On the Job with Don Monk

Photo by Barry Levine

Photo by Barry Levine

"On the Job with...." is a weekly Sunday Inc. series, spotlighting area business owners and executives. Today's interview is with Don Monk, regional president with Ameris Bank.

Q. What was your first job?

A. I worked for the Federal Land Bank in Pensacola in home construction/mortgage lending. It was a lot of fun.


A. Bedroom furniture. The job didn't pay much and Karon was in school, so we had simple objectives.


A. Communication. Let your employees know the plan.

Q. What led you to your current position? Why did you want to be in the banking business?

A. I thought banking would be a good respectable profession that provided interaction with people, and I have found that to be the case. I found out "bankers hours" was a myth though.


A. My father. He has been my role model in business and in life.


A. That fundamentals matter. Too many individuals and businesses strayed from basic financial principles, such as acceptable levels of savings and debt.


A. I despise automated phone answering systems. During business hours I like for someone to answer the phone and say, "How may I help you." If you get ours then know I'm no longer there.

Q. What is your favorite work-related gadget?

A. I would have to say my BlackBerry. It has essentially allowed my office to become mobile. If I am traveling I am connected.

Q. What is your favorite tradition?

A. Family Christmas at the farm. Great times.


A. I read practically every night and just finished "Mythology" by Edith Hamilton. I have become very interested in ancient Greek mythology.


A. Up at 5:45 a.m. Toast, coffee, shower and out the door.


A. Bill Clinton. To ask him what the hell was he thinking.

Q. Favorite hobbies or activity outside work?

A. Bicycle riding and trap shooting. I haven't had much time for trap shooting lately and miss it a lot.


A. There are many I would like to do over, but the marketing gaffe of the giant ears would be one.

Q. Best thing about your job?

A. People interaction. I am very much a people person and that's what banking is about.

Q. Worst thing about your job?

A. Time pressures. There are so many time demands and I have had to learn to delegate things that I really enjoyed doing.

Q. The most beneficial course I took in school was?

A. Economics. It applies to so much that is meaningful.


A. Beach Bum. That may not be a job, but it's my dream.

Q. Have you ever used an algebra formula or had to reference an important date from history in the course of your career?

A. No. Thank God my success is not dependent on algebra.

Q. Finish this thought: "On the first anniversary of my retirement, I see myself ...

A. Sitting on my deck watching the sun set with Karon. That's what we do now and I don't plan to retire from it.


A. Integrity. Without integrity, the other traits don't matter.


A. Crystal balls do not have a good track record lately. Some industry segments are already showing improvement, but many are not. I think it's another 24 to 30 months before we see anything close to full swing.


A. You would be confused looking at my play list. It ranges from Bob Dylan to Sheryl Crow to Lady GaGa.


A. Higher order medical care. As Phoebe transitions into a regional health care system, the larger network will attract more and more specialties yielding more sophisticated health care right here at home. This trend had already started.


A. Casa Marina resort at Key West last year. A lot of fun at night...a lot of relaxation by day.


A. Banking is evolving into two types: Larger but less personal or smaller but less sophistication. We think there is value in between.