|
7:30 a.m.
Arrive a bit earlier than usual today.
I go online to check out how the national news media are reacting to the policy change the Minister of Agriculture announced yesterday. I know many of my customers will be affected. Pick up e-mail.
8:25 a.m.
First call of the day.
I tell a customer - a young farmer who wants to double the size of his barn - that we have approved his loan application. Good news!
8:30 a.m.
Say 'Hello' to arriving colleagues.
I have an appointment an hour's drive away. A long-time customer is selling his farm to his daughter and her husband. The couple have applied for a loan to buy new equipment and modernize. Their plans are ambitious. Overly so? I'll know better after I inspect the property as part of the due diligence process.
10:30 a.m.
Complete an analysis for my customer.
I'm impressed with the farm - and the customers. Going to suggest we conduct a full cost/benefit analysis specific to their operations so we can get the information we need to make good decisions. I have time to admire the view. It truly is beautiful country.
11:30 a.m.
Return to the branch.
There's a message from my boss and mentor. We discuss the latest news from Ottawa and the report on commodity pricing that I am preparing for our upcoming regional team meeting.
1:30 p.m.
After a quick bite, I'm back at work.
I take time to scan various industry, government and university Internet sites to keep on top of commodity prices and other information that is pertinent to my customers.
2:15 p.m.
A meeting with another customer.
Not going to be able to give him what he asked for. However, I've put together another financial option that I think will work for his farm business - and his financial situation.
3:00 p.m.
Prepare for another customer meeting.
Meeting went very well. The customer accepted my alternative proposal. I prepare for the next customer meeting. This time, it's with a beef farmer who wants to expand his herd. Make a note to tell him about the research article I just read.
5:00 p.m.
Ready to pack up for the day.
Join a couple of colleagues for a few wings after work. But not too many. After a swim at my club, I'm off home to pack. Leaving for a week-long credit rating course in the morning. It's an area that really interests me. Reminder to self: Get to sleep early tonight - flight leaves at 6:00 a.m.
|
