It has taken 37 years for John Kobee to reach the top at the Antwerp Exchange Bank! John was recently named the President and CEO of the Bank and the three locations (Antwerp, Harlan, and Payne) after Ron Eschbach retired in December.
John started at the bank as Assistant Cashier on September 21, 1983 right out of Defiance College. Along the way he earned the titles of Cashier, Vice President, Senior Vice President, CFO, CEO, and President.
John has three children, Jodie, John I, and Beau. John lost his dear wife, Holly, last year in 2020 on her 50th birthday. John said there would be no way for him to have gotten to where he was if it was not for the love and encouragement of Holly.
Dan Shutt was the president when John began his banking career. it was because of Dan and Ron that really helped John become well rounded in the banking and loan industry. Ron was not only President but was also the senior lending officer. All of this has helped shape John in banking. John started back with consumer loans and student loans. The experience has given him the ability to see the bigger picture.
John was also instrumental in getting the Harlan branch up and running with strategic planning and execution with Ron and the board. This is only the third location since the bank opened in 1898.
The latest challenge has been one that many business are currently facing and that is the COVID pandemic. The opportunity has allowed the bank to expand their technology and many more employees can now work from home as a result. Another benefit has been that the bank has helped the small businesses in the community with PPP loans, which are available again until the end of March. Even during the hardest time of COVID the bank was able to stay open, with restrictions, but still able to serve customers. John said they are looking at reopening the lobbies again in all the branches in the near future.
John also wants to let people know their money and investments are safe at the Antwerp Exchange Bank and they are always ready and willing to help in the digital age. There are more scams than ever and many of the fraudsters have made their emails and mailings look nearly indistinguishable from real corporate and government contacts. If you question whether something is real, or are receiving a 1099, or a W2 for money that you did not receive, contact the bank or the local law enforcement, whom the bank works with regularly. The bank really is here to keep you, your ID, and your money protected. They can tell you if something is real or not, or if someone received money from the government using your ID. This has become a serious problem and the bank is ready be your partner in stopping crime.
The future of the bank looks bright as the board of directors with John are leading to keep the funds strong with a conservative outlook. The Harlan branch was opened two years ago and will be the “new” branch for quite some time as they work to solidify their place in the community. The Antwerp Exchange Bank has been around for over 120 years and has weathered many financial storms. They will continue to make sure you are prepared for the next storm that may come.
At this time there are 31 full time, and four part time employees across three locations to make sure their customers are taken care of. Giving is instilled at all levels. John said he was very proud of the employees that are at the bank. Each week they have “Casual Friday” and the employees donate to a cause, and every month they give the money to a local non-profit such as schools, EMS, First responders, etc.
With John’s experience and vision, the bank is certainly in good hands for the future!
