Traditional Bank recently promoted University of Kentucky MBA alum, F.W. “Buddy” Schneider III to Senior Vice President (SVP). Buddy graduated with a finance degree from Marshall University and then participated in the One Year MBA program at the University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics. Traditional Bank is a privately-held, community bank with approximately $1.4 billion in assets and 14 banking centers in five Central Kentucky counties. Founded in 1902, the bank’s growth has been organic and can be largely attributed to a strong business banking presence led by a local team of experienced commercial bankers.  Buddy has been with the bank since 2006.

His primary charge is originating commercial loans, garnering deposits and retaining those relationships through the management of a commercial loan portfolio. In his role as Senior Vice President, Buddy mentors and manages other commercial lenders, is a voting member of the bank’s Senior Loan Committee and participates in other vital committees that contribute to the day to day management of the bank’s operations.

“Having a MBA has helped open doors for me professionally,” said Buddy. “Once those doors are opened, it is up to me to capitalize on the opportunities. The case studies, group projects and presentations I participated in during my time at the MBA program are what I found to be the most beneficial. I still lean on some of those experiences today.”   

Buddy is often placed in a position to speak publicly to groups about the bank, in addition to presenting loans to clients or other members of the bank for approval.  He says the MBA program at UK, and his finance degree from Marshall, helped him develop the skills needed to have a strong foundation for his job. Buddy says being an alum of both schools has created a valuable business network in Lexington, and that he discovers new connections each day.

According to Buddy, banking is an excellent career option for those that have good time management, detail oriented and enjoy meeting new people and developing relationships. He says it takes a lot of hard work to learn the business and grow your portfolio, but the relationships you develop with clients can be very rewarding. 

In addition to serving as Senior Vice President and a commercial loan officer at Traditional Bank, Buddy serves on the board of the Lexington Hearing & Speech Center. He was selected as an Emerging Leader for the Kentucky Bankers Association in 2016 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at his high school, Lexington Catholic, in 2010.