On the Balance Sheet™

In this episode, the guys are joined by JP Lapointe, the Chief Financial Officer for Needham Bank ($5 Billion institution located in the Boston metropolitan area) as well as DCG colleague, Jeff Reynolds.  The four dig into JP's career progression from Wolf and Company to Northeast Bank to his current role at Needham.  JP also expands on the nuances of working for a "specialty asset" business, why banking cannabis is not for the "faint of heart", Needham's recent IPO and the "perfect time to go public", and why their customers have direct access to the CEO's personal cell phone.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this special episode, Darling Consulting Group President & CEO Matt Pieniazek joins for a C-suite-focused “fireside chat” to share his insights and perspectives on managing earnings and balance sheet risks in this highly volatile and uncertain environment. Matt reflects on key realities, challenges, and opportunities, and also addresses some very relevant current strategies for managing an institution's risks in general – and lending and deposit customers in particular.  For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, the guys are joined by Nathan Stovall, the Director of Financial Institutions Research for S&P Global. Nathan shares his observations on deposit trends, how banks are the "thermometers" of local economies, his outlook for M&A activity, and why it is so important for banks to "not sit still" in an ever-changing banking landscape. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

DCG Managing Director Joe Kennerson returns to talk about the top 5 areas risk managers should be discussing as 2025 progresses.  Joe, Zach, and Vinny dig deep into deposit and lending trends, potential margin restoration, hedging, and bond portfolios making a comeback.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In the first episode of Season 4, Dr. Lacy Hunt, Chief Economist and Executive Vice President of the Hoisington Investment Management, rejoins the show for a timely and engaging discussion on what to expect from markets in 2025. Lacy delves into the reasons he would "take the under" on inflation, GDP, and unemployment versus Blue Chip economic consensus forecasts, why the US is "the strongest ship in the sea", how tariffs are not inflationary, and where he thinks interest rates will move this year. Disclaimer:  Dr. Hunt's views expressed on the show are for educational purposes and not solicitation or marketing for Hoisington Investment Management Company.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In the final episode of Season 3, Vin and Zach are joined by colleague Jeff Reynolds for a terrific discussion with Dale Oberkfell, former President & CFO of Midwest BankCentre in Missouri. Dale shares lessons from a 40-year career, ranging from his early days as a CPA to his time as Chairman of the FHLB of Des Moines and his experiences from 10 years as a CFO driving digital transformation at a multi-billion dollar bank. Dale discusses the importance of establishing a separate brand from the legacy bank, how to manipulate the digital funnel, and the importance of removing roadblocks from the customer experience.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this month's episode, Peter Boockvar, Chief Investment Officer of Bleakley Financial Group, visits with Vin, Zach, and DCG's Justin Bakst to discuss potential economic implications from the recent US Presidential election.  The four dive into the key policy areas Peter thinks will be most impactful over the next few years, expectations for our “two-lane highway” economic system, why the Fed should be taking the recent bond market activity seriously, and prospects for deregulation as it pertains to the banking industry. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, we are joined by Matt McCombs, President and CEO of Vibrant Credit Union in Moline, Illinois. Matt discusses his early days of cutting the front lawn of his father's credit union and spending 180 days a year on the road as a consultant before ultimately landing at Vibrant and leading that organization for the last 10 plus years. Matt also shares his experiences from 7 mergers in the span of 20 months, perspectives on the commoditization and fragmentation occurring in the financial services industry today, and what the “balance sheet of the future” looks like. Matt believes the only way to drastically change the business model of an institution is to “run towards the storm” and be the force of change in an industry “running out of runway”.  For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In episode 9, the guys are joined by DCG Quantitative Consultant, Chase Ogden.  Chase brings a wealth of experience to the discussion, and the trio investigate a panoply of subjects in the MRM space, including the importance of building out your data strategy to promote better decision making, thoughts from the CECL frontlines, and why there is always room for bankers to utilize quantitative results, with “humility.”For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In episode 8, the guys are joined by the one and only, DCG Managing Director Frank Farone.  The trio discuss five key themes all bankers should be thinking about if the Fed does begin cutting rates soon, hitting all aspects of the balance sheet, and more!For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In the 7th episode of the season, Vin and Zach are joined by the dynamic Jesse Schwamb of Members 1st FCU in Pennsylvania, which is one of the top 50 CUs by asset size in the United States.   The three embark on an energetic discussion regarding how Jesse and his team are Improving the ancient business of financial intermediation, diving into topics such as: his passion for utilizing data and technology to personalize the money experience, jumping from first to second level thinking, the ubiquity of fintech, and much more.  For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Chris Low, Chief Economist at FHN Financial, joins the guys for a live appearance from DCG's 40th Annual Balance Sheet Management Conference in Boston.  Throughout a sweeping economic discussion, Chris digs into the mindset of the Federal Reserve and what to expect from their upcoming meetings, inflation trends and why “time” could be the answer, confusion within the unemployment data, resilient GDP, and the outlook for lending in the banking industry.