Anna G. Jones
Vice President – Marketing Officer
Pinnacle Bank
Elberton, GA
Group 10 Rep., GBA Marketing Committee
Q: What was your first job, and was there a lesson you learned there that you still use today?
A: My first job was in a jewelry and gift store. My terrific boss taught me a lot about how to sell and promote items just by her example. For instance, while she was working, she would wear jewelry from the store. After looking at everything available, I saw customers over and over tell her, “I just want to buy a necklace like yours.” She would take it off and say, “Here you go!” How often do we talk to employees about using bank products themselves so they can then recommend the products to customers? It’s the same premise.
Q: Tell us about your career journey. What drew you to banking, and what has kept you there?
A: My background is marketing and economic development. I feel like banking is a great blend of the two. I am marketing for a specific institution, which I love. But the real bonus is Pinnacle Bank works to make a difference in our communities by assisting with economic growth. It is so important for our communities to thrive. When a community is vibrant with industry and job growth then individuals and families can provide for themselves. In the end, that’s what matters to people: caring for those they love.
Q: How has professional development, especially GBA’s peer groups and events, made a difference in your career as a bank marketing pro?
A: For me, GBA’s Marketing Committee is a huge benefit. It allows me to learn about marketing programs at other banks, seeing their successes, learning from others about pitfalls to avoid as well as sharing our experiences. But equally as helpful is building a network of marketing professionals in the banking industry that can be relied upon to share information or just generally be supportive.
Q: If you could thank someone for becoming the banker/person you are today, who would it be and why?
A: Pinnacle Bank is such a great place to work! From top to bottom, each team member is happy to provide guidance when asked. And even when you ask someone a question that doesn’t pertain to their area, any person here will help you find the right person to assist you. So for someone who started here over five years ago and was new to banking, it was a great relief to work within an organization championing growth and learning. So I would like to thank the team here for providing me the opportunity to work at Pinnacle and doing the things I really love.
Q: What would someone be surprised to learn about you?
A: While I’m fairly reserved most of the time, I do love working with community theater.