2023 Trusted Advisers: Marc Mayer

When Marc Mayer got into banking as a lender with Peoples Bank of the Ozarks nearly two decades ago, he says he discovered how passionate he was about helping people achieve their financial goals. He grew into the commercial lending niche, with a long stint at Great Southern Bank and the past four years as a senior vice president at Springfield First Community Bank, which merged with Guaranty Bank last year.

“As a commercial banker, I have advised and assisted countless business owners to help them build and create successful, thriving businesses that serve our communities,” he says.

In 2022, Mayer oversaw $154 million in banking portfolios for over 75 clients at Guaranty Bank, more than doubling his portfolio from the previous year.

Having worked in the industry for almost two decades, Mayer says has learned there’s no such thing as “banker hours.”

“There is no substitute for hard work or preparedness,” Mayer says, adding that his goal is to make his clients’ businesses as successful as possible, and that means putting in the extra work.

A typical day involves reviewing and analyzing client financials and understanding the real estate market and industry trends.

“This is not something I take lightly,” he says. “My vast experience allows them to lean into my expertise at their convenience, any time, day or night.”

Bob McBride, a partner at exercise equipment company Stamina Products Inc., says he has been a client of Mayer’s since 2004 and has followed his growth in the banking industry.

“Marc was instrumental in helping my partners and I develop many projects in and around the Springfield area. The importance of a good lending adviser is the key to any project, and Marc has always been that adviser,” McBride says.

Mayer was early into his career when the Great Recession hit, which he says prepared him for the economic shutdown and aftermath brought on by COVID-19 in 2020 and beyond.

“Some will say we are still recovering from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interest rates have been rising, causing a slowdown in the economy on new construction projects,” he says. “I continually communicate with real estate developers, general contractors and subcontractors to find out what they are seeing in their daily grind. This helps me stay out in front of potential issues and help my clients avoid problems.”

He credits his work ethic and personal values to his years as an athlete.

“I played basketball for over 15 years and developed perseverance, determination and communication skills that I have carried into my career,” he says.

Outside the office, Mayer shows his love for athletics. From 2012 to 2022, he served as chair of a Rotary Club basketball tournament, which benefited the Special Olympics, and currently sits on the Springfield Sports Commission board, as well as the Lost & Found Grief Center Golf Committee.

“I am committed to connecting with local organizations, and I encourage everyone to do the same,” he says.