Bartending, Banking and Beyond
In the latest episode of the Nostalgia Street podcast, hosts Vince and Jeff sit down with the ever-energetic April Meyerink, Vice President of Business Development at American Bank and Trust, who also happens to be a longtime advocate and friend of the 4Front Studios team.
The banter kicks off with April's introduction, and Jeff teasingly remarking on her coincidental name as the fourth month of the year. Amidst the lighthearted exchanges, the hosts dive into the pivotal question of the week for April, her favorite live-action and animated shows from her youth. April's response leads to a hilarious hypothetical scenario of swapping the casts of "Fantasy Island" and "Super Friends," resulting in a comical mishmash of characters.
April shares snippets of her upbringing in rural South Dakota, from being raised in a small town to the mischievous antics with her three older sisters. Anecdotes about childhood pranks and shared memories of growing up in a tight-knit community add a touch of nostalgia to the episode.
The conversation turns to music groups of the '80s, memories of working at a video rental store, and even a fun game of "Survivor: '80s Music Edition."
April shares her experiences growing up in Revilo and Brookings, South Dakota, and her journey through college, bartending, and eventually finding her career in banking. Reflecting on her upbringing, April shares anecdotes about her early experiences with alcohol, her diverse bartending experiences, and the transition into her current role in banking.
April reminisces about her first drink at a young age in Revilo, highlighting the social atmosphere of small-town life in South Dakota. Despite her early exposure to alcohol, she recalls not enjoying the taste and the humorous memory of mistaking beer for soda. This leads into a discussion about her high school years in Brookings, where she pursued various extracurricular activities with enthusiasm, including basketball, cheerleading, and photography.
April discusses her transition from college to the workforce, including her initial struggles with finding the right career path. She shares her experiences bartending at various establishments, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal skills and adaptability in the service industry. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, April eventually found her niche in banking, leveraging her connections and social abilities to excel in her role.
The podcast hosts explore April's philanthropic aspirations and her desire to give back to the community. April expresses her admiration for Sioux Falls' strong culture of philanthropy and hopes to play a more active role in charitable endeavors in the future.
In the final segment, April reflects on the lessons she learned from her upbringing and how they continue to influence her approach to life and work. She shares her father's wise advice about considering multiple perspectives in any situation, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding. April also discusses the value of following through on commitments, a lesson she learned through personal experience and growth.
Overall, April's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment. From her humble beginnings in small-town South Dakota to her successful career in banking, April's journey is a testament to the power of determination, interpersonal skills, and a strong sense of community.
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