BRADY BRUNSON
Commercial Lender, Citizens First Bank
Age: 26 City of Residence: Clinton, IA Highest Level of Education: Bachelor’ s in Economics, Bachelor’ s in Accounting
Family: Parents – Dave and Tina Brunson
Favorite place in Clinton: I really enjoy the Dike; I think it’ s beautiful and makes Clinton unique. You can find me up there most days in the summer, working out or running.
Best career advice you received: The best career advice I ever received is encapsulated in the quote, " A vision without action is merely a dream." This has been a guiding principle throughout my life. When I set my mind to something, I commit to seeing it through. By putting in the work, applying pressure, and taking decisive action, you can achieve your goals. It ' s about turning dreams into reality through dedication and effort.
Best career advice you have to give: Ignorance does not equate to incompetence. Embrace the opportunity to learn new things, even if you ' re afraid of making mistakes. Remember, growth comes from stepping out of your comfort zone and daring to try. Every challenge is a chance to improve and become better.
What is something people might be surprised to know about you: I ' m an avid book and podcast listener! Last year, I went through 27 books and spent over 31,000 minutes( 21 days) listening to podcasts on Spotify alone. My favorite types of books are self-help books by authors like Dr. Jordan Peterson, Robert Greene, and Alex Hormozi. My favorite podcasts cover topics such as economics, stocks, artificial intelligence, and, when I need to sleep, quantum physics. My favorite podcast hosts at the moment are Chris Williamson, Lex Fridman, and Neil deGrasse Tyson.
DYLAN BURN
Commercial Lending Officer, Citizens First Bank
Age: 32 City of Residence: Camanche, IA Highest Level of Education: Associates Degree at Clinton Community College
Family: I have been married to my wife, Cora, for five years. We have a 3-year-old son named Jack and a 5-year-old golden retriever named Ollie. Our days are filled with playing whatever sport Jack is feeling on that day. It’ s normally basketball, but he keeps us on our toes.
Favorite place in Clinton: The riverfront. It is just so unique with many entertainment options. It has the flexibility to host an event like Tailgate N ' Tallboys, which I’ ve enjoyed going to the last two years. Obviously, you have the Lumberkings Stadium right there. That was my first job growing up working in the concession stand, so I have spent a lot of time down there. The bandshell makes events like Finally Friday’ s possible, which my wife and I enjoy going to. The new pickleball courts are so neat with sand volleyball right next to them, along with the community pool. There are just so many options along the riverfront, which makes Clinton unique.
Best career advice you received: I’ ve always loved the quote“ get comfortable being uncomfortable”. Stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying new things is one of the biggest ways that you grow as a person and as a professional. I was in management before switching career paths and going into banking and it was a move that was out of my comfort zone, but I will forever be glad that I took that leap. I try to apply this in my life as much as possible. Whether that is at work, in my personal life, or volunteering my time somewhere. So, if you’ re on the fence about something, just try it, you never know what it may turn into.
How you define leadership: There are so many ways to define leadership. Everyone has their own idea of what it looks like through their own lens. For me, the coolest part about leadership is that anyone can be an effective leader. Your title or status really don’ t matter. It’ s about how you treat the people around you, taking ownership and holding yourself accountable. Those types of things resonate with others and in the end make a team stronger. Leaders put others’ needs before theirs and don’ t blink when they encounter adversity.
Professional goals: As I was growing up and throughout the early part of my professional life, I’ ve always had a passion for helping people. I especially enjoy my position at Citizens First Bank because I get to help the community I grew up in grow. Whether that be through a small business loan and helping someone start or expand their business or just helping someone purchase a new car, it’ s something I take a lot of pride in. In terms of goals, I’ m not sure they’ re real specific. I just want to continue to help my community and the people that live in it thrive.
2025 | RISING STARS 5