Paul Vishal's questions to West Bancorporation Inc (WTBA) leadership • Q1 2025
Question
Paul Vishal asked for clarification on two strategic points from the CEO's letter to stockholders: the meaning of 'concentrating on what we can control' and the distinction the company makes between being 'bankers' versus 'lenders'.
Answer
CEO David Nelson explained that 'concentrating on what we can control' refers to the bank's daily, purposeful activities like customer outreach and service, independent of external economic conditions. He clarified that being 'bankers' rather than just 'lenders' highlights their focus on comprehensive relationships, working on both sides of the customer's balance sheet with loans, deposits, and other services, rather than just transacting loans.