In this episode, Hal Horvat, President & CEO of Centreville Bank ($3 billion mutual savings bank in Rhode Island), joins Vin, Zach and DCG colleague Justin Bakst. The foursome delve into why Hal never intended on having a career in banking, relationship focused loan and deposit growth, making a nearly 200 year old bank your "employer of choice", and how they successfully partnered with the Rhode Island Football Club, a professional soccer team. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at Darli...
Jul 24, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Chris Low, Chief Economist at FHN Financial, rejoins the guys for a live appearance from DCG’s 41st Annual Balance Sheet & Model Risk Management Conference in Boston. In this comprehensive conversation, Chris expounds on the impact of tariffs and the nation’s debt on long-term interest rates, the Sahm Rule and unemployment expectations, housing market trends along with bank lending and credit implications, and answers the question of whether we have seen Jerome Powell’s last rate cut. For mo...
Jun 16, 2025•42 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this episode, the guys are joined by JP Lapointe, Chief Financial Officer of Needham Bank ($5B institution in the Boston metropolitan area), and DCG colleague Jeff Reynolds. The four dig into JP’s career progression from Wolf and Company to Northeast Bank to his current role at Needham. JP also expands on the nuances of working for a "specialty asset" business, why banking cannabis is not for the "faint of heart," Needham’s recent IPO and the "perfect time to go public," and why their custome...
May 20, 2025•35 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this special episode, Darling Consulting Group President & CEO Matt Pieniazek joins for a C-suite-focused “fireside chat” to share his insights and perspectives on managing earnings and balance sheet risks in this highly volatile and uncertain environment. Matt reflects on key realities, challenges, and opportunities, and also addresses some very relevant current strategies for managing an institution’s risks in general – and lending and deposit customers in particular. For more insights ...
Apr 23, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 4
In this episode, the guys are joined by Nathan Stovall, the Director of Financial Institutions Research for S&P Global. Nathan shares his observations on deposit trends, how banks are the "thermometers" of local economies, his outlook for M&A activity, and why it is so important for banks to "not sit still" in an ever-changing banking landscape. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn ....
Mar 28, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 3
DCG Managing Director Joe Kennerson returns to talk about the top 5 areas risk managers should be discussing as 2025 progresses. Joe, Zach, and Vinny dig deep into deposit and lending trends, potential margin restoration, hedging, and bond portfolios making a comeback. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn .
Feb 20, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 2
In the first episode of Season 4, Dr. Lacy Hunt, Chief Economist and Executive Vice President of Hoisington Investment Management Company, rejoins the show for a timely and engaging discussion on what to expect from markets in 2025. Lacy delves into the reasons he would "take the under" on inflation, GDP, and unemployment vs Blue Chip economic consensus forecasts, why the US is "the strongest ship in the sea," how tariffs are not inflationary, and where he thinks interest rates will move this ye...
Jan 23, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In the final episode of Season 3, Vin and Zach are joined by colleague Jeff Reynolds for a terrific discussion with Dale Oberkfell, former President & CFO of Midwest BankCentre in Missouri. Dale shares lessons from a 40-year career, ranging from his early days as a CPA to his time as Chairman of the FHLB of Des Moines and his experiences from 10 years as a CFO driving digital transformation at a multi-billion dollar bank. Dale discusses the importance of establishing a separate brand from th...
Dec 09, 2024•44 min•Season 3Ep. 12
In this month’s episode, Peter Boockvar, Chief Investment Officer of Bleakley Financial Group, visits with Vin, Zach, and DCG’s Justin Bakst to discuss potential economic implications from the recent US Presidential election. The four dive into the key policy areas Peter thinks will be most impactful over the next few years, expectations for our “two-lane highway” economic system, why the Fed should be taking the recent bond market activity seriously, and prospects for deregulation as it pertain...
Nov 20, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In this month's episode, we are joined by Matt McCombs, President and CEO of Vibrant Credit Union in Moline, Illinois. Matt discusses his early days of cutting the front lawn of his father’s credit union and spending 180 days a year on the road as a consultant before ultimately landing at Vibrant and leading that organization for the last 10+ years. Matt also shares his experiences from seven mergers in the span of 20 months, perspectives on the commoditization and fragmentation occurring in the...
