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2019 Trusted Advisers Banker: Scott Burton

Mid-Missouri Bank

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Scott Burton appreciates being recognized as a top banker, because it allows him to highlight what he considers critical in his profession.

“It brings the opportunity to represent and bring awareness to the importance of the trust relationship between customers and their bank,” says Burton, executive vice president at Mid-Missouri Bank in Bolivar.

He started with the bank in 2007. He attended Missouri State University for his bachelor’s degree, earned an MBA from William Woods University in Fulton and is an alumna of Louisiana State University’s Graduate School of Banking. Burton is a 2014 Leadership Bolivar graduate and a member of the 2015 class of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU.

He sees his knowledge base as a cross between strong underwriting skills and the ability to build solid relationships.

“My role is that of an educator, to be a resource to enhance the business potential of customers – essentially seeking win-win solutions by utilizing business acumen gained through years of education and experience,” Burton says. “I strive to put myself on the other side of the desk and treat my customers in the same way I would wish to be treated. This approach has earned the trust of many clients over time.”

Burton strives to help his clients gain a greater understanding of financial fundamentals and lending.

“This ultimately benefits the customer whereby they can better interpret information and utilize that information to make informed and sustainable business decisions,” he says.

Attending LSU’s Graduate School of Banking offered Burton the opportunity to create professional connections, which has helped him in his job.

“These relationships have presented new perspectives, which have, in turn, allowed me to gain more knowledge and become a better resource to my clients,” he says.

Burton believes that doing what needs to be done often means going beyond what’s expected: “for example, going through a monthly cash flow with a client to point out strengths or weaknesses … or by providing relevant and useful information to the client that they didn’t request,” he says. “If the customer would’ve paid for the information otherwise, it’s likely a good use of my time to tap into their time to share the data. Lending money to a client engages the head, but being a genuine resource to the client engages the heart. It is not hard to exceed expectations when the heart, too, is engaged.”

Missouri Sen. Eric Burlison says his longtime friend is an example of professional dedication. The men have known each other since they crossed paths as toddlers in the same church nursery several decades ago.

“Scott’s years of hard work in attaining his professional education and industry experience have reaped a plentiful harvest involving a rare skill set, one that includes notable business acumen, detailed analysis and strong interpersonal skills. This has cultivated trust and allows Scott to serve as a unique and genuine resource to his clients,” Burlison says.

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