Frank H. Hamlin III

Frank H. Hamlin III

President & CEO, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co.

Years in current role: 8

What do you enjoy most about your role?

CNB has pulled together a spectacular group of employees, and working with them day in and day out is a rewarding experience. CNB staff members on all levels work tirelessly to make sure that not only our business succeeds, but that each customer’s needs are met.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve dealt with over the past year?

At Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Company, our biggest challenge this past year has been working through the “people” side of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our leaders have been working hard, ensuring our staff has the mental and physical health resources to support them and providing regular and timely communications. When our employees are taken care of and given the support they need, we know that they are in the best position to provide our customers the quality service they expect and deserve.

What do you see as the biggest changes in the banking and finance industry in the next 3-5 years?

Customers across all industries are demanding and becoming accustomed to an enhanced ease of doing business, with flexibility and convenience across multiple digital and/or in-person channels. At CNB we’ve been making unprecedented investments to transform the ability of our institution to deliver comprehensive financial services in a more integrated and seamless manner. Technology investments will allow systems to speak to each other, to our employees, and to customers more effectively, which will result in an enhanced level of customer service.

What is the No. 1 tip you would give to people or companies about planning their finances amid uncertain times?

The best way to deal with uncertain times is to know that they will happen — and keep an adequate reserve to be prepared for them. The worst scenario for an individual or business owner is to have to sell when the market is down in order to pay current obligations. The primary weapon to deal with uncertainty is diversification. By remaining diversified and rebalancing portfolios regularly to avoid taking on too much risk, you will capture the best performance of various asset classes while keeping your risk at a level commensurate with your long term goals.

What community organizations do you support as a volunteer and why?

Thompson Health Board of Directors; New York Bankers Association; Commission on Racial and Structural Equity, RASE – Criminal Justice Reform.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 30 Banking & Finance list for 2021. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at https://rbj.net/2021/12/17/rbjs-power-30-banking-finance/.