Oct 21, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In episode 9, the guys are joined by DCG Quantitative Consultant Chase Ogden. The trio investigates a panoply of subjects in the MRM space, including the importance of building out a data strategy to promote better decision-making, thoughts from the CECL frontlines, and why there is always room for bankers to better utilize quantitative results ("with humility”). For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn ....
Sep 27, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In episode 8, Vin and Zach are joined by the one and only DCG Managing Director Frank Farone. The trio discusses five key themes all bankers should be thinking about if the Fed does begin cutting rates soon, hitting all aspects of the balance sheet, and more! For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn .
Aug 27, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In the 7th episode of season 3, Vin and Zach are joined by the dynamic Jesse Schwamb of Members 1st FCU in Pennsylvania, a top 50 CU by asset size in the United States. The three embark on an energetic discussion of how Jesse and his team are improving the ancient business of financial intermediation, diving into topics including: his passion for using data and technology to personalize the money experience, jumping from first- to second-level thinking, the ubiquity of fintech, and much more. Fo...
Jul 29, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Chris Low, Chief Economist at FHN Financial, joins the guys for a live appearance from DCG’s 40th Annual Balance Sheet Management Conference in Boston. Throughout a sweeping economic discussion, Chris digs into the mindset of the Federal Reserve and what to expect from their upcoming meetings, inflation trends and why “time” could be the answer, confusion within the unemployment data, resilient GDP, and the outlook for lending in the banking industry. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at Da...
Jun 11, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In Season 3 Episode 5, the guys are joined by Colliers Director of Research Aaron Jodka and DCG colleague Justin Bakst. The four dig into multiple topics in the commercial real estate landscape, including: why "commercial lending" can't be painted with a broad brush, differentiation between community and larger bank exposures, investor outlook on “work from home” policies, contagion fears, and why loans written today could have some tremendous upside. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at Da...
May 17, 2024•42 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this episode, the guys are joined by Howard Bluver, Director at Studio Bank (TN) and Israel Discount Bank (NY). The depth and breadth of Howard’s professional experience serve as the foundation for a wide-ranging and engaging discussion. Howard discusses his “entry” into banking after obtaining a law degree and going to work with the Securities and Exchange Commission. From there, he shares the critical lessons he learned while working for the Office of Thrift Supervision during the Savings a...
Apr 17, 2024•43 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In this month's episode, the guys are joined by Jim Cone, a Director at both CapTex Bank and Victory Bank (TX). Jim shares insights ranging from his early days in business development to purchasing a bank with just $10 million in assets and growing it to over $1 billion. He also talks about the value of C&I relationships, finding the best businesses in a community and "riding with them," refusing to take “no” for an answer, and not being afraid to “pick up $100 bills if they are laying aroun...
Mar 20, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 3
DCG Managing Director Joe Kennerson joins Zach and Vinny to dive into 5 key questions for bankers as we move our way through 2024. The trio tackles lingering deposit cost pressures, potential cost relief if the Fed eases, prospects for margin recovery, the need to talk about bond strategy, and whether falling rates will be everything the industry hopes for. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn ....
Feb 22, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this episode, the guys are joined by DCG colleague Keri Crooks for a discussion with Greg Dufour, the outgoing President and Chief Executive Officer of Camden National Bank. Greg talks about his 20 plus years with the bank and his stewardship of an institution that has grown from $2 billion (2009) to the largest publicly traded bank in Northern New England. Greg talks about the critical importance of hiring great people, the value of a strong culture, and what his future might hold. For more ...
Jan 18, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In episode 13, newly elected American Bankers Association (ABA) chair Julie Thurlow joins the show. Julie, Vin, Zach, and Frank Farone discuss what she hopes to accomplish with the ABA, key opportunities and threats for the industry, and how she saved Frank when they were in Nashville at the ABA Annual Conference. Julie also appeared on season 1 episode 7, where the four dove into her background and tenure leading Reading Cooperative Bank. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsult...
