Interview with Deidre Hopkins from The Mossy Squirrel

By: Mackensie Jimison

 

1. Tell me a little bit about how you started The Mossy Squirrel sort of an overview?
   

The Mossy Squirrel didn’t come into existence until after I had received several requests for my handmade, hand painted signs, banners, and tote bags, to name a few.  I mainly created items for my own personal decorating.  When I saw something in a store that I liked and figured I could easily recreate them myself at a faction of the cost.  It wasn’t until a local craft store owner approached me before the holidays because she had an overflow of requests for Christmas gifts.  Shortly after the New Year, I was approached by a local real estate agent who wanted to purchase personalized wooden signs from me for his new homeowners that purchased through him. I knew at this point that I would be a lot busier with my little side business and would need to create a name and brand for myself…so the beginning The Mossy Squirrel.

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For ENT650 we had to interivew someone in the financial business. I chose Becky Girard. She’s the Vice President, small Business Banking Officer at Hometrust Bank.

 

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself.
Native of Buncombe County – fifth generation Attended TC Roberson HS and AB Tech. Volunteer with MANNA, Salvation Army, and Honor Air Flights
Two adult children and grandmother to two young girls.
I’ve been in retail and commercial banking for 37 years. Beginning my career on the retail side of a Savings and Loan worked for the company for 22 years, opportunity presented itself to work for one of the large corporate banks. In working for the Corporate bank, I transitioned to the commercial / business side – working with business with $5 – $10mm in revenue or less – I’ve remained in the commercial / business side since 2003.

2. What does your typical day look like?
Every day is different – that’s what makes the position so interesting. Usually, I’m scheduling appointments one to two weeks in advance. On average spending 50% out of the office calling on prospects and existing clients. With the prospects you’re attempting to earn their business and with existing clients expanding their relationship. There are lots of emails, phone calls, texting any and all types of communication.
Once a prospect is committed to HomeTrust Bank to move forward with a loan request financials are collected on the borrower and guarantors, the structure is discussed with the borrower and sometimes discussed again until a mutual agreement is made. Should the loan be a line of credit or a term loan, what’s the collateral, is the request seasonal, what’s the purpose? It’s not a one size fits all.
A credit memo is required with all loans, giving the particulars on the borrower, what type of
Business and its history, is there a special niche in the market place, what customers do they serve, what’s the purpose of the request, etc. Next step is to analyze the financials – can they afford to borrow the money requested.

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