Brady Brunson Completes Advanced Commercial Lending School
Clinton, IA, Sept 12, 2025 — Citizens First Bank is proud to announce that Brady Brunson, Commercial Lender, has successfully completed the Advanced Commercial Lending School, a rigorous two-day program offered through the Iowa Bankers Association and taught by Michael Wear of 39 Acres Corporation.
The Advanced Commercial Lending School is designed for experienced lenders seeking to sharpen their analytical skills and apply advanced tools in a case-driven environment. Topics covered include global cash flow analysis, CRE underwriting, loan pricing strategies, and RAROC (Risk Adjusted Return on Capital) modeling—each delivered through hands-on exercises and real-world examples.
Brady joined Citizens First Bank three years ago and has steadily advanced through a variety of roles including Teller, Customer Service Representative, Digital Banker, Financial Service Banker, and now Commercial Lender. His journey reflects both a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to professional development.
Brady holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and Accounting from Ottawa University and has earned several professional certifications, including the IBA Consumer Credit School, IBA Commercial Lending School, Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals, Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Grow Clinton Leadership Institute and named a 2025 Rising Star by Grow Clinton.
Reflecting on his experience at the Advanced Commercial Lending School, Brady shared, “One major takeaway was learning how to properly build a RAROC model. Mike’s deep industry experience and the Excel tools he shared gave me valuable insight into structuring a model that I’ve been developing for CFB. The class also stood out for its depth—topics like economics, loan pricing, and underwriting were thoroughly discussed. Mike’s practical examples and hands-on guidance made the material engaging and directly applicable to my work.”
Brady described the course using what he calls the “three E’s”: Engaging, Enlightening, and Expert-led. “Mike kept my attention the entire time, and his real-world insights made the material resonate in a way that will absolutely benefit our customers and CFB overall,” he added.
Stephen Clements, President & CEO of Citizens First Bank, praised Brady’s dedication: “Brady exemplifies the kind of lifelong learning and community-focused leadership we value at Citizens First Bank. His commitment to expanding his expertise directly supports our mission to deliver innovative financial services with unmatched personal service. We’re proud to invest in team members like Brady who bring both heart and skill to their work.”
Citizens First Bank has long been recognized as a community-first institution, committed to empowering individuals and businesses through personalized banking solutions. From youth savings programs to local events and sponsorships, the bank continues to build meaningful connections across Clinton and surrounding areas.
Citizens First Bank congratulates Brady on this achievement and looks forward to the continued impact of his advanced training on the bank’s commercial lending services.
Connect with a Commercial Lender HERE