2021 40 Under 40: John Hedgpeth

John Hedgpeth, 33, was fresh out of college when he began his career as a commissioned bank examiner for the Missouri Division of Finance. He says conducting audits of financial institutions valued at $30 million to more than $1 billion versed him well in recognizing what makes for a healthy bank.

But, he says, his proudest achievement was being promoted to CFO at Ozark Bank, making him the fourth generation of his family to guide the locally owned bank.

Hedgpeth continues his family’s 115-year history of supporting Ozark through volunteer efforts that include serving on the board of the Ozark Optimist Club and as treasurer of the Ozark Rotary Club.

First job? Courier at Ozark Bank. The pay wasn’t great, but I sure did have fun riding around on my own time, until I showed up late to the main bank during my first courier run which my Grandma Chlorene wasn’t too thrilled about.

What about your job would shock people? The 3-6-3 banking rule no longer applies. In other words, giving 3% interest to depositors for their money, turning around and lending that money out at 6% interest and then being on the golf course by 3 p.m. is no longer applicable to bankers today, unfortunately.

Favorite podcast? The Joe Rogan Experience and Missouri Bankers Associations’ Our Two Cents.

Favorite hobby or pastime? Golfing and fishing.