2015 Men of the Year Honoree: Clay Trautman

In 2013, Clay Trautman was given a challenge: Liberty Bank was beginning an insurance and financial services division, and he was chosen to lead the charge.

“There was no blueprint to run the division, so that allowed me to mold our agency in a way that I believed it would have the best opportunity for success,” Trautman says.

“Within one year, I had grown our agency of zero to a portfolio that consisted of over 80 clients and $30 million in client assets.”

Fast growth requires structure and led Trautman to create internal systems, processes and accountability so the company would be prepared for such accelerated business development.

“It was this forward-thinking leadership that has allowed us to seamlessly accommodate the surge in growth,” he says. “And that is truly where my forte lies – leading the way for identifying and deploying business and client growth opportunities.”

When Simmons First National Corp. announced its acquisition of Liberty Bank in May 2014, Trautman also was given the responsibility of managing clients throughout the entire Midwest. He led training for the company’s 1,300 employees on products and services. Such efforts offer a variety of benefits.

“As I lead local businesses and my peers towards success, I know I’m also helping to secure a positive future for this city where together our families can thrive,” he says.

But Trautman is making a difference in Springfield in more than just business. He also co-founded the city’s first chapter of the Epilepsy Foundation, a condition he has had since first diagnosed with it at just 10 years old.

“Building a nonprofit from the ground up is no easy task, but one that is worth time and effort in order to make a difference,” he says. “In April, we had our first event and raised over $31,000. It’s a great start that I couldn’t be more proud of.”

But that’s not Trautman’s only civic endeavor. He’s also active with The Network, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s organization for young professionals, where he serves as both a Leadership Council member and as chairman of membership.

“It’s a great joy to give back to the community by sharing my knowledge in business, leadership and networking with these up-and-coming young professionals,” Trautman says, adding he has seen the organization grow to more than 450 members, the group’s strongest membership increase to date.

“Attracting and retaining this top talent to the area is vital for the future growth and development of this wonderful city we call home.”

His work led Trautman to be named the Chamber’s 2014 Young Professional of the Year. While it might seem obvious, such roles help Trautman connect with other people and he notes the ability to inspire and develop people as one of his deepest passions. For Trautman, these experiences are unique but have a common denominator: a desire to give back.

“It is my hope that those who I’ve helped to influence in a meaningful way will pass on their experience, so the spirit of giving is a never-ending continuum in the Springfield community,” Trautman says.