Five Questions: John Lambert

Q: How did you get interested in the banking industry?

A: As a young entrepreneur, you’re always looking to be more diverse. The first thing people think about when they invest is the stock market. Right now, I own a pretty decent-size company, but I wanted to be more diverse. You look at the banking arena, and banks have done very well. … So I wanted to diversify into a smaller bank.

Q: What drew you specifically to OakStar?

A: I got involved when I met (OakStar CEO and President) Jim Bracht. The secret to success is one-on-one relationships. You look at the big banks, and the reason they’re having problems – and this is just my opinion – is because they’re lacking in those one-on-one relationships. I believe a bank is the relationship between itself and its clients. I saw something unique with OakStar – they said they understood that.

Q: What is your job as a board member?

A: My duties are to work with the other board members to set goals and policies for the bank. We review the financial statements, to ensure that the bank is solid. It’s a big responsibility – we have to answer to the stockholders – and I take it seriously. I’m the eyes and ears of the bank in the community. I need to know what’s going on in the community, what the needs are, and help the bank fulfill those needs.

Q: What other business and organizations are you involved in?

A: Missouri Insulation is my biggest one. We have four locations in Missouri: Columbia, Camdenton, Lebanon and Ozark. I’m also on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and I’m active with that. I’m involved in a local retail business, and in real estate – residential and commercial. I try to be very involved in the community. Even if I’m not on the board of a charity, my wife and I are involved. I’m involved with Drury – that’s where I got my (master’s degree) – but we’re also involved with MSU and others. And, I’m involved with my church as well.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: I’ve got three children – they take up a lot of my time, and I’m really proud of that. We thoroughly enjoy the lake – we have a lake house and we like to go down there and boat. We do family vacations – this year I know we’re going to Lake Tahoe. Personally, I’m into aviation – I’m a pilot, and I’m striving to be better at that. But, truly, family is my priority.