Retirement of Robert Thomas
After a long career in banking that began in 1982, Robert Thomas recently retired as president of United Bank & Trust. An open house to celebrate his achievements will take place at the bank on July 23 from 2 to 5 p.m., with appetizers and cake provided for attendees. Lance Lansing, Thomas’s successor, has already been named.
Thomas, originally from the Iowa City/Coralville area, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on finance from the University of Iowa. He began his banking journey in the summer of ‘82, starting in the investment department at Security Bank in Marshalltown. His roles included treasury management, asset liability management, and various retail services. He also continued his education at the Colorado Graduate School of Banking, concentrating on banking investments and cash management.
In 1998, Security Bank was taken over by F&M Bank of Wisconsin, where Thomas became the regional sales and service manager for retail operations across multiple Iowa locations. In 2000, Citizens Bank of Michigan acquired their company, leading him to a new role as district manager, overseeing operations in Iowa, Wisconsin, and even parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Later, Great Western Bank acquired the institution, leading Thomas to focus more on commercial and agricultural lending as vice president of business banking. Then, in 2015, he joined United Bank & Trust as a Senior Loan Officer, drawn by the chance to return to community banking. He emphasizes that community banking is about building relationships and having a positive impact on the community.
In 2020, just before the pandemic began, Thomas was appointed president of United Bank & Trust. The global shutdown transformed banking practices, shifting much of the focus from in-person services to remote banking, as customers adapted to managing finances online or via smartphones.
When reflecting on his career, Thomas highlighted technology as the biggest change he witnessed. He noted that tasks that used to take days could now be completed in moments, significantly boosting efficiency. However, he also acknowledged that the rise in technology has led to more sophisticated fraud challenges.
“Fraud prevention and educating customers have become increasingly important,” he remarked, emphasizing that the personal connection with customers is crucial for resolving issues when fraud occurs.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of his career was educating customers on achieving their financial goals, whether it’s owning a home or managing a business.
Now in retirement, Thomas looks forward to spending time with family and pursuing interests like woodworking, fishing, and conservation projects. He will still serve on the bank’s board of directors.
Reflecting on his varied career, Thomas noted that each role provided new learning opportunities and prepared him for leadership. He appreciates that no two days in banking are ever the same. “It’s really a team effort to run a successful bank. It takes everyone working together and keeping the customer at the heart of everything,” he said.
