Driven from the Get-go

A mixture of pride for his life’s accomplishments and enthusiasm for future tasks practically pops from Paul Wilson’s voice.

But who could blame him? He’s been working 40-hour weeks since he was 16, when he worked as a cook at Sonic Drive-In. Today he’s vice president-commercial lending at Rogers’ Intrust Bank, the largest independent bank headquartered in Kansas.

Growing up, Wilson thought about becoming a stockbroker. But when he finally received the opportunity he had longed for, he said no to the stock market and yes to staying in school. He was 19 when he went to work as a teller at Intrust Bank in downtown Wichita, Kan.

Wilson graduated from Wichita State University in May 2002 with a degree in business administration. He slowly but surely worked his way up the corporate ladder. He did everything from serve as a customer service representative and credit analyst to construction loan management. On the side Wilson co-owned a liquor store, which became profitable after his arrival.

Wilson finally got the big break he’d been looking for in commercial lending about two years ago. Naturally, there was one catch: Wilson and his family would be moving to Arkansas. He didn’t let that faze him and seems content with the results of his decision.

Wilson enjoys his current role, but eventually Wilson, who loves working for the bank, would like to make the shift into management.

“I’ve found community service and getting to know people increases trust, and that pays dividends over time,” he said. “I’ve probably gotten more referrals through community service than anything else.”

Wilson’s community service efforts are most impressive. Among many other things, this former Big Brother is steering committee chair of Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders, an initiative of the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.

Wilson believes his winning ways “boil down to the way I was raised. Something inside me is driven to be successful.”