Young Professional finalist: Jamie Jones

No one could ever use the words “clock puncher” to describe Jamie Jones.

The 30-year-old credit analyst and portfolio manager for Gateway Bank puts in a lot of extra time.

Jones enjoys learning how other departments at work operate and how to do those jobs. She is her office’s wellness coordinator and in that position she helped Gateway bank achieve the American Heart Association’s “Start! Fit Friendly” gold status; organized morning walks on the Ringling Bridge; started group walks on a one-mile path behind the bank building; and convinced the vice president of cardiovascular services at Blake Medical Center to visit the office and talk about heart health.

“No, I’m not a clock-puncher,” she laughs.

Jones has been at Gateway Bank for more than three years. She joined that company after working for one of the largest banking chains in the country.

“Big and small banks both have their positives and negatives,” she said. “But in a small bank, you have the opportunity to learn your role and others’.”

When a loan officer was out for a while, Jones had top step into that person’s shoes and learn how to perform that job.

“At a small bank, your work is recognized,” she said. “You don’t fall through the cracks.”

Her customers seem to appreciate the small-bank feel, as well.

Gateway Bank provides a Wi-Fi café and fresh-baked cookies.

She said some people will come in just to talk and will stay for a half-hour or more.

“So many people I meet are sick of their large banks not knowing their name or where their kids go to school,” she said.
 

At a glance

Business address: 1100 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Start date: January 2008

Number of employees: 12 to 14 at start; 35 currently

Advice to other young professionals: “Find your passion and use it to get involved with local not-for-profits to give back to the community.”

Biggest challenge: “Banking is a man’s world. At my previous bank, I could remember only one other female. I look younger than I am, and at 22 years old, I started underwriting with commercial accounts. It was hard to get people to take me seriously. But I stuck to my guns and stayed professional.”

Best place for a power lunch: Tijuana Flats

What was first day like: “There was an orientation program, where I got to sit with five or six people in other departments and see how they work, and I got to sit with the CEO, which is rare.”

If you could have any job for a day, what would you do: “Work with a not-for-profit. I love children and love the elderly. I’d like to do something where you’re making a difference.”

Who is your business hero: “I don’t have one person. There are so many. Most people don’t even realize I think of them that way. I am pretty open-minded, so I take a lot of advice.”

What is one advantage of having your business in Sarasota: “That people appreciate the personalized service of a small bank like Gateway Bank.”

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].