Dec 15, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 13
In this month's episode, Zach and Vin are joined by Chris Nelson, Founder and President of Nelson Capital Advisors (and formerly of Bangor Savings Bank). Chris talks about his early days, which took him from the broadcasting booth to the Trust Department and ultimately into the CIO’s chair. Along the way, Chris shares some of his most valuable lessons regarding the importance of managing liquidity, the efficacy of the ALCO exercise, the pitfalls of “tunnel vision,” and what he calls “rear view m...
Nov 16, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Join Vin and Zach as they go “2 on 2” with CEO Chris Gosnell and CFO Drew Chandler of Farmers Bank and Trust (Arkansas / Texas). In this episode, the guys discuss banking in small markets, expansion into larger ones, the efficacy of hedging, and business opportunities associated with operating “in the same neighborhood” of our country’s largest lithium deposit. Lastly, the boys recount their recent trip to New England, which featured a giant bluefin tuna fish. For more insights and ideas, visit ...
Oct 20, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In episode 10, Matt McCullin, Chief Financial Officer at ANECA Federal Credit Union in Shreveport, LA joins the show. Matt, Vin, and Zach explore a wide range of topics, including Matt’s time in the banking and public accounting industries prior to his arrival at ANECA, being an opportunistic banker, not sweating the small stuff, and the "unfathomable" Karl Malone. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn ....
Sep 28, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this month’s episode, Vin and Zach are joined by Jeanne Hulit, President and CEO of Maine Community Bank. The depth and breadth of Jeanne’s resume provides the backdrop for a wide-ranging discussion that includes her: Journey from international business to the regional and community banking arenas Time as the acting administrator with the Small Business Administration Current stewardship of a “merger of equals” Role as a Director with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Jeanne discusses the im...
Aug 16, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In episode 8 of season 2, Vin, Zach, and DCG Managing Director Steve Boselli are joined by Rob McCormick, Chairman, President, & Chief Executive Officer of Trustco Bank in New York. The four explore a wide range of topics, including the basics of running a 120-year-old institution now worth over $6B in assets, the "Walmart approach," and why it is all about location, location, location. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn ....
Jul 17, 2023•31 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Live from the 2023 DCG Annual Conference, join Vin and Zach as they cover the key issues being discussed on stage. They are joined on the ground by three conference attendees (George Kelly of Liberty Bay CU, MA; Jon Schmaderer of TriCounty Bank, NE; Karyn Hale of Union Bank, VT) who sit down for an open forum on the opportunities / threats to their businesses, the outlook for their balance sheets over the next year, and key conference takeaways. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingC...
Jun 29, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Live from DCG’s 39th Annual Conference, Vin and Zach are joined by Chris Low, Chief Economist at FHN Financial. Chris has a long and strong track record forecasting rates, and the three explore an array of topics including: Chris’ latest rate forecast, the magic behind another hike (or two) from the Fed, soft landing skepticism, and a Mini-Minsky Moment. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn ....
Jun 12, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In episode 5, Planters Bank (KY) Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth McCoy joins the show. Elizabeth, Vin, and Zach delve into her journey growing Planters Bank over the past two decades, what she believes community banks do best, her fascinating time serving the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis where she is currently a board member, and her “I'm not in Kansas anymore" moment. For more insights and ideas, visit DCG at DarlingConsulting.com or follow us on LinkedIn ....
May 15, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Geoffrey Hesslink, Chairman & CEO of the newly formed Bank of Burlington, is our featured guest on episode four of season two. Geoffrey joins Vin, Zach, and DCG Managing Director Joe Kennerson live in the studio to dig into de novo banking in these current turbulent times. The discussion starts with the story of what led Geoffrey and his fellow organizers to pursue launching a new community bank. The four also explore: The unique business model Geoffrey’s team is building out The need for sp...
Apr 17, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Join Vin, Zach, and DCG Managing Director Frank Farone in a timely discussion with internationally-renowned economist Dr. Lacy Hunt, Chief Economist of Hoisington Investment Management Company. The four discuss: How we have entered a Minsky Moment Bond investors “looking the wrong way down a one-way street” The longer-term implications of the debt overhang on the term structure of interest rates The current yield curve as a “cause and a symptom” The outlook for bank lending, credit, and profitab...
Mar 24, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 3
