Advancing the Leadership Mindset 
Finding Success in the Success of Others 

This is another in a series of member profiles based on discovery interview questions that were designed to get an up close view of the traits and strengths of some of the members who provide leadership and inspiration to this organization. 

                                                             Membership Spotlight: Drew Shuneson 
                                                                Competitor, Developer, Maximizer 
 
Tell us about yourself.  Give us three facts that include information about your family, your career and your pastimes. 
 
I was born into a family of four and now I have a family of three.  This includes my wife and our two year old. I grew up in Hilliard and graduated from Miami of Ohio.  After college I got into door-to-door cable sales and ADP payroll services for small businesses. I was hired by US Bank to attract business customers then moved to PNC Bank.  At PNC I met Jenny Saunders who later recruited me to FCBank.  I am currently the assistant vice president of commercial real estate at FCBank.  I am a serial hobbyist who is obsessed with golf. I love movies, cooking, music and fantasy football.  I have a small business that helps others draft players for their fantasy leagues. 

How long have you belonged to Rotary?  What’s the best thing about membership? 

I’ve been in Rotary for three years. I enjoy the company and camaraderie of others who like to serve the community.  I feel that Rotary, like FCBank, works to find people who care about where they live and work. 

As you look back on your life and your career, where and when did you have the biggest impact on others?  Who was impacted and how?  
 
My time as a branch manager in downtown Columbus was very impactful.  Many of the visitors to the bank came there because it was close to their office.  I helped them understand how banking works, I built their financial acumen and handled their small business loans. I had the opportunity to recruit my own bank staff.  I helped them develop as professionals and I was proud to watch them grow.  

As you look back, which of the opportunities you’ve had has been the most fulfilling to you personally?  Why? 

I’ve had the opportunity to serve on several boards.  It seems that everyone wants a banker on their board!  I enjoy finding routes to service.  

Describe the most challenging project you’ve ever worked on.  What was your role?  What was the result?  What did you learn? 

By far the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) Round One in April, 2020 was the biggest challenge I’ve faced.  It was definitely the busiest I’ve ever been. This Small Business Association Loan helped businesses keep their employees working during the COVID crisis.  I was an originator and helped clients understand the rules which basically changed every day.  I also helped to ensure that their paperwork was correct.  While it was a challenge, I know that it had a positive impact for people who really needed the help.  It was great! 

What are some things you are passionate about?  What really excites you? What gets your adrenalin flowing?  What makes your heart sing?  

Bankers typically don’t live on the edge of passion.  It’s really not a warm and fuzzy profession. I love competition in any and every form.  I love playing and watching sports.  I really enjoy watching people get better at the things they do.  I enjoy helping them get better. 

What are you especially skilled at?  What is something that others often tell you that they think makes you stand out? 
 
People have told me that I am skilled at taking complex things and relaying them to learners, novices and beginners.  This comes naturally to me. 

When you have a moment to sit back and think (dream) about your future, what do you think about?  What things would you like to do in your life that you haven’t gotten around to yet?  Is there something else you would like to accomplish? 

I would like to make enough money to become financially independent and retire early.  This would give me the capacity and opportunity to do things and be engaged in what I want to do. Included in this is the opportunity to help others.   

If you could choose anyone (alive or deceased) to have lunch with, who would it be? Why? 

For some this might seem like a cliché but I would really like to have lunch with Abraham Lincoln.  He failed at almost everything he did in early life but he persisted. He didn’t get frustrated when things he thought should be easy weren’t easy. Given the opportunity to be great, he WAS great!