People You Should Know: Bob Hull

Bob Hull, Small Business Banking Specialist, Commerce Bank

Age: 34

Job description: I’m responsible for helping small businesses with their cash management, lending and investment needs. I help individuals start new businesses and help existing businesses grow and become more successful. Commerce Bank is a Small Business Association-preferred lender, and I help facilitate this aspect of our business, as well making conventional business loans. I’m also responsible for helping our retail Branches with their small-business customers. Commerce Bank puts a large emphasis on small business. All of our branches are staffed with Individuals who are small-business experts.

Years lived In columbia: 16

Original hometown: I was born in Chicago and lived in several Places as a child. I spent the latter part of my childhood and high School years in St. Louis.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s Degree in business administration, both from the University of Missouri.

Community involvement: Columbia Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Missouri Business Week, Future Business Leaders of America, MU PLAN Program.

Professional background: I worked in banking in Jefferson City after completing my MBA. In this position I worked with public entities and trade associations. I also Worked in a corporate-relations role for the Trulaske College Of Business at MU. I enjoyed helping the College of Business Work toward its goal of becoming a nationally recognized Business school but ultimately was more interested in banking. I’ve been with Commerce since leaving the university.

A Columbia businessperson I admire: I admire the numerous Small-business owners who spend countless hours managing their businesses while still making time to spend with their families and help the Community. I don’t believe that many people really understand what it takes to own and operate a small business.

Why I’M passionate about MY job: Small businesses are the foundation of our Economy. People have often dreamed of having their own businesses for years before actually taking the plunge. It is very fulfilling to be able to help these individuals realize what is often a lifetime dream.

If I weren’t doing this for a living: I would probably try my hand at starting my own business. I’m not exactly sure what I would do, but it would be interesting o step into the role of my clients.

Biggest career obstacle I’ve overcome: Learning how to allow co-workers to help on a project. I’m fairly particular about how I do things and had to learn to give up some control of a project. Fortunately, I‘ve always worked for team-oriented organizations that made it easy to approach work from a team, rather than individual, perspective.

What people should know about this profession: While the basics of banking (checking accounts, loans, etc.) don’t fundamentally change, technology has a huge impact on the products and services we offer. In addition, we have to learn to work with a large variety of people who operate very different businesses. Small-business owners look to us to be the expert on issues related to their banking. I find myself being a consultant rather than just a banker.

What I do for fun: My free time is spent on fairly unexciting events. I enjoy spending time with friends and relaxing around the house. I also like to get out and enjoy a lot of the great events we have in our community.

Family: I’ve been married to my wife, Angie, for 11 years. We have a 6-year-old Collie we adopted from the Central Missouri Humane Society.

Favorite place in Columbia: Downtown Columbia. I love how representative the people in downtown are of our community. you see local businesspeople, University faculty, students, public officials, artists, etc. It really reminds you what a great, diverse community we live in.

Accomplishment I’m most proud of: I very satisfied with what I’ve achieved at this point in my career. I’m hoping that my biggest accomplishment is still to come.

Most people don’t know that: I taught personal finance for two years at MU while working on my MBA.