Jacob Slaton

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Bailey Eads
Treasury Services Sales Specialist, Farmers Bank & Trust
Age: 24 | Hometown: Magnolia | Alma Mater: Southern Arkansas University

Bailey Eads opened her first bank account when she was 15 years old. Her first job was at the local Dairy Queen, and she attributes a lot of her work ethic and powerful lessons in leadership to this job. 

“I realized how much leadership can make or break the job and overall work environment,” Bailey said. “While work isn’t necessarily a place for making friends, having friends at work makes the experience much better. Lastly, I discovered how much your attitude impacts your day and the entire workplace dynamic—it matters more than you might think.”

Needing a full-time job while completing her bachelor’s degree in business administration at Southern Arkansas University, Bailey applied for a job at Farmer’s Bank & Trust. Although she originally started because of the benefits and safety net the industry provides, Bailey decided to stay in banking because she’s grown to love the career.

“While many people graduate college and then begin their careers, starting my career first and then pursuing my degree has its own unique advantages,” Bailey said. “Another big advantage is knowing I’m already working in a field where my degree will be directly used and valued—it’s not just a piece of paper. That has eased my worries about what’s next after graduation, which is a huge personal benefit.”

Bailey enjoys the challenges and daily responsibilities of her job in Treasury Services. She handles public funding, works closely with local school districts, and offers products and services to help businesses manage their accounts.

“In my specific career, you definitely need a knack for talking with people — especially when trying to sell something,” Bailey said. “You also need to read people’s facial expressions and body language because they can reveal a lot about how your message is being received. Keeping others engaged isn’t always easy, but paying attention to their nonverbal cues will help you adjust your approach.”

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Natural abilities needed for the job?
“Quick learning, analytical thinking, charisma, and empathy are all natural abilities that give you a strong edge in sales, Treasury Services, and virtually any banking or finance career.”

Best money decision so far?
“Starting from day one, I’ve consistently contributed 10% of my paycheck to my 401(k). Since I never got used to having that 10%, I’ve never missed or needed it, and it’s been quietly growing over time.”

Worst money mistake?
“Not putting any money down when I bought my first car—and then trading it in while I was still upside down on the loan. To make things worse, my new interest rate more than doubled.”

Go-to advice?
“If you have a stable income, make contributing to your retirement a priority from the start. And don’t forget that if you’re just starting out, it’s OK to live paycheck-to-paycheck for a while. Life is hard and expensive, but you won’t be in the same financial situation forever.”