In Marion County, agriculture and small businesses are more than industries, they’re a way of life. When it comes to having a lender who truly understands that life, Cody Smith is someone you want in your corner.
Rooted in Ag. Driven by Relationships.
For Cody, ag and commercial lending isn’t just a job, it’s both his background and his genuine interest. “It’s fun to dive deeper with customers to find a way for the bank to be a resource to them.” He doesn’t just look at numbers on paper. He looks at the whole operation. The goals. The risks. The long-term vision. His focus? Finding ways for Peoples Bank to be a true partner in helping local farms and businesses succeed.
His coworkers describe him as motivated, customer-friendly, an extrovert, detail-oriented, and a natural problem solver. But perhaps one of his biggest strengths is something even more valuable, he’s been on the other side of the desk. As an experienced borrower himself, Cody understands firsthand what it feels like to sit in the customer’s chair.
Practical Advice for Growing a Farm or Business
If you’re starting or expanding an operation, Cody keeps it simple and honest: “Put a pencil to it and be realistic with yourself about costs. Weigh out the upside and the downside. Don’t forget your time is worth something and the goal is to be profitable.” It’s straightforward advice, but it’s the kind that protects long-term success. Cody believes in thoughtful growth; growth that’s sustainable, strategic, and grounded in reality.
A Resource You Can Count On
One thing Cody is especially passionate about? Being an asset to the people he serves. He strives to be:
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A resource customers can call anytime
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A sounding board for big decisions
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A partner in their financial journey
He understands that earning trust takes time and that earning a customer’s loyalty is incredibly rewarding. Cody says, at Peoples Bank, he has the flexibility to truly meet customers where they are. That might mean:
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Walking around a piece of equipment together
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Attending an auction
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Touring a property
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Or simply grabbing lunch to talk through plans
It’s about eye-level conversations and real relationships, not just transactions.
Life Outside the Office
When Cody isn’t helping local farmers and business owners, you’ll likely find him:
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Spending weekends at the lake
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Riding side-by-sides
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Enjoying live music
At home, he shares his acreage with his dog, Normadine — “Norma” for short, born in 2019 and named after his grandma. Norma loves running the property, splashing in the pond, and keeping Opal the cat on her toes.
If Not Banking?
We asked Cody, what would you do if you weren’t in ag and commercial lending? He said “I would love to farm but more realistically I would pursue a career in real estate. Landlord. Flipper. Agent. Property manager.”
Cody Smith: Your Ag Lender for Good
In Marion County, relationships matter. Hard work matters. And having someone who understands your operation, from both the lender and borrower perspective, matters most of all.
Whether you’re expanding your farm, investing in equipment, purchasing land, or growing your business, Cody Smith is ready to be a resource, a partner, and an asset every step of the way.
That’s what it means to be your ag lender for good. Member FDIC.
