Dinosaur or Darwin: the Adapt or Die Paradox - with CEO Troy Peters

Welcome to Season Two!

In this first episode, Troy Peters, CEO of 152-year-old Jonestown Bank & Trust, shares with Kirsten how a community bank maintains relevance through authentic culture and long-term thinking. In an era where big business appears to dominate and private equity tries to consolidate the ‘little guy,’ Troy and JBT offer an alternative that capitalizes on the strength of the community. 

 

Starting as a summer teller, Troy learned banking wasn't just about "hushed tones and marble" but building relationships. JBT's "Bank on a Smile" tagline evolved into core values (SMILE: Sincere, Memorable, Integrity, Leadership, Expertise) created by employees, not executives – a proven process for success. Troy offers lessons that translate from the  

 

Using the Four Disciplines of Execution, their wildly important goal is "inspiring confidence" across all stakeholders. Troy emphasizes community banking's vital role—making 60% of small business loans—while warning about cryptocurrency's threat to traditional lending that powers American entrepreneurship.

Troy Peters BIO: 

Troy Peters, President and CEO of Jonestown Bank & Trust Co., a financial institution with a remarkable 150-year legacy in central Pennsylvania. With over 19 years at JBT and 13 years in his current leadership role, Troy has guided the bank through significant transformation while maintaining its deep community roots. Prior to JBT, Troy held leadership positions at PNC, Mellon Bank, and the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers. Outside of work Troy coaches’ baseball and is retired from competing in triathlons.

 

For more info on Troy:

Linked In

Website

KIRSTEN YURICH BIO:

Kirsten is a licensed behavior analyst, speaker, author, and retired CEO who partners with business leaders to help them achieve more of what matters most to them. Kirsten’s clients are high performing CEOs, founders, and executives looking to “level up” in life and business.

Kirsten share’s her expertise in leadership, performance management, and learning with executives through coaching or consulting, peer groups, and speaking.

For more info, check out Kirsten Yurich HERE.