At Guthrie County State Bank, our team is the heart of everything we do. From building relationships with customers to investing in our community, they go above and beyond every day. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Mark Cates, Vice President and Branch Manager of our Panora location. Mark’s vibrant personality and dedication to his role make him an integral part of the GCSB family, so we asked him a few questions to help folks get to know him a little better.
Meet Mark Cates
Branch Location: Panora
Position: Vice President and Panora Branch Manager
Year Started with GCSB: 2015
Q: What is your favorite thing about working at GCSB?
A: Being community-oriented. Employees and customers are not just a number. I love helping people and then seeing them at local sporting events later that night.
Q: Can you share a brief overview of your career path leading to your current role?
A: I started as a teller at Wells Fargo, moved into consumer loans, and worked as a business specialist and brokerage associate. After returning to Iowa, I joined GCSB in 2015.
Q: What’s a fun fact about yourself that customers might not know?
A: I was voted Most Improved Offensive Player for the Simpson College Football Team by my peers for two consecutive years.
Q: If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who would it be and why?
A: Michael Jordan. He is the GOAT (greatest of all time).
Q: Where’s your favorite place to go in Guthrie County?
A: Lake Panorama.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: Coaching and watching my three kids play sports, spending time at the lake, and working on home improvement projects.
Now that you’ve been introduced, don’t hesitate to say hello to your friendly GCSB Vice President next time you stop in to the Panora branch!