Khalid Acheckzai describes himself as a man that never backs down from a challenge. At 22 years old, Acheckzai was determined to conquer the world. But looking back now at 49, he realizes he may have been putting too much pressure on his younger self. It seems, however, that Acheckzai couldn’t help but rise to the top, as he has been the president & CEO of Poppy Bank since December of 2017.
And his accomplishments don’t stop there. In 2023, Acheckzai was named Best Business Community Leader in the NorthBay biz Best of the North Bay readers’ poll. And this year, Poppy Bank has come out on top as Best Business Bank and earned two second-place Gold Medal awards in the Best Company in Sonoma County and Best Consumer Bank categories.
Acheckzai believes his ability to treat people fairly and challenge them to become the best version of themselves has made him a good boss, as well as allowed Poppy Bank to thrive. To find out more about the services that Poppy Bank offers visit poppy.bank.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Just always do the right thing whenever you’re faced with a decision, and everything will take care of itself.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
When I’m not here at the bank I’m spending time with my wife and three kids.
What has been the best place you have traveled to?
Last summer [my family and I] went for four weeks to Europe, traveling across seven countries and all the cities. Being there with my kids and seeing how much they enjoyed it—that was the best vacation I can honestly say I have ever taken.
Favorite part about going to Europe?
We went to all the major cities in Italy, Paris and London. But it’s really hard to pick one. I’ve always loved Rome—I’ve been there before.
Why the love for Rome?
When you think about Rome you think of the Colosseum, the Romans, the forum where Caesar was assassinated and just the overall history.
Alive or passed—which musician would you love to see perform live?
Mozart and Beethoven—hard to pick one.
How have your goals changed over time?
I think you grow. When you’re younger [your dreams] are more focused and narrower. As you grow older, they evolve into something that is broader. It’s no longer about money or titles.
How does Poppy Bank flourish under your leadership?
[At Poppy Bank we don’t] compare ourselves to what the competition is doing, because for me it’s irrelevant. I only look at what we can do and what I can get out of our people. Because if I was comparing myself to other banks, I would be growing 2 to 3% a year, when in fact we have been growing 25 to 30% annually.
Do you have a favorite place to go in the North Bay?
I guess I’m partial to the Poppy Bank Epicenter. They are a great part of the community, which is why we supported them and have our name on them. I think they are a special part of the community that kids enjoy and my kids growing up always enjoyed it there too.
In your last interview for NBb in 2020 you said your favorite 49er was Joe Montana, has your answer changed in the past four years?
Not at all. Definitely not. If he had been there for the last Super Bowl maybe we would have won.