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In Season 3 Episode 5, the guys are joined by Aaron Jodka, Director of Research at Colliers, and DCG colleague Justin Bakst.  The foursome dig into a plethora of topics within the commercial real estate landscape, including: why "commercial lending" cannot be painted with a broad brush, differentiation between community and larger bank exposures,  investor outlook on “work from home” policies, contagion fears, and why loans written today could have some tremendous upside.  For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, the guys are joined by Howard Bluver, Director at both Studio Bank (TN) and Israel Discount Bank (NY). The depth and breadth of Howard's professional experience serves as the foundation for a wide ranging and engaging discussion. Specifically, Howard discusses his “entry” into banking after obtaining his law degree and going to work with the Securities and Exchange Commission. From there, Howard shares the critical lessons learned while working for the Office of Thrift Supervision during the Savings and Loan Crisis.  He also discusses the value of being mentored during his time at GreenPoint Bank and the lessons which ultimately helped him turn around Suffolk County National Bank years later. Lastly, Howard shares some of his thoughts on the current state on New York City's highly publicized multifamily real estate market and his outlook for institutions like New York Community Bank.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, the guys are joined by Jim Cone, who is currently a Director at both CapTex Bank and Victory Bank. Jim shares some of his insights from his early days in business development to purchasing a bank with just $10 million in assets. He also talks about the value of C&I relationships, finding the best businesses in a community, refusing to take “no” for an answer and ultimately “riding with them”. He also talks about not being afraid to “pick up $100 bills if they are laying around on the sidewalk”. Lastly, Jim shares what he deems as the most important metric when evaluating whether to invest in a bank. Please join for a terrific episode filled with memorable “one liners” and great advice.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Managing Director, Joe Kennerson joins  Zach and Vinny to dive into 5 key questions for bankers as we move our way through 2024.  The trio tackle lingering deposit cost pressures, potential cost relief if the Fed eases, prospects for margin recovery, the need to talk about bond strategy, and if falling rates will be everything the industry hopes it to be.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, the guys are joined by DCG colleague Keri Crooks for a discussion with Greg Dufour, the outgoing President and Chief Executive Officer of Camden National Bank. Greg talks about his 20 plus years with the bank and his stewardship of an institution which has grown from $2 billion (2009) to the largest publicly traded bank in Northern New England. Greg talks about the critical importance of hiring great people, the value of strong culture, and what his future might hold.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In episode 13, newly elected American Bankers Association (ABA) chair Julie Thurlow joins the show.Julie, Vin, Zach, and Frank Farone discuss what she hopes to accomplish with the ABA, key opportunities and threats for the industry, and how she saved Frank when they were in Nashville at the ABA Annual Conference.Julie also appeared on season 1 episode 7, where the four dove into her background and tenure leading Reading Cooperative Bank. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this month's episode, Zach and Vin are joined by Chris Nelson, Founder and President of Nelson Capital Advisors (and formerly of Bangor Savings Bank). Chris talks about his early days, which took him from the broadcasting booth to the Trust Department and ultimately into the CIO's chair. Along the way, Chris shares some of his most valuable lessons regarding the importance of managing liquidity, the efficacy of the ALCO exercise, the pitfalls of “tunnel vision,” and what he calls “rear view mirror management.”Chris also explains his current role as both advisor and educator for financial institutions. He reminds us that the bond market is not a “charitable organization” and that all investment decisions must be contemplated within the context of four critical questions. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Join Vin and Zach as they go “2 on 2” with CEO Chris Gosnell and CFO Drew Chandler of Farmers Bank and Trust (Arkansas / Texas). In this edition, the guys discuss banking in small markets, expansion into larger ones, the efficacy of hedging, and business opportunities associated with operating “in the same neighborhood” of our country's largest deposit of lithium. Lastly, the boys recount their recent trip to New England which included a giant bluefin tuna fish.  For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In episode 10, Matt McCullin, Chief Financial Officer at ANECA Federal Credit Union in Shreveport, LA joins the show. Matt, Vin, and Zach explore a wide range of topics, including Matt's time in the banking and public accounting industries prior to his arrival at ANECA, being an opportunistic banker, not sweating the small stuff, and the "unfathomable" Karl Malone.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this month's episode, Vin and Zach are joined by Jeanne Hulit, President and CEO of Maine Community Bank. The depth and breadth of Jeanne's resume provides the backdrop for a wide-ranging discussion that includes her: Journey from international business to the regional and community banking arenasTime as the acting administrator with the Small Business AdministrationCurrent stewardship of a “merger of equals”Role as a Director with the Federal Reserve Bank of BostonJeanne discusses the importance of saying “yes,” making effective decisions, and her passion for community banking as the ultimate economic development model.