Our region’s future is bright thanks to the strong leaders who are navigating change and cultivating successful teams today. Not only are these leaders a catalyst for change today, but they are also molding and shaping the leaders of future generations. FIRST & 42 is celebrating the region’s stars from the 2020 class of Leadership Kalamazoo with our Leader Spotlight. Lean in to learn about these leaders’ “firsts” in life as well as their answers to a few deeper questions about their leadership and vision for our community. Featured today is Roy L. Dangel, Jr., who leads business development at Sturgis Bank.

“The best part of being a leader is growing and making those around you better each and every day,” said Roy. From a young age, Roy learned a lot about organization, communication, and caring for others with the responsibility of taking care of his brothers. One of Roy’s dreams for our community in the coming years is that “we come together and show others around this country and region we have something special.” Keep reading to learn more about Roy and his leadership journey.

First Things First

WHO IS THE FIRST PERSON YOU GO TO FOR ADVICE?

My spouse because she is the voice of reason and points out the positives and negatives to many issues. She always keeps me grounded and reminds me that there are two sides to every story.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT YOU FELT LIKE A LEADER?

It was at a young age since I was responsible for taking care of my brothers growing up due to my dad working so much to support us as a single father. I learned a lot about organization, communication, and caring for others.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST CONCERT YOU EVER ATTENDED?

“Up with People,” a group of young performers from all over the world that were pursuing a dream of someday making a career out of performing. So much talent and seeing these young people take a risk showed me it’s OK to do that in my life challenges.

The Deep Dive

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR CURRENT POSITION? WHAT ARE YOUR DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILITIES?

One year. My responsibilities include training and improving our processes so that we win our share of clients within the financial community. I also provide client relationship service along with showing my team many new aspects that they have never seen or used in the past.

WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON GROWTH AND CHANGE? HOW DO YOU LEAD YOUR TEAM THROUGH CHANGE?

Growth and change are a major part of improving yourself and making your team realize that things never stay constant. The best part of being a leader is growing and making those around you better each and every day.

HOW HAS YOUR LEADERSHIP GROWN THE MOST IN THE PAST YEAR?

• Showing others that change is good for all involved.
• Having things stay the same doesn’t allow you to grow.
• Thinking outside the box and not being afraid to change to make yourself a better person.
• Thinking what will be different for others due to change based on what happened today. We cannot change history, but we can change today and the future.
• Making this world and community a better place than it was yesterday.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE HISTORICAL LEADER? WHY?

Mother Teresa. She gave so much to the poor, sick, and needy and did not ask for anything back or even recognition because it was what she believed in and lived daily. She was a role model for me at a young age growing up with not much and made me realize that things are material, but life and respect are so much more important. It’s about making this place better today than it was yesterday and will be tomorrow.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR COMMUNITY IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?

That we come together and show others around this country and region we have something special. [By] working together in all areas of our community, [we can ensure] that each person has a voice and opinion [that] can be heard and those things [can be] put into action to make us an amazing place to live and have your family grow up. We’ve got so much untapped talent and [we should keep] people engaged and ready to push us into the future.