Pub. 4 2014 Issue 3

6 www.azbankers.org Getting to Know Mike Thorell New AzBA Board Chairman and President of Pinnacle Bank When did you decide to become a banker and why? I started my banking career in May 1989 for State Savings Bank after graduating from the University of Arizona with Finance and Real Estate Majors. It was right in the midst of the Savings & Loan Crisis and the economy was very weak so finding a job was difficult. Quite honestly, I was really interested in just find - ing any job to start my professional career and I feel blessed that the executives at the bank offered me a position albeit extremely entry level. I just wanted a chance and a start. What is your niche in this market? Pinnacle Bank is a Small Business Lender with expertise in SBA 7(a) and 504 Loans. We are also a Resi- dential Mortgage and Custom Home Construction Lender. We have real