Brandon Lynch, 36, could be classified as a Renaissance man. He’s a musician and composer, has a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a brown belt in Judo, is a dedicated community volunteer — and at his day job — works as a business banker at Dubuque Bank & Trust.
“His dedication to strengthening communities and paving paths to success sets a new standard,” said his boss, Scott Steiner. “He spends a lot of time working in the community through various fundraisers, charitable events and always has his customers’ best interests at heart. I think he brings a lot to the table with creative ideas for them, whether it’s a startup, existing business, how they can expand and better ways to run their businesses. I think he does a very good job of getting to know his customers and working with them.”
But banking wasn’t Lynch’s first career path. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in finance, and as he explains it, “cut his teeth” at Prudential Retirement. His wife, Stacy, encouraged him to pursue a job in banking.
“It was her words that guided me into that path and guided me into an organization that ended up being a really good fit,” he said. “I’ve been at Dubuque Bank & Trust about eight years.”
His listens to his clients’ goals and needs to ensure success.
“Brandon is the epitome of leadership,” Steiner said. “He is passionate, dedicated and has a strong moral backbone. Brandon is an exemplary figure; his work ethic and resilience never ceases to amaze us. Always ready to volunteer and face challenges with a bright outlook, he is not just a role model to his coworkers, but to the community as well.”
Outside of the office, he keeps an impressive schedule. He participated in the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce’s Dubuque Dances with the Stars, raising funds for Centrally Rooted.
“Brandon is a stellar example of an involved community member and a recent Leadership Dubuque graduate,” Steiner added. “From participating actively at the Chamber of Young Professionals, volunteering at National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Dubuque Museum of Art, to soon joining the Dubuque Main Street board of directors, he consistently takes strides toward making a difference in his community.”
Lynch, a native of Dubuque, said he’s proud of his hometown and wants to see it continue to prosper.
“The drive for me personally is being able to see the organizations we have in town grow and become amenities for everyone in Dubuque,” he noted. “I think it’s important we have nice things in Dubuque for us to do, and anything that I can contribute is an easy one for me to cling to.”
He’s done Jiu-Jitsu for about 15 years, and also excels at Judo and catch wrestling. He teaches child and adult fundamentals classes at Dubuque Jiu-Jitsu. As a hobby, he also drums and plays electronic/synthesizer instruments. He and wife are parents to 5-year-old son Theodore.
These varied interests, he says, help him stay well rounded, both for physical health and mental well-being.
“Those are my escapes: family, music and Jiu-Jitsu,” he said. “For head space and growth those are important — physical fitness and mental wellness and creativity.”