals group, The Network, in which he has been involved since the group’s inception and in 2009 served as chairman.

“The group’s goal is to line up quality programs and events that bring a network of people together with probing questions for the community,” Garner says. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to determine how we can better serve the Springfield area.”

He also is chairman for the Springfield community Partnership for Sustainability and a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks, Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Drury University’s SIFE and Springfield Finance and Development Corp.

“My dedication to making a difference, professionally and personally, is at the root of all I do. It is my desire to positively impact both people and the bottom line through my ability to develop strong, long-lasting relationships, promote teamwork, encourage continuous improvement and provide extraordinary service,” Garner said.[[In-content Ad]]

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