After 46 years of helping customers reach for the stars, Paul Kallman has decided to trade in his favorite pen and adding machine in exchange for retirement. Astra Bank would like to celebrate Paul with a come and go retirement reception on Friday, December 4th from 9:00am-12:00pm at Astra Bank in Scandia. There will be refreshments and reminiscing about all of the good times Paul has experienced with Astra Bank.
Although you will get an opportunity to speak with Paul on December 4th, he provided some insight on how he got started in banking and how the industry has changed throughout the years.
Although Paul was uncertain about what career he wanted to pursue upon graduating high school, he was very interested in Computer Technology. About the same time Paul was pondering his future, he received a phone call from G Walter Boyles of Astra Bank. Walter wanted to know if Paul would consider banking. After some consideration, Paul decided to join Astra Bank in 1969.
Paul recalls Walter being such a great mentor in helping him dive right into the banking industry. He was amazed at the fact that Walter could do any and all math in his head quicker than he could on a calculator. He has and always will be very appreciative to Walter for giving him his start in banking, and to this day, never had a doubt that he made the right decision to work for Astra Bank. Paul also stated it has been an incredible experience watching the business grow over the years, and is proud to be a part of that.
Paul has definitely seen many changes in his 46 years in the industry. When Paul started with Astra Bank, the bank size was about $2 million and there were 4 employees. Fast forward to 2015 and the bank has grown to $270 million and proudly employs 75 people. Another change has been in regards to today’s technology and how it has allowed items to be processed at a much faster rate than calculating everything by hand.
When you dedicate 46 years of your life to one company, it is only natural for great relationships to evolve. Asked what he would miss most about banking, Paul did not hesitate for a moment with his reply: the people. Interacting with the customers and helping them with any issues that arise is what Paul enjoyed the most. The people have always been appreciative that Paul has helped them over the years. A lot of them have asked him “What am I going to do when you are gone?” Paul, in the same manner he has done for 46 years, encouraged those people to continue to contact Astra Bank as there will always be someone there to assist them.
Although Paul is retiring, he will continue to serve on the Board of Directors for Astra Bank and looks forward to continuing to serve in that capacity. He has a bucket list of things he wants to accomplish, with his priority focusing on his antique business. Paul is looking forward to having time to do the things that he wants to do without the deadlines.
Paul has learned a lot over his 46 years of banking, but whether it is in life or banking, still agrees with one of his favorite quotes: “There isn’t a procedure for everything. Sometimes you have to use common sense.”