As we close the books on the third quarter of 2025, I’m excited to share an update on what’s been happening at Ressler Consulting and what we’re seeing across the community and regional banking landscape in the Midwest.

Q3 Placements: Quality Over Quantity

While the summer months brought a slower pace—typical for the banking industry—we successfully completed two strategic placements that exemplify the caliber of talent we deliver:

Portfolio Manager | $20B Regional Bank | Missouri
This placement filled a critical role managing a complex commercial portfolio. Our candidate brought the depth of experience and strategic vision needed to drive portfolio performance in an increasingly competitive market.

Commercial Lender/Business Development Officer | $1B Community Bank | Missouri
For this community bank client, we placed an experienced relationship banker who understands the nuances of serving local businesses while driving sustainable growth. This placement reflects the kind of partnership-focused talent that community banks need to thrive.

The Summer Slowdown: A Familiar Pattern

If you’ve been in banking long enough, you know that summer hiring often takes a backseat to vacations, strategic planning cycles, and budget reviews. Q3 was no exception. While activity slowed, we used this time strategically—strengthening relationships, refining our candidate pipeline, and positioning ourselves for what we anticipated would be a busy fall.

That patience is now paying off.

Q4 Momentum: A Hiring Spree in Commercial Lending

The fourth quarter has brought a dramatic shift. We’re currently managing 8 active commercial lending searches across Missouri and Southern Illinois.

Here’s the breakdown:

• 3 searches with a $20B Regional Bank (Missouri/Illinois)
• 1 search with a $2B Community Bank (Missouri)
• 2 searches with $1B Community Banks (Missouri/Illinois)
• 2 searches with a $400M Community Bank (Missouri)

What’s Driving This Surge?

The recent Federal Reserve rate cuts have been a game-changer. After months of elevated rates that constrained lending activity, banks are now preparing for increased loan demand. Commercial lending teams that were stretched thin during the high-rate environment are now being reinforced with fresh talent.

Community and regional banks understand that the time to hire is now—before the competition heats up and the best candidates are off the market. We’re seeing hiring managers move quickly, with streamlined interview processes and competitive offers designed to secure top performers.

What to Expect in Q4 and Beyond

The pipeline heading into the final quarter of 2025 is strong. With 8 active searches and growing interest from new clients, we’re positioned for a record-breaking Q4.

But beyond the numbers, what excites me most is the quality of the relationships we’re building. Clients are coming back not just because we fill positions, but because we take the time to understand their culture, their strategy, and their long-term goals. We’re not just recruiters—we’re partners in their growth and success.

As we look toward 2026, the focus remains clear: continue delivering exceptional talent, expand our footprint across the Midwest, and build Ressler Consulting into the go-to executive search partner for community and regional banks.

Let’s Connect

If your bank is preparing for growth in 2025 or planning ahead for 2026, let’s talk. We’re here to help you find the right talent—candidates who will drive results and stay for the long haul.

Contact us today:
📞 (314) 788-3140 | 888-788-4420
📧 aressler@resslerconsultingllc.com
🌐 www.resslerconsultingllc.com

Here’s to finishing 2025 strong and building even greater momentum in the year ahead.