40 Under 40: Benjie Ferguson, bank loan officer

Benjie Ferguson

AGE: 33

FAMILY: Wife, Shawn

EMPLOYER: The Bank of Missouri

POSITION: Commercial loan officer/SBA originator

COMMUNITY AND PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT: Cape West Rotary, Rotary Radio Auction Committee board of directors, member of Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Cape Girardeau graduate, Friends of Scouting-vice chairman, Southeast Missouri Hospital Association member, Cape Girardeau Board of Realtors-Affiliate member, member of Cape First Church.

HIS TYPICAL DAY:

A typical day usually begins with a bank meeting. As a commercial and SBA loan officer, the majority of my time is spent helping businesses and individuals with their financial needs. This is accomplished through numerous phone calls, e-mails, and visits with customers and co-workers. Many days I attend community service organization functions, meetings, and making calls on potential clients.

MOST SATISFYING PART OF HIS WORK:

It is so rewarding to assist businesses and individuals to accomplish their financial goals and dreams, whether it is through acquiring real estate or starting their own business. I truly enjoy building relationships with my clients. I feel this is what community banking is all about. It is also truly great to be a part of an organization that wants to give back to the communities that we serve.

HIS WORST HAIRCUT:

My wife would say the flat-top that I had in high school, but I thought it was rather cool. The shorter the haircut, the better!

FAVORITE SONG FROM THE '80s:

"Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi

MOST EMBARASSING WORK MOMENT:

While I was working a part-time job in college, a co-worker and I were asked to go to a worksite in Sikeston. We completed our task, but we left a piece of equipment behind, and after driving halfway back to Cape Girardeau, we realized our mistake and drove back to the job site. Unfortunately for us, the equipment was gone!