Pub. 1 2012 Issue 4

June 2012 7 l e a d i n g a d v o c a t e f o r t h e b a n k i n g i n d u s t r y i n k a n s a s things. In one of his journalism classes he had to produce articles that were worthy of publication. Dick loved riding his motorcycle so this was the topic of an article he submitted in his class. He also decided to submit it to The Enthusiast Magazine for Motorcyclists , a publication of Harley Davidson. His story and picture made the cover of the November 1951 issue. He also wrote an article and submitted it to The Open Road for Boys Magazine and it was published as well. “This really whipped up my enthusiasm for journalism,” exclaims Dick. Following his graduation from KSU he held a position as the publications editor with the Kansas State Board of Agriculture. He did this along with public relations work and occasional radio for six years. During this time he would occasionally fill in for the Assistant Farm Director at WIBW radio to cover vacations. He eventually accepted a position with WIBWwhere he remained for about three years while they were expanding into the television market. Dick was the Associate Farm Director with a daily radio and television program. “I met many fabulous people during these years and I loved every opportunity I experienced. I was a lucky boy,” Dick explained softly. In 1957 he was approached by the President of the Hutchinson National Bank and Trust Co. “They needed someone who could talk to farmers and serve them,” Dick explained. As he developed relationships, the farmers wanted to talk to Dick about all of their bank business. He was rapidly promoted from the Ag Representative to Vice President. He remained there for 12 years. In 1969, CAWilliams called on Dick and asked him to come to McPherson to be the President of the Home State Bank and Trust. When he arrived for his first day at the bank in McPherson, he had seven employees and assets of $5.8 million. The bank had been on the Board of Examiners’ list as high risk for failure and he was warned that he may want to reconsider his decision. But this was an opportunity to use his mother’s advice. He remembered her saying, “The money is out there, you have to go find it.” He and his staff worked hard to build personal relationships and build trust. The bank grew and created more opportunity for employment within the community as well as support civic programs. Nancy Trease, a long-time and recently retired bank employee, reported that great things were expected from them and they had the freedom to do what they thought was best. “Micromanagement was not a part of the winning formula; he set the vision and communicated well his very high expectations, but then let you go. Mr. Nichols is well-respected and he inspires others to do their best” explained Nancy. Ted Odle, the current “The money is out there, you have to go find it.” Dick Nichols on front cover of The Enthusiast November 1951 Chuck Stones, Linda Nichols and Dick Nichols July 2007 as Dick receives his 50 Years in Banking award. continued on next page jpg