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In episode 8 of season 2, Vin, Zach, and DCG Managing Director Steve Boselli are joined by Rob McCormick, Chairman, President, & Chief Executive Officer of Trustco Bank in New York. The four explore a wide range of topics, including the basics of running a 120-year-old institution now worth over $6B in assets, the "Walmart approach," and why it is all about location, location, location.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Live from the 2023 DCG Annual Conference, join Vin and Zach as they cover the key issues being discussed on stage. They are joined on the ground by three conference attendees (George Kelly of Liberty Bay CU, MA; Jon Schmaderer of TriCounty Bank, NE; Karyn Hale of Union Bank, VT) who sit down for an open forum on the opportunities / threats to their businesses, the outlook for their balance sheets over the next year, and key conference takeaways.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Live from DCG's 39th Annual Balance Sheet Management Conference, Vin and Zach are joined by Chris Low, Chief Economist at FHN Financial.  Chris has a long and strong track record forecasting rates, and the three explore an array of topics, including:  Chris' latest rate forecast, the magic behind another hike (or two) from the Fed,  soft landing skepticism, and a Mini-Minsky Moment.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In episode 5, Planters Bank (KY) Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth McCoy joins the show. Elizabeth, Vin, and Zach delve into her journey growing Planters Bank over the past two decades, what she believes community banks do best, her fascinating time serving the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis where she is currently a board member, and her “I'm not in Kansas anymore" moment.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Geoffrey Hesslink, Chairman & CEO of the newly formed Bank of Burlington, is our featured guest on episode four of season two. Geoffrey joins Vin, Zach, and DCG Managing Director Joe Kennerson live in the studio to dig into de novo banking in these current turbulent times. The discussion starts with the story of what led Geoffrey and his fellow organizers to pursue launching a new community bank. The four also explore:The unique business model Geoffrey's team is building outThe need for speedAdvice for others exploring the de novo spaceWhy the inverted rate environment may counter-intuitively be a good thing.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Join Vin, Zach, and DCG Managing Director Frank Farone in a timely discussion with internationally-renowned economist Dr. Lacy Hunt, Chief Economist of Hoisington Investment Management Company.  The four discuss: How we have entered a Minsky MomentBond investors “looking the wrong way down a one-way street”The longer-term implications of the debt overhang on the term structure of interest ratesThe current yield curve as a “cause and a symptom” The outlook for bank lending, credit, and profitabilityFor more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this month's episode, Vin, Zach, and DCG Managing Director Mike Mitchell speak with Amey Sgrignoli, CEO of Belco Community Credit Union in Harrisburg, Pa – recently named one of the "Most Powerful Women in Credit Unions" by American Banker. Amey chronicles her professional journey, which started in the “trenches” and transitioned into a leadership role at a $900 million credit union. She discusses innovation in the credit union space, how she balances growth with intentionality around safety and soundness, and why Belco will only consider member service in combination with the employee experience when building strategy. Lastly, she shares her perspectives on the current operating environment and what excites her moving forward.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In the first episode of season 2, Vin and Zach sit down with DCG President and CEO Matt Pieniazek to discuss his predictions for the new year. The three delve into subjects including identifying the critical issues for banks and credit unions to get right in 2023, what leading ALCOs are focusing on to operate as profit centers, lessons on deposits and lending from DCG's predictive models, and why institutions must change their conversations or risk falling behind.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In episode #10, Vin and Zach dive into an engaging conversation with BJ Goetz, President & CEO of Middletown Valley Bank in Maryland. BJ discusses how a hyperfocus on customers drove the bank's evolution from a $140 million rural institution into a publicly traded $900 million “technology company that handles people's money” in just over a decade. He chronicles his journey from teller to Chief Executive Officer, his experiences delving into the capital markets, perspectives on value creation, and why mentoring associates is one of the things that excites him the most about moving into the bank's next decade of growth.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In a riveting episode #9, Leader Bank (MA) President Jay Tuli joins the show. Jay, along with Vin, Zach, and DCG Principal Mike Carney, explores Leader Bank's path since opening its doors 20 years ago. The group probes Leader Bank's culture of experimentation and continuous innovation, how to get the best talent and delight customers, and “modern banking with a human touch.”For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In episode #8, Kennebec Savings Bank (Augusta, ME) President & CEO Andrew Silsby joins Vin, Zach, and DCG Executive Director Keith Reagan.The group delves into an assortment of interesting topics, ranging from Andrew's deep background in banking and his thoughts on management trainee programs and developing future leaders, what it truly means to be a community bank, deposit growth and pricing, and Maine's mini Fenway Park.For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Reading Cooperative Bank President & CEO Julie Thurlow joins Vin, Zach, and DCG's own Managing Director Frank Farone. The four engage in a dynamic discussion that includes dives into Julie's experiences designing fintech and payment solutions for RCB's customers, her “aha” moment during the Super Bowl, how she's survived collaborating with Frank for three-plus decades(!), and much more.

