Banking keeps getting easier and faster. But according to Stock Yards Bank & Trust Chairman and CEO Ja Hillebrand, none of these technology upgrades can replace relationships. As he says: “You still have to wear out the shoe leather.”

On the show, Ja joins Al and Steve to discuss why the fundamentals of banking haven’t changed and how his bank continues to deliver consistent earnings growth. Plus, Ja shares pro tips for attending the Kentucky Derby and talks about his favorite bourbons.

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https://qrco.de/bgfV5g

Chapters
[00:00] Bourbon, Banking & the Origin Story
[02:55] Playing the Long Game in Banking
[03:35] Bourbon Picks & Personality Break
[05:49] Strategy vs. Execution Gap
[06:38] Winning = Thinking 20 Years Ahead
[07:38] Why Relationships Still Win
[10:44] Service That Never Goes Out of Style
[13:09] M&A, Growth & Staying Independent
[16:04] Focus vs. Over-Diversification
[20:10] AI, Competition & the Future
[23:16] Kentucky Derby Tips & Wrap-Up

They’re back. Al and Steve kick off the year by discussing the biggest forces shaping banking right now, including something particularly challenging: growth.

From how banks are allocating capital to how leaders ought to measure results, they unpack what’s working, what isn’t, and preview themes from Ron Shevlin’s upcoming 2026 What’s Going On In Banking report.

Subscribe to the Plugged In podcast here:
https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/plugged-in


Chapters:
[00:00] Welcome to 2026 & “I’m Still Standing”
[01:15] Why Bank Size Doesn’t Equal Ambition
[02:30] Growth Is Harder Than It Looks
[03:35] “Grow or Go” Is Too Simple
[04:40] Capital Allocation is more important than Asset Growth
[06:05] Discipline Beats Scale
[07:40] Making Technology Pay for Itself
[09:45] When to Kill a Tech Investment
[11:05] “Running Up That Hill” & Tech Roadmaps
[15:55] What Banks Must Get Right Next

What inspires a seasoned bank CEO to come out of retirement? As Jim Reuter, CEO and president of First Interstate Bank, tells Al and Steve on the show: “There’s a saying . …that musicians don’t retire until there’s no music left in them. There was still some music left in me.”

They discuss his career, succession best practices and some of the biggest forces reshaping regional banking. Plus, they offer up their 2026 predictions.

Subscribe to the Plugged In podcast here:
https://www.crnrstone.com/gritty-insights/podcasts/plugged-in

Chapters:
[00:00] Jim Rueter Returns to Plugged In
[01:00] From FirstBank to First Interstate
[02:10] Vinyl Vault & Music Themes
[03:00] Why Jim Came Out of Retirement
[05:00] Leadership Lessons & Succession
[06:40] Growth Barriers & Competition
[08:20] Brand Density and Digital Strategy
[11:30] Deposit Displacement Reality Check
[16:00] The Scale Debate in Banking
[19:15] The ROI of Technology
[23:50] 2026 Banking Predictions
[26:40] Closing Thoughts & Wrap-Up