Welcome to Season 3 of Spotlight Podcast ! Meet hosts Courtney Butler & Caitlyn Sheets as they introduce Rob Blume, President & CEO of Community First Bank. In this episode they share how a group of 16 bankers set out in 2002 to build a locally-owned institution where the customer mattered more than the bottom line — growing from a small mortgage company into a nearly billion-dollar bank without losing its community-first mission. The conversation dives into how CFB goes beyond traditional banking by donating nearly $250,000 annually, distributing millions in Federal Home Loan Bank grants, and actively advising small business owners the way a trusted partner would — not just a lender. Rob also opens up about servant leadership, hiring people smarter than yourself, and why the bank's greatest asset has never been its rates or locations, but always its people.
00:00 — Introduction & Opening Quotes
00:56 — About the Podcast & Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance
01:31 — Meet the Guest: Rob Blume, Community First Bank
02:15 — How CFB Gives Back to the Community
03:15 — Federal Home Loan Bank Grants & Recent Recipients
04:10 — The Founding Story: Why CFB Was Created
05:22 — Who's Still Around from the Original 16
06:08 — Leadership Style & Employee Retention
07:16 — How Employees Give Back & Community Involvement
08:27 — Lessons from Starting the Bank as a Small Business
09:57 — Why Entrepreneurs Need a Support System
10:51 — Knowing When to Let Go & Hire Help
12:46 — The Fear of Expanding Your Business
13:59 — Long-Term Thinking & The Infinite Game
14:44 — Employee Development & CFB University
16:27 — Community Bank vs. Big Bank: What's the Difference?
17:36 — What Bankers Are Really Looking For
18:06 — What Happens When the Bank Says No
20:15 — Proudest Moments & Business Success Stories
21:06 — PPP Loans During COVID & Stepping Up for the Community
23:54 — Growth & Excitement Happening in Kokomo Right Now
25:11 — The Hobson Building Investment & Downtown Commitment
27:55 — What Downtown Kokomo Looks Like in 10 Years
28:48 — Why CFB Sponsors the Spotlight Podcast
30:27 — Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
32:20 — Don't Be the Smartest Person in the Room
33:49 — Servant Leadership in Action
35:31 — Closing Remarks & Thank You
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the guests and do not reflect our official policy. Content is based on guest opinions and is not intended to offend or harm any group or individual. Always seek professional advice for legal, financial, or business matters.
