“I’ve always been interested in providing service, starting as a paper boy in San Francisco in 1969,” remembers Summit State Bank President/CEO Tom Duryea. “Back then, not only did you deliver papers at five in the morning, you went out at night to collect the bills. I remember coming home with my collections one night, and my mom’s best friend, Loretta Flageolet, commenting, ‘Look at Tommy, he’s going to be a banker someday.’”
Now, did that innocent statement determine Tom Duryea’s life course? Probably not. But consider: “In the late ’80s and early ’90s, I sold real estate in San Francisco. I found I really enjoyed the financial end of the transaction, which eventually led me to community banking. I joined Summit in 2001 as a commercial loan officer. In 2006, I became chief credit officer and, in early 2008, I was promoted to my present role.”
Which prompts me to say, Thank you, Mrs. Flageolet.
Are you a North Bay native?
I’m a fourth-generation San Franciscan and a fifth-generation Californian. My family and I moved to this area approximately 10 years ago, but my roots in Sonoma County actually date back to the 1870s. My great, great grandfather, Malachi Byrne, owned and operated Byrne’s Hotel on Railroad Square. My grandmother attended Ursuline, and her aunt was in the first graduating class. I’m very proud of my Sonoma County roots!
Describe a proud professional moment.
Recently, we brought on board Sonoma County’s only locally based title company, North Coast Title. One of the owners, Kathy Cramer, told me my “attitude” toward life exemplified the heart and commitment to community that her late husband, Butch, represented. It was quite humbling. I’ll always be thankful for that honor and remain mindful everyday that I have much to live up to.
Share a funny life memory.
Later in life, my father began saying, “C’est la vie”—It is life—when things didn’t go his way. It got to be a running gag in my family, sometimes annoyingly so. When he passed away a few years ago at age 85, my siblings and I decided to put that on his tombstone. Now, when we visit him or think of him, we all have a laugh and smile on our face. He was a good father, tremendously committed to his family and lived a good, long and successful life. He helped our family put life’s up and downs in the proper perspective.
What’s your favorite birthday memory?
On my 35th birthday, my wife, who was marketing director at Oracle at the time, took me with her on a business trip to Boston. We went to a Harvard football game, stayed on the Boston Commons, visited Fenway and met new friends, but best of all, we took a two-day drive up to Maine visiting the many old towns of New England while enjoying the rich colors of leaves that I’d never before experienced in my life. The distinct hues of yellow, orange and red, are still vivid in my mind. Simply an incredible trip!
What do you love to do outside of work?
My main passion is my family. I enjoy attending the many soccer games, baseball games and school plays in which our children participate. We’re also active in various community activities at school and through other organizations we feel passionate about. Personally, I’ve been a fairly serious runner for the past 15 years. You can see me out in my Summit State Bank hat almost every morning.
Is there a motto that sums up your management style?
“Expect excellence in yourself.” We all have it in us, but we must work hard to discover it!
What’s the first thing you do every morning?
Make a fresh, strong cup of morning courage: Peets coffee.
What was your first car? How much did it cost and how long did it last?
It was a 1958 VW bug. I bought it in December 1975 when I was a senior at Menlo-Atherton High School. It cost $320 and to pay for it, I signed an IOU with my father at 8 percent interest. I sold it one year later for $320, which went immediately to the note holder (my father) to retire the debt.
What’s your favorite TV show?
“American Experience,” which focuses on the rich and varied history of our nation.
What’s your idea of a great dessert?
Being part of a large, close family, we celebrated each sibling’s birthday with a big family dinner. For me, as the fourth of five kids, it was an opportunity to be king for the day (all right, for a few hours) by being able to choose what we were having for dinner and, most important, dessert. I always chose German Chocolate cake—yum!
What’s one thing you know for sure?
Nothing of value comes easy. You have to work for it!
What’s the most important value you try to instill in your own children?
Treat everyone with respect. There are three words that I believe will get you further in life: “Please” and “thank you.”
