John Sanchez has spent the past 26 years powering Austin business growth throughout his banking career. Now Senior Vice President, Business Banking Manager at The Bank of Austin, John shares what energizes him about his new role, what it means to him to work at a local bank serving his community, and what he admires most about Austin entrepreneurs.
What is your experience and career background?
I have held various roles in banking for the past 26 years. From Senior Business Banker to Regional Bank Executive to District Manager, and now as SVP, Business Banking Manager, I am excited to apply my experience to help both small and large businesses succeed.
What gives you energy about your role?
The energy comes from two sources: watching local businesses grow organically over time, and taking a step back and looking around Austin and seeing all of the opportunities we have to help businesses and our community.
What does it mean to you to work at a local bank like The Bank of Austin?
It means the world to me. To be able to grow and help our community with a team that I’ve highly respected over the years is extremely exciting. Having the ability to do all of this with a local bank makes it that much more meaningful.
What is distinct about Austin-area entrepreneurs?
How do you help Austin entrepreneurs make Austin better?
Connecting entrepreneurs through COIs (circles of influence) to help their business grow or to give back to our community.
How do you build and earn trust with your clients?
The most important thing is to do what you say you’re going to do. Trust is earned, not given.
What are your activities and hobbies outside of work?
I love to fish. Any opportunity I have, my family and I enjoy coastal bay fishing. I also coach a Select baseball team that keeps me busy. The remaining time, we are out in the community volunteering at our local church and food pantries.
Which community organizations are you involved with?
I sit on the board and Finance Committee for the Central Texas Food Bank. I’m on the board for the Austin Town & Country Optimist Club, and I am Treasurer for the Pearson Ranch Middle School.
What inspires you about working in Austin?
Watching the city continuously grow truly inspires me. It not only excites me for current growth, but the growth for our next generation.
Which of The Bank of Austin's values resonates most with you in your work, and why?
That’s a tough one, because I feel we use them all with each client to create the best customer experience possible. If I had to prioritize, I would choose integrity. Integrity should be at the center of who we are, and what and how we do things for our clients and prospects.