Q&A with Brad Kreikemeier, VP of Bank of Colorado

Don't be fooled by the suit and tie. Brad Kreikemeier earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Wyoming on a rodeo scholarship.

For 17 years, he has competed in steer wrestling, roping, saddle bronco riding and bull roping. He grew up in Nebraska, and loves to camp, ski and fish with his family. While pursuing a bachelor's degree in animal science, he realized he preferred business courses - - so he switched from pre-vet to a business option. Kreikemeier moved to Colorado Springs from Durango, where he was vice president of Bank of Colorado.

Kreikemeier took time recently to tell CSBJ about himself and his organization.

Organization: Bank of Colorado

Position: President

Hometown: West Point, Neb.

How long have you lived in Colorado Springs: Since December.

Education: Master's degree in agricultural economics from University of Wyoming.

A few words about your company: Bank of Colorado is a family owned company that believes in taking care of our community and still has the small-town banking philosophy. Our customers are more than just numbers to us, and I believe we do a good job of getting to know our customers on an individual basis. We also have the flexibility to tailor our products and services to fit our customers, rather than taking a cookie-cutter approach. We have been in Colorado since the 1970s and have more than 30 branches across the state. I have been with the company for six years.

Recent accomplishments: Being asked to manage the Bank of Colorado in Colorado Springs and harvesting my first wild turkey.

Biggest career break: Having the opportunity during 2001 with Bank of Colorado to show that my abilities and work ethic would be beneficial to the company.

The toughest part of your job: Finding enough time in the day to get everything done that I have planned and get home to see my young boys before they are in bed.

Someone you admire: A good friend of mine in Durango, Ed Zink. He is an excellent businessman, and he puts his family and community first. He has been very successful, yet he is very down to earth and is all about Colorado. Ed is an excellent listener and leader, and I think he volunteers for just about everything that comes along.

About your family: I have a wonderful wife, Kellie, who is a nurse. However, right now she is taking care of our three boys, Kade, Cole and Carson, ages 3 1/2 and younger.

Something else you'd like to accomplish: Raise my boys with the values my father raised me with.

How your business will change in the next decade: Technology is going to continue to change our industry with remote deposit capture, online bill pay and cash management services moving away from paper and the need to come into the bank. The consumers and businesses that are using the technology will need the brick and mortar less; however, we will need to take our services to their offices to keep their business. With that said, I also think the more complex banking needs will require more intensive customer service and personalized banking.

What book are you currently reading? "Newport in the Rockies" by Marshall Sprague and "Strategy" by Richard Koch.

What is the one thing you would change about Colorado Springs? Honestly, from what I see so far, I think Colorado Springs is a great place and good things are happening with business development that will make this an even more desirable place to live, work and raise a family. My family and I couldn't be happier to be here.

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