Longtime VCNB Lender Jeff Thacker To Retire This Month
Jeff Thacker has had a colorful career and can offer up a story for nearly any occasion. With almost thirty years of experience, he also has a following of customers and coworkers who he thinks of as family. But like many folks of a certain age, Jeff says it’s time to retire and do something else for a while.
Before he was a banker, Jeff managed Chillicothe Electric Supply where he sharpened his sales skills while learning the electrical trade. His late father had some concerns about this major career shift when Jeff accepted the job at VCNB. “He said ‘you don’t know anything about money’ and I told him that I do know how to sell and if I can sell electrical supplies, I’m sure I can sell money. Besides I was getting paid to talk to people and we both knew I could do that,” Jeff exclaimed.
It soon become clear there was no need to worry. As a Management Trainee, Jeff received six weeks of experience in each of the bank’s departments before it was determined he favored lending.
Jeff is in his element when he’s getting to know a customer and finding common ground. “People deserve your attention and if you pay attention, you will figure out how to connect with them so you can find out what they really want. People don’t always know what to ask for so it’s your job to listen and give them option so they can decide. It’s not to sell them the product of the month. It’s about helping them decide what’s best for them.”
For the last several years, Jeff has been focused on Indirect Lending, a job that involves developing relationships with dealerships around the region. “I like this because you’re in the car a lot and you get to know people. These people aren’t just my customers. They treat me like family,” Jeff said. It’s relationships like these that he will miss the most. “The extended family I have made with customers and coworkers will make leaving bittersweet.”
But he has plenty to keep him occupied in his retirement. Jeff has been the voice of the Vinton County Vikings alongside longtime friend Judge Bob Grillo since 1988 and plans to continue doing this for a few more years.
Many people also know Jeff for being as passionate about education as he is sports. This is evidenced by the thirty years he spent on the Vinton County Schools Board of Education. “I stayed all those years because I didn’t want to our kids wrapped up in politics. I wanted them wrapped up in education so they could have the best shot of becoming the most complete person they could be. Show me one child in Vinton County, Jackson County or anywhere else that’s not worth the effort.”
After he retires, Jeff hopes to spend quality time with his own children and grandkids. Since his wife Julie may work a couple more years, he plans to put in some part time hours with one son’s excavating business and his daughter’s equestrian business. With a total of eight grown children and seven grandkids, he expects the family to keep him busy.
On top of that, Jeff also sings with multiple gospel groups and expects to see some car shows in his future. His retirement gift to himself is his dream muscle car – a 1969 Chevelle.
What advice does Jeff have for an aspiring banker?
“You have to become a people person and I don't mean a people person Monday through Friday or eight to five. Whoever came up with the term banker's hours is a liar because there's no such thing. Being a good banker is a way of life. If you want to do it right, if you truly want to help your customers, you have to be available to them. And don't just give them your time. Give them your attention. Get to know them. Let them get to know you. This is how you gain their trust and it's how you figure out what they're really asking you. They will tell you everything you need to know if you just let them tell you. You just have to listen,” he explained.
What has been the best part of the job?
“The reward for me is helping someone get their first house or their dream car. The reward is accomplishing something that made someone else’s life better. That’s what I hope for any young person to learn for themselves.”
Jeff will celebrate his retirement on April 29 with a luncheon with his real family and his bank family. Before that, customers can stop by to see him from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m for cookies and a chat.