HOW DID YOU START YOUR BANKING CAREER?
"My career in banking wasn’t planned. I started my career in direct insurance sales and realized it wasn’t the right fit. I called the Franklin College placement director and asked for assistance in finding another job. He discovered Union Federal Savings Bank was hiring. I didn't hesitate to send in my resume. After a great set of interviews, I started with them in October 1985."
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO COLLABORATE WITH LOCAL JOHNSON COUNTY BUSINESSES?
"During my time at Mutual Savings Bank, I've seen the great changes in Franklin and Johnson County. We work with local business leaders to coordinate loans or deposits that have helped stimulate those beneficial changes in our county. Our mission is to make dreams come true, surpass expectations and be the first choice for banking and financial needs. When small businesses succeed in Franklin, it becomes a great and safe place to live."
WHAT DRIVES YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN LEADERSHIP JOHNSON COUNTY?
"The organization helps people become the best version of themselves. Not only have I been involved in Leadership Johnson County, but eight current Mutual Savings Bank employees and three board members have gone through the program. The program helps you learn how to collaborate and participate in leadership and the community. Helping people become the best version of themselves allows them to succeed, stay in Johnson County and help grow the area."
WHAT QUALITIES MAKE YOU GOOD AT BEING A BANKING LEADER?
"Lead by example. I encourage my team members to participate in discussions and decisions. I also give credit where credit is due. By giving the team the ability to perform their roles, they thrive."
WHAT ARE A FEW LESSONS YOU'VE LEARNED ALONG THE WAY IN YOUR CAREER?
- One of those lessons I learned from the Columbus North High School cross country coach, who said 'hard work beats talent, given time.' That’s true in sports and banking.
- The second lesson is to be an every day person. Show up daily and make a difference in customers' lives. That requires preparation, sharpness and a willingness to help customers.
- My third lesson is to be positive. I start every day by saying 'Today is a great day to…' This mentality helps foster a positive attitude in the business world.
- Learn from mistakes. Everyone will make them, but learning from them makes people better. And be willing to laugh at yourself while you learn from mistakes.
- Invest in your network. You never know when you will need your people. And thank people for helping you.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES?
"My wife and I raised a close family, so family time with my four kids and two grandkids is my favorite hobby. As a former high school and college athlete, I enjoy playing golf and boating on Lake Monroe."
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE PLACES TO VISIT IN INDIANA?
"Madison, Indiana, is a beautiful river town with great walkability, and Lake Monroe is a great place for boating."
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE CLIENTS ABOUT FINANCIAL PLANNING IN 2026?
"I encourage employees to never leave any money on the table. Take all the matching opportunities in your employer’s programs as you can. It’s free money. Start this as soon as you can.
Next, build a three- to six-month rainy-day fund for your expenses. The best way to do this is to set aside small amounts of money early in your career.
Once you've taken advantage of the matching programs and have a rainy-day expense fund, you can start using discretionary funds for investment. We're living in a time when generational wealth is being transferred from older to younger generations. Invest those funds in multiple investments.
Find a community banker. You never know when you might need help from a banker for home equity loans or money market accounts."
Dave Coffey Has 41 years In Banking
He started his career at Union Federal Savings Bank, based in Indianapolis. He says he had great mentors in banking who taught him that focusing on customer service and helping people was the most important part of the job. "I still get excited to go to work each day and find unique ways to help clients."
Dave and his family relocated to Columbus for four years to gain more experience in a branch management role at Home Federal Savings Bank.
After four years in Columbus, he accepted a role with Mutual Savings Bank in Franklin and has been in Johnson County ever since.