Meet Ian Leavitt: AVP of Ag & Business Banking
June 20, 2025
We are excited to feature Ian Leavitt in our latest blog feature. Ian has been an integral part of our team, embodying our core principles of integrity and our mission to IGNITE PROSPERITY®. His dedication has made a lasting impact, and we wanted to give you a chance to get to know him better.
We sat down with Ian to ask about his role, experiences and interests—here’s what he had to say! Read the full Q&A here:
Personal & Professional Background
What inspired you to pursue a career in banking?
Honestly, I didn’t go looking for banking—it found me. What drew me in was who First National Bank and Trust Company is at its core. Their values, community focus and the opportunity to work close to home aligned perfectly with what I care about. From day one, they’ve proven to be everything I hoped for and more—they truly walk the walk.
I feel incredibly blessed that God has equipped me with life and work experiences that fit this role. Serving the financial needs of farmers and business owners in my hometown is both humbling and rewarding. Many of my clients are people I’ve known most of my life, and earning their trust is something I don’t take lightly. It is a bonus that God has given me a set of life and employment experiences that truly “lend” well to my current role of addressing the financial needs of my community. Working in my hometown is truly full circle.
I’m honored to be part of this company, where our mission is to ignite lasting client and community prosperity. For me, this isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. When I'm at my best, I try to measure the success of my workday not by tasks completed, but by the quality of the interactions God places in my path each day—whether with clients, coworkers or community members. Helping people navigate their financial journeys feels like a small way I can serve a greater purpose.
What’s the most memorable client interaction you’ve ever had?
One of the most memorable moments in my role was visiting a borrower in the forestry industry. They had just purchased a new log processor and were eager to show it in action. From a safe distance, a credit analyst and I watched as they expertly operated the machine—it was incredible to witness both the power of the equipment and the skill it took to run it.
That visit gave us a tangible glimpse into the heart of their business. It deepened our relationship and reminded me how rewarding it is to step into our clients’ world, even briefly. It’s moments like that when I am so thankful for my role and the ways I can serve others.
What skills or qualities do you think make someone successful in your role?
I believe humility is essential. In lending, where risk is always present, there’s simply no room for ego. Success comes from collaboration—listening, learning and leaning on others’ expertise. When pride takes up all the space, there’s no room left for others to contribute. Leading with humility not only helps mitigate risk, but it also creates space for trust, teamwork and better outcomes.
Beyond Banking
If you weren’t in banking, what would your dream job be?
While I feel truly fulfilled in my current role, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of farming—specifically, producing my own food and selling it directly to people. It’s less about large-scale commodity farming and more about creating something meaningful and accessible. There’s something deeply rewarding about working the land and connecting with others through nourishing food.
What’s the most surprising thing about your job that people wouldn’t expect?
I’d say the most surprising aspect of my role would be how much flexibility and adaptability technology affords us. Clients are always impressed and appreciative in the ways I am able to cater to their needs and be a partner that can move with them through the various seasons of their business.
What is one thing you never leave the house without and why?
A rosary. As I go through my day, the rosary, with its attached crucifix, is a nice reminder that God is with me throughout the ups and downs of the day. It also reminds me to keep, as Christ did, the focus less on my needs and more on the needs of others. I’ve been amazed how my hand simply meeting it can recenter me on God and my neighbor.
What does a typical Sunday afternoon look like for you?
A family nap is always the goal but rarely happens with all the energetic little children we’ve got running around the house! You will typically find us enjoying good company and food with family and friends or perhaps engaging in a recreational activity like a hike or pontoon ride. We try very hard to keep Sunday a day of leisure and recharging for the week to come.
What’s one thing in your office that always sparks a conversation with clients or coworkers?
It’s a personal and stunning image of a chicken barn framed by a harvested hillside of corn in the background and unharvested rows in the foreground. It captures the beauty of our local landscape in such a unique way. People often stop to admire it, and a few have even offered to buy it right off my wall! I always smile and tell them it’s not for sale. 😊
Current boards or volunteering you do and why you choose to get involved with those organizations?
I volunteer at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Arcadia, where I help guide high school freshmen and sophomores in their religious studies. Together with my wife, Kayla, we also have the privilege of mentoring couples preparing for marriage. Kayla and I also sit on the board of directors for the Wojtyła Community & Institute (WCI), which is a non-profit organization devoted to supporting spouses who have a desire to grow in holiness, deepen their connection with God and each other, and experience lasting joy. I’m not sure I intentionally chose these organizations—rather, it feels like God naturally led me to them as my faith deepened.
Personal Interests & Hobbies
Do you have a hobby or skill that your coworkers/clients don’t know about?
I really enjoy carpentry. I feel a strong sense of accomplishment seeing a project through from start to finish. What’s surprised me most are the skills I’ve discovered along the way—usually out of necessity, mid-project, with no choice but to figure it out. It’s a hobby that keeps me learning and grounded.
What’s a dream destination you’d love to travel to and why?
I’d have to say a European vacation. My wife and I are descendants of European immigrants and feel it would be amazing to visit and take in a bit of the rich history of our ancestry.
If you could recommend one book, podcast or movie that influenced you, what would it be?
I would recommend not just one book, but a collection of books – the Bible. My turning point occurred in my life when I began cultivating a habit of regularly reading and praying through the scriptures. I am constantly amazed by the parallels that can be drawn between the events of a few thousand years ago and our present age. I also find the Bible to be a continual source of truthful guidance. There is a lot of confusion in our culture today, and it is refreshing to be able to return to and be guided by the truth.
What’s your favorite local small business to support and why?
While our communities are full of businesses I love to support, a relatively new one that is quickly becoming a favorite is Journey Hut in Whitehall, WI. The owner is positive and upbeat and goes to great lengths to create an environment of support and encouragement toward positive individual growth. I always leave feeling better!
To work directly with Ian, reach out at ian.leavitt@firstnbtc.com or 608.323.2403.
At First National Bank and Trust, we IGNITE PROSPERITY® by helping our clients do more with their money. Whether it’s saving a little extra cash each month or accomplishing a long-term strategy, our goal is to help you transform your financial life. Call and schedule an appointment today, one of our team members would love to help you do more with your money at FNBT. For more information visit firstnbtc.com or call 217-935-2148 in Illinois or 608-323-3331 in Wisconsin. #igniteprosperity