Whether you work at a credit union or a bank, you will not want to miss this special episode of “On the Balance Sheet” with the National Credit Union Administration's Vice Chair Kyle Hauptman. Kyle joins Vin and Zach to talk about a wide variety of topics, including his experiences in the banking world and how they shaped his mission in the public sector, working in the Senate and on a Presidential campaign, common sense regulation, and even a nod to Blockbuster Video. 

In episode #5, Newburyport Bank CEO & President Lloyd Hamm joins Vin, Zach, and DCG Managing Director Darnell Canada for an in-depth conversation on the importance of branding and being a “full-service” bank for customers. The four dig into why messaging, imagery, and standardization are critical to developing a strong and long-lasting culture – as well as hedgehogs.

In episode #4, North American Banking Company CEO Mike Bilski and CFO Joe Polaczyk join Vin and Zach for a wide-ranging exploration of the essential role of emerging technologies in banking strategy and innovation. Their discussion focuses on NABC's ACH and Payments Processing businesses and white label P2P product ExcheQ, perspectives on vetting potential fintech partners, and the importance of banks making successful investments in future technologies today.

In episode #3, Aaron Dorn, Founder, Chairman, CEO & President of Studio Bank in Nashville, Tennessee joins the show.   Aaron, Vin, and Zach tackle an array of subjects in this exciting interview, ranging from the thrills and challenges of building a de novo bank, the importance of hiring great people, developing your institution's value proposition, and his outlook on the future of the banking industry.

In episode #2, Jonathan Baird, CFO of Peoples Bank in Magnolia Arkansas, joins Vin and Zach on a range of hot topics. They discuss core deposit generation solutions for community banks, the role of fintech in banking, continued disintermediation in financial  products / services, the role of blockchain, and Bitcoin as a “monetary system.” Please join us for a conversation that marries traditional banking topics with emerging technologies and their influence on community financial institutions. 

In this episode, Alan Shettlesworth joins the podcast to discuss his industry observations and outlook for lending and deposit gathering.