Dave Hoekstra

Dave Hoekstra is a classic leader: motivated, competitive and organized.

Age: 37

Position: Chief Credit Officer and President – ND Market BNC National Bank

Family: Wife Nicole; Children Taylor (11) and Jason (9)

Hobbies: Coaching youth sports (basketball, baseball, and football), spending time on the Missouri River, traveling

Community Involvement: I am currently a member of the following Boards: BNC National Bank; Bismarck – Mandan Chamber of Commerce; Bismarck Law Enforcement Chaplaincy. I am a volunteer coach for YMCA Youth Basketball, Bismarck Mandan Youth Football and Cal Ripken Little League Baseball.

Career Path: After graduating from Moorhead State University with an accounting major, I started my banking career in 1994 working for a small bank in Madison, Wis. After a fairly short period of time, I decided that I really wanted to be back “home” in Bismarck. Therefore, in October of 1995, I was fortunate to be given an opportunity by BNC National Bank, becoming the company’s first full-time credit analyst in the lending department.

I have been with BNC ever since, in a number of progressive roles. I am licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) after passing the exam in 1997, which has helped with my understanding of the business climate over the years and has most definitely contributed to my career movement in the banking industry.

Mentors: My parents and grandparents along with various supervisors at BNC National Bank.

Briefly, tell us about yourself: I am a classic Type-A individual. I am extremely motivated, up for a challenge and quite competitive. That being said, I am a devoted family man who believes in the proper balance of work / life. I feel it is incredibly important to sit back and reflect on the fact that we all get one shot at this life, and things need to be kept in proper perspective and priority.

What motivates you? The challenge of making a difference in the lives of those around me. In addition, I am also motivated to provide financial stability for my family.

What challenges do you face as a young professional, particularly during difficult economic times? The fact that this economic cycle is deeper and more severe than anything most of us have ever experienced. Up until now, I, along with the vast majority of the working class, have only read about such downturns and there are many of us whom have only experienced the “good times”. This economic downturn has required me to constantly evaluate and assess overall industry conditions in order to position myself and my company to ensure continued success.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? Accepting the chief credit officer position at BNC National Bank at the relatively young age of 33.

Anything you’re particularly proud of? On the professional front, I am proud of being the chief credit officer and board member of BNC National Bank at a relatively young age. On the personal side, the obvious answer is my children. In addition, I have been a basketball coach for a traveling team for the past three years. I am extremely proud of my players, as this team has worked incredibly hard and has developed into the “team to beat” in the entire state of North Dakota, along with winning some very large tournaments in various locations such as the Twin Cities.

What advice would you offer other young professionals? Be prepared to work hard, maintain strong ethics and have a desire to succeed. These attributes will pay off, but don’t think that it will be overnight and without encountering numerous challenges along the way. Try to maintain a consistent path toward your ultimate goal.

What are you thankful for? On the professional front, I am very thankful for the hard work and dedication of the employees of BNC National Bank along with the opportunities provided to me by company executives. On the personal side, my family (the overall guidance provided by my mother, the support of my wonderful wife of nearly 15 years, and the unconditional love my children provide each and every day).

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? I see myself working in the banking industry, but more important than that, I hope I am making a difference.