From jump shots to stock charts: The Joe Hanstad Story
Oct. 4—DICKINSON — Joe Hanstad's journey from a small-town driveway in Dickinson to the halls of finance and the basketball court is a story etched with passion and dedication. As the sun dipped below the horizon each evening, Joe's mother would call him in for dinner, but his unwavering love for the game kept him shooting hoops beneath a makeshift plywood backboard. To Joe, basketball wasn't merely a pastime; it was his life's essence.
These early moments set the stage for an extraordinary tale that would unfold over the years. It became evident to everyone in the neighborhood that this young boy possessed an extraordinary talent destined to shape his future. Little did they know just how profound an impact Hanstad would have on the world of basketball and finance.
Jump ahead to 2015, and Hanstad was at Boise State University, eagerly anticipating both his upcoming wedding to the love of his life, Danielle, and the culmination of a successful college basketball career. He had secured a full athletic scholarship, participated in two NCAA tournaments, and embarked on a truly memorable internship journey.
Hanstad's deep fascination with numbers propelled him toward a career in finance. In a fortuitous twist of fate, a distinguished financial guru became his mentor for three years, deeply impressed by Joe's unwavering dedication to hard work. This internship laid the foundation for an extraordinary career that would weave together the worlds of finance and basketball in ways he could have never foreseen.
Life has a way of gifting unexpected free throws. Hanstad, much like many young adults, had never intended to return to his hometown after leaving for college. Nevertheless, his deep love for Danielle and their shared dream of building a family prompted him to reevaluate his plans. It was during this pivotal moment that he received a call from Gate City Bank in Dickinson.
The hiring manager, who had known Hanstad since his childhood, saw him as the perfect fit. The close-knit community and a team that shared Hanstad's passion for both sports and finance made the idea of returning home enticing. Fast forward eight years, and Hanstad has risen through the ranks, starting from an entry-level position to now holding the title of vice president at the bank, all thanks to his unwavering determination.
At Gate City Bank, Hanstad applies his distinctive approach to financial planning, leveraging basketball analogies to demystify intricate concepts for his clients. Just as a point guard orchestrates plays on the court, Hanstad steers his clients toward their financial objectives. He firmly believes in delivering proactive and tailored service to establish and maintain their trust.
"Gate City has been around for so long and built an incredible reputation in Dickinson and beyond. So when people walk through the door, their guard is often already down because they know we're going to take care of them," Hanstad says. "I feel thankful for the opportunity to help grow that mindset, bringing full-court service, simplicity and customization you can't find anywhere else."
Hanstad's commitment to his community and clients goes beyond his office space. Gate City Bank promotes a culture of giving back during work hours, a playbook that Hanstad wholeheartedly adopts.
"If my kids have a school fundraiser during the day, I get to be there — no questions asked," he said. "If my church needs assistance, I can get away to help. That's worth everything to me."
In an unexpected twist of fate, Hanstad recently received the news that he would be inducted into the Dickinson High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023. His remarkable high school basketball journey includes prestigious honors such as the North Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year and shattering Dickinson's 45-year-old scoring record. However, despite these accolades, Hanstad retains his humility, crediting his success to his deep affection for the game and the invaluable life lessons it has imparted.
Editor's Note: This article includes contributions from Gate City Bank.
