Eric Lynner, Chief Information Officer at First Independent Bank in Minnesota, brings more than 15 years of experience in IT leadership, customer service, and infrastructure management. Starting his career on the help desk and advancing through system and network engineering roles, Eric has built a reputation for hands-on leadership and community-driven innovation. At First Independent Bank, a 12-branch institution with over $500 million in assets, he oversees a small but highly efficient IT team focused on security, reliability, and personal service. His background in both technology and customer care, influenced by his early years working in his family's hardware store, has shaped a people-centered approach to IT management that benefits both employees and customers.

• How community banks balance digital innovation with human connection

• Why small IT teams can create big impact through personalized support

• The value of early customer service lessons in shaping leadership

• How Eric advanced from help desk to CIO through experience and persistence

• The growing importance of AI in banking and fraud prevention

• Why cybersecurity training remains the strongest line of defense

• How First Independent Bank builds customer trust through technology

Eric Lynner shares how First Independent Bank continues to thrive by focusing on personal relationships and technology that supports people, not replaces them. Leading a compact IT department, Eric ensures that every user receives direct, attentive support. This close connection to end users helps the bank deliver fast, reliable solutions that reflect the care of a community institution.

Eric discusses how lessons from his family's hardware store still guide his leadership philosophy today. Working with customers from a young age taught him patience, communication, and adaptability, all of which translate directly into effective IT management. His journey from the help desk to the CIO office proves that a four-year degree is not the only path to success. Experience, curiosity, and people skills can take professionals just as far.

The episode also explores the role of AI in modern banking, from automating fraud detection to improving internal workflows. Eric sees the potential of these tools but emphasizes that technology should enhance, not replace, human service. For community banks like his, the strength lies in blending automation behind the scenes with genuine customer interaction at the front.

Matthew and Eric also discuss cybersecurity, where social engineering remains a leading threat. Eric highlights that real security starts with people, not just firewalls. Training, communication, and awareness programs help prevent breaches before they start, especially in smaller organizations that depend on trust and responsiveness.