Post-Prosper 2018 Vibes

Despite the nonstop buzz around Chicago, my third Baker Hill Prosper is now under my belt. So many things have changed. The industry, technology, regulations, compliance, growth strategies, consolidation, and finally, rising interest rates. Yet some things haven’t changed at all.

Steve Williams' keynote speech outlined many of these topics in humorous detail. Steve started Prosper out on a light note, giving us all some good “belly laughs” as he walked through the typical bank personas. I mean he nailed them! The lender who is always a day late and a dollar short, “I just spoke with the client, I’ll have you those Tax Returns tomorrow, I promise. Can we close the deal?” The credit guy who still thinks the “credit boogie man” is looming under his desk, whispering in his ear, “remember when you approved that bowling alley deal that charged off twelve years ago?” Then out of the blue Steve called us all “troublemakers.” What?!? Our clients looked around, partially shell shocked wondering where on earth this consultant could possibly get the nerve to call us all “troublemakers.”

Steve cited a dated white paper which predicted community sized financial institutions would be extinct by now. Gone. We’re troublemakers because we beat the odds, continue to serve clients and members, and build longstanding, profitable, relationships. Who else got fired up after Steve’s speech? – What we witnessed at Prosper this year is exactly why we are troublemakers. Clients, peers, competitors sharing knowledge with one another – literally rolling up their sleeves with their peers and strategic partners to ensure that their respective institutions are prepared for whatever the next 10 years hold. Thank you to all of our wonderful clients across the country that joined and contributed to a fun-filled, yet highly productive 2018 Baker Hill Prosper. We look forward to seeing everyone next year in Nash-Vegas, TN in 2019!

Prosper 2019 will take place in Nashville, TN from April 28 - 30. Be sure to follow Baker Hill on social media for Prosper updates and registration news!

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