WBD invites you to connect with a highly respected, experienced and trusted business banker, Larry Schwenn. Larry is the SVP of Commercial Lending at DMB Community Bank, based in the Madison area. He has been a proponent of the SBA 504 loan program for many years and we're proud to say he's a WBD Elite Lender, who has partnered with us on many 504 projects.
Larry is a former loan officer with WBD, so he's quite familiar with the 504 program and works seamlessly with us on various projects. He is a member of the WBD Loan Committee, reviewing and voting on submitted loan requests. Aside from the financial world, Larry is a former President of the Marshall Volunteer Fire Department (administrative side of operations), and has been involved in many youth clubs and service organizations through the years.
WBD is grateful for Larry taking some time to pass along his sage advice - we should all take it to heart!
WBD: In and out of the banking world, what's something you've learned along the way that has helped you in everyday life?
Larry: "The underlying tone has got to be teamwork. I know this can sound canned, or trite, but through experience, from all different sources, you really do learn that more can be accomplished with a team than individually."
WBD: What experiences have helped you to expand your skills and build relationships?
Larry: "I can point to one thing, management of personalities. Whether it be children, working adults, volunteers - there are all types of pesonalities - helps to keep an open mind, and don't jump to conclusions. On that same note, you never know, who knows whom - that has helped me expand my network, via connections, more than any single act, or practice."
WBD: What's the single best piece of advice you've been given?
Larry: "Don't make a decision, until you have to make a decision."
WBD: What advice do you have for up and comers in your field?
Larry: "There's no substitution for a positive attitude. As in any sales position, there are a lot of adversities, "no's", rejections. Do not take them personally."
WBD: If you could visit one country you haven’t been to, where would it be and why?
Larry: "Italy, for the history, sights, and cuisine."
Thanks Larry! If you would like to connect with Larry, please reach out via email at lschwenn@deforestbank.com or through LinkedIn.
