City Magazine’s Ones to Watch recognizes up-and-coming leaders who enhance local business and the community as a whole through their work and volunteerism. This year, ten people were chosen by a panel of past winners after being nominated by their peers and employers. Congratulations to these outstanding leaders.
Sam Rathmann
Jefferson Bank, assistant vice president | Jefferson Bank InvestorServices, financial advisor
What is the single biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?
Lou Holtz, at last year’s Vitae Foundation banquet, said, “Do what’s right, do your best, and show folks you care.” I have the quote saved on my computer at my desk. Follow through on that in everything you do, both in business and your personal life, not just because of the success you’ll have, but also because it’s the right thing to do.
Why is it important to you to be involved in the community?
Being involved in a community is all encompassing. You’re a part of something bigger than just your career or job. When you are involved in a community, you are strengthening your neighborhoods, schools, and relationships among community members, the people who will be moving here, and even those who will be visiting.
Tell us about your family.
I am from a large, extended farm family from Honey Creek. I am the youngest of four. We are down-to-earth, hardworking country folks. My beautiful wife and the girl of my dreams, Mary Kate, grew up in Kansas City, where we met. We got married and settled down back here in Jefferson City.
If you weren’t in your profession, what profession would you get into?
I would be a civil or electrical engineer. I have always enjoyed learning how things are developed, how they’re built, and the inner workings of everything. Also, of course, I’d be a full-time farmer, since we have always been farm boys.
Charity of choice and why?
The Pregnancy Help Center. I love that place because it’s where folks can go when they are struggling, and the folks at PHC truly make a difference in the lives of families and their babies.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I love a good cigar. I also love to hunt, fish, be outdoors, play basketball, and do anything competitive.
Community Involvement:
- West Side Business Association
- Board of education chairman, Faith Lutheran Church
- Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce
- JC Chamber Young Professionals
- Jefferson City Rotaract
- Team host, Great 8 Holiday Classic Planning Committee
- Vitae Foundation
- Pregnancy Help Center
- United Way Food for Kids
- Capitol Projects
- Capital City Cook Off for Special Learning Center