2020 40 Under 40: Tiffany (Martin) Nichols, 32

Tiffany (Martin) Nichols began working for State Bank of Southwest Missouri right out of college. She started out as a teller but continued working her way up the ladder and now she’s the youngest vice president at the bank.

As such, Nichols often is asked for a fresh perspective. She stays involved with the day-to-day operations while offering insight into management decisions.

At the bank, Nichols hopes to help the community grow by working with families that are in the process of buying their first houses, teenagers opening their first accounts, parents saving for their child’s education and businesses getting up and running.

Nichols also is on the young ambassador’s board of Lost & Found Grief Center and has been involved in charitable work through the committee of Muscular Dystrophy Association Festival of Hope.

What is your proudest moment? Through high school and some of college, I lacked the focus that was needed to feel proud of my accomplishments. When I walked for my master’s, it was the success of giving something my very best and feeling proud of the work that I put into it.

What did you learn the hard way? Everything, or seemingly most things. Is there really such a thing as an easy lesson?

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Wear the confidence that you will need to have in preparation for what you desire for your future self.