Regent Bank's Conrad Griggs Talks About His Colorful Career

On his aspirations growing up:
“I wanted to be a basketball coach. I had the ability to motivate kids and get them to think more positive than negative. These kids walked away believing they could do anything, if they put their mind to it.”

On interesting career experiences:
“During the six-month period while I was waiting for my background check before becoming a cadet [for the police department], I went to work for a mortuary service. My job was to drive hearses for the different funeral homes. I called my wife to ask if we were still on for a date that night. I said, ‘I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news.’ She said, ‘What’s the good news?’ I said, ‘I’m picking you up in a limousine!’ She said, ‘That’s great! What’s the bad news?’ ‘There’s a body in the back.’ True story! I picked her up. I took the body to the mortuary, put it on the slab and we went on a date!”

Reflecting on 11 years serving on Springfield City Council:
“Never ever, ever build roads that don’t have an economic payback.”

On his approaching birthday:
“I’ll only be 80. It can be a curse if you want it to be, but it’s all state of mind. Right now, what I do for the bank, and serving the Lord, I’ll be doing it until he says, ‘It’s time for you to come home, boss.’ It’s a good gig!”

The most important business lesson:
“Relationships. One-on-one personal relationships. This is the main principle behind Faith in Business at Regent Bank. Treat people like you want to be treated.”

Life lessons:
“Don’t let other people dictate who you should be. Be your own person. Know who you are.”