Ozarks Profile: John Ford

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Tell us about Bank of America in the local market.|ret||ret||tab|

In the local market we have recently doubled our staff in the small business banking area due to the growth and opportunities in Springfield and surrounding communities. In Springfield, Bank of America currently has seven full service banking centers plus an additional 27 ATMs located in all Git-N-Go locations. |ret||ret||tab|

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What do you do?|ret||ret||tab|

I develop and manage a portfolio of small business clients, focusing on serving their business needs.|ret||ret||tab|

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How did you choose banking as a profession?|ret||ret||tab|

While I was in college I was looking for an industry that was fairly stable and had products that everyone would always need. I also studied economics and finance, which lead right into banking. It was the right choice for me. I really enjoy the client interaction and building those relationships.|ret||ret||tab|

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What are some challenges facing the banking industry?|ret||ret||tab|

Like most industries we are challenged by change and the rate of change. The product mix needed to meet the needs of our clients grows almost every day. Our business is based on all the core principals of a business centered on trust and integrity. The challenge of delivery of products and services through different channels and maintaining our core values is something we think about every day. Competition has always been strong and we expect it to continue to be fierce. |ret||ret||tab|

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What are some of the biggest changes you've seen in the industry?|ret||ret||tab|

Probably first and foremost has been technology. As our technology has changed our product mix and delivery systems have changed. Additional competition is coming from new sectors of the financial world just as we enter into new markets. Our business is still based on relationships so the skill and professionalism of our associates is ever-improving. Our associates have to work harder and work smarter to stay on the leading edge of our industry. |ret||ret||tab|

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What are some of your spare-time pursuits?|ret||ret||tab|

This year a lot of my spare time is being spent as president of the Springfield Sertoma Club. We just had our 22nd annual Chili Cook-off fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield. I also enjoy going to Table Rock Lake on the weekends with friends and fixing up my old house. |ret||ret||tab|

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