Commercial Banking Representative at Jefferson Bank of Missouri
TJ Ralston seems to be genetically engineered for numbers, a skill that comes in handy as a commercial banking representative at the Jefferson Bank of Missouri. He has relatives in banking and business, and those early and ongoing role models set the stage for his current career path. Additionally, his degree in business administration from Lincoln University, where he attended on a golf scholarship, also helped solidify this choice.
“Conversations with my uncle, who is CEO of a bank in a different state, helped to pique my interest to eventually pursue a career in banking,” Ralston says.
His grandfather Leonard Ralston, who ran his own business and had a passion for helping others in the community, was Ralston’s greatest influence.
“Not only was my grandfather a role model as a business owner, he was also an active volunteer in the community,” Ralston says. “His example led me into coaching and working with kids with the hope that they would develop into better athletes and also become more driven individuals as a result of lessons learned while playing athletics.”
Ralston’s favorite part about working at the bank, which he says truly feels like home, is the daily interaction he has with customers and being able to help them meet their banking needs.
“With the rapidly changing world of technology, TJ keeps up with the current trends and passes along his expertise to our customers,” says Ken Theroff, Ralston’s nominator and president of Jefferson Bank. “We are fortunate to have his enthusiasm on our team.”
Family: Wife, Lacy; sons, Brenden and Brock; baby due in April 2015
Charity of choice: Capital Projects provides a place of employment for young adults with disabilities for as long as they are able to work. Once an adult with disabilities exits the school system, after receiving a graduation certificate, he or she can be an important part of society in the workforce thanks to sheltered workshops such as Capital Projects. “My 27-year-old brother-in-law has Downs syndrome and has worked for Capital Projects for several years,” Ralston says. “He has given me the opportunity to witness firsthand what this provides for young adults with special needs.”
Community involvement: Ralston coaches the boys junior varsity basketball team at Helias High School and is an assistant coach for the varsity team. He has also coached Knights basketball (ages fifth through eighth grades) and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and a Flamin’ Fellas participant for a Special Olympics fundraiser. Theroff says Ralston is a great role model for kids in the community. “His passion is infectious with regards to coaching,” he says. “Role models like TJ are hugely important in our community, and we know that the Helias basketball boys are blessed to have him.”
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