Exchange Bank President/CEO J. Barrie Graham is full of surprises. For starters, this former Marine has a degree in industrial engineering. “I never used it,” he admits, “but the math and science I learned has been very helpful in banking.”
Credit Henry Trione for bringing Barrie into the banking fold. “Henry encouraged me to consider a career in banking in the mid 1980s,” Graham remembers. “My initial reaction was that banking would be boring, but Henry explained banking was being deregulated and would be a fast-moving and challenging career. He was right, and I’m grateful to him for his advice…but I hope he doesn’t read this, as he’ll want a consulting fee.”
What’s that? A sly sense of humor? Now add a love of running and an eye for classic wheels (in addition to the 1961 Corvette pictured here, he also has a 1964 1/2 Mustang convertible and is refurbishing his father’s 1966 Mustang). Surprise!
Are you a native of Sonoma County? If not, where did you grow up?
I grew up in upstate New York. We had very good schools, but the weather is tough in the winter. They just had a record snowfall of six feet in March. We could never leave Northern California.
What TV programs did you love as a child?
“The Adventures of Superman” and “The Lone Ranger,” both great adventures. My friends and I pretended to be those characters as we played together.
What’s the most useful book you’ve ever read?
The Marine Officer’s Guide. It contains everything you need to know about leadership. Modeling the way, inspiring others, and personal discipline have been taught by the Marine Corps for 230 years. It’s also handy to have if you’re lost in the wilderness or your plane is hijacked.
Do you have a big family?
Julianna and I were married in 1996 (second marriage). And I have three daughters, all adults. A 36-year-old living in New York City, a 26-year-old in San Francisco and a 22-year-old in Bend, Oregon. No grandchildren yet, but we’re ready (even if the girls aren’t)!
Are you more of a dog person or a cat person?
We just put our cat down after 18 years. Great family pet!
Describe your favorite relative.
My dad’s so easy to be with, enjoys everyone’s company and listens to all the stories my girls have about their lives with great interest.
Do you have a phobia?
Sometimes I have a nightmare that I’ve been turned into a bank regulator. I wake up in a cold sweat!
What do you do to get out of a bad mood?
I talk to my wife. She has a very positive perspective and tells me to separate “mishaps” from setbacks and tragedies. Most problems are “mishaps,” and we spend too much time worrying about them.
What kind of music do you listen to?
My car has CDs from the Temptations, Four Tops, Beach Boys and Nine Inch Nails. The last one must be one of my daughter’s.
What sound drives you crazy?
Teenage girls whining…and I know the sound well!
What’s something mischievous you’ve done?
I was in a fraternity; we did it all. Watching “Animal House” brings back memories.
What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received? From whom?
Sam Brown [Exchange Bank’s executive vice president of wealth management]: “Sell Google at $100.”
What’s your Stupid Human Trick?
I can touch my nose with my tongue.
