Pub. 2 2013 Issue 6

August 2013 9 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 culture of mutual trust. Employees are expected to take ownership of their positions and become an expert in their area.” Senior Vice Presi - dent Karen Schmale said, “The bank wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Leonard. He is forward thinking and well respected.” She continued, “You have the opportunity to grow and develop your career if you’re willing to work hard.” Perhaps, Vice President Dennis Kramer said it best though. “In my experience there are not many people who possess the character to maintain the trust of people around him while aspiring to reach higher and hold people accountable. Leonard had the confi - dence to take the risk and find capital to acquire the bank and has the charisma to continue to carry the ball.” On April 20th, 2013 Leonard was inducted to the Southwestern College Business Hall of Fame. The Business Hall of Fame was established in 2002 to honor alumni with significant achievement in business. “It is nice to be recognized by your alma mater,” he stated quietly. Although Leonard Wolfe is a success story in his profession, it is his family that holds his heart. He and his wife Beth have three adult children. Kellie is married to Clint Lamasters. They live in Liberty, Missouri, and they have 4 children. Kellie has a degree in finance and worked at Wells Fargo before deciding to run a successful business out of her home and raise their kids. Jenna is married to Tony Dellamano. They live in Oakland, California, and have a new baby boy. Jenna earned a master’s degree in management and works at Union Bank of California. Nick is their youngest. He and Rylee have two girls and live in Marysville. Nick earned his bachelor’s degree from Emporia State University and is now employed at the United Bank & Trust, participating in the management training pro- gram. Leonard is quick to praise his wife for being a devoted mother and the glue that holds the family together. “She is the matriarch that everyone turns to for guidance.” Understanding the value of where you come from is not lost on Leonard. He learned his work ethic from his father and learned the business/life balance from his father-in-law, Joe Massey. “My father- in-law could make a game out of anything; work hard but have fun.” In regard to his professional life, Leonard said in closing, “I recognize the opportunities I’ve been given along the way. Starting with the phone call that gave me direction when I was still in college and then the opportunity to learn from Virgil Lair along with the high volume of acquisitions and sales with Gold Banc all led me to the opportunity I have today. I am grateful for that. Banking is a noble profession and we are an important component of our communities, so we need to hold our heads high.” Enjoying some time away. Leonard and Beth Wolfe on a cruise in 1994. Leonard and Beth smile for the camera on a vacation to the Bahamas in 2011. Everyone stopped for a minute to get a picture while on a ski vacation in Vail, Colorado in 1996. Pictured left to right are Kellie, Jenna, Leonard, Nick and Beth The Wolfe Family gathered for a family picture in their back yard in Chanute, Kansas on Christmas Day in 1997. Left to right is Beth, Kellie, Leonard, Jenna and Nick. Family picture in 1988. Left to right is Kellie, Leonard, Nick, Beth and Jenna. The most recent family picture in the Wolfe Family backyard taken November 2012 is Rylee (holding Adlee), Nick, Beth, Brylee, Leonard, Cole, Jenna, Tony, Max, Clint, Jack, Kellie and Cora.