When Jim Murphy was in high school, he had a lawn mowing service and one of his clients worked at the local bank. The head teller asked him if he wanted to work as a teller and loan processor while he went to college and he has been in the banking industry ever since. Jim is now the Business Banking Regional Manager for Bank of the West, which is among the 25 largest banks in the country. He works with 11 business bankers in Omaha, Des Moines, Decorah, Minneapolis, Fargo, and Kansas City. Their team supports local business owners with a variety of business lending, deposit and cash management solutions.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife and I have four children that range in age from 11 to 6. They are active in soccer, basketball, football, cub scouts and girl scouts. When we are not attending the kid’s events, we enjoy relaxing with family at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – When my daughter was born and I became a father. I used to spend a lot of time at work and it helped me learn balance between work and home.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Boating and relaxing on the lake with my family.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I have an identical twin brother. He lives in Omaha and people are always confused when they mistake us for the other.
What are you the most proud of? – I have been able to stay and grow with the same company for over 15 years. Bank of the West prides itself on knowing our customers and developing deep, long-lasting relationships with them. By staying with this bank for more than 15 years, I really have been able to help many small businesses both manage their financial situation through difficult economic times and grow in good times.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Don’t pass up the opportunity to keep your mouth shut!! It’s helpful at work and home.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish? – I want to see my kids graduate from college. It was my mother’s goal for me and I want the same for my kids.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Time travel. I would definitely go back in time and fix a few of my past decisions.
What are your plans after retirement? – My wife and I would like to open a coffee shop on the lake.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Woodworking. My father is an excellent woodworker and I was fortunate to learn a lot from him.
Which talent would you most like to have? – My wife has the ability to remember every movie and actor or actress that was in it. She is excellent at Jeopardy. That is a talent I would love to have.
What is your favorite movie? – Caddyshack
What is your favorite TV show? – The League. I’m not a fantasy football fan, but a lot of the people I know are so I can relate to this show.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Maria’s Mexican Restaurant in Ralston.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Ronald Reagan.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Office phone is (402) 918-5439 or via e-mail: jim.murphy@bankofthewest.com