Robert Bowen: Steering a Course for Continued Success

As the newly appointed president of Brighton Bank, Robert Bowen’s goal is simple: stay the course.

“Brighton Bank has always been successful and you don’t need to disturb success when it’s already in place. My goal and challenge is to keep it going,” Bowen says.

Bowen has served as Brighton Bank’s COO and chief lending officer since 2009. Now, Bowen has the added responsibility of overseeing the day-to-day operations of the bank and reporting directly to the board. It may seem like a heavy load, but with a 33-year career behind him, Bowen seems up to the task.

After starting his education at a junior college in Arizona while on a basketball scholarship, Bowen went on to receive his bachelor’s degree and MBA from Brigham Young University. He got his start in the banking world in 1979 at a community bank in Provo while finishing his MBA. He has experience in commercial lending and worked for 12 years for a large bank in Salt Lake City specializing in commercial real estate.

“I don’t consider myself to be very unique—although I might have a better jump-shot than others in this position. I’m willing to work hard and put in a full days work every day and really focus on both my customers and my employees. I have the drive and focus to keep things moving forward as they always have been,” Bowen says.

Bowen enjoys taking the time to understand the needs of his customers and their businesses in order to structure financial products that help them reach their short- and long-term goals.

“It’s fun to drive around the valley and see businesses and projects I’ve been involved with that have proven to be successful. That is the greatest reward of my career,” he says.

And for Bowen, that’s what banking is all about—the people. He enjoys getting to know his employees, coworkers and business people in the community and is committed to their success.

“With employees, shareholders and customers, there are so many people that depend on the consistency and success of this bank and that is what keeps me motivated. There’s so much riding on being successful here. It’s not just a job where you get a paycheck. You’re impacting a lot of people’s lives,” Bowen says.