News - June 7, 2010

Spotlight on Success: Sean Kouplen, CEO of Regent Bank and published author
Kimberly Hill

6/7/2010

What drove you to write about transitioning from college to career?

I could not find a book that said, “OK, this is what life’s going to be like when you get out of school.” “Out of the Blocks” has now been in the top 100 for Amazon.com nationwide. The book has sold like crazy, and I’ve gone all over the country speaking to universities.

How do you typically start your day?

The first thing I do every morning is work out. I always read the paper and have a quiet time, where I try to get centered. And I try to start every day organized. I think it’s critical to have a specific set of things you want to accomplish. I have three kids, so hopefully all that is done by the time they wake up, because then it’s mass chaos until we get out the door.

How has the bank fared during the downturn?

The bank is very safe and secure and has grown well. We have endured probably the toughest two-year period ever in our industry — and we’ve more than doubled in size, and our stock value is up 40 percent. I am just really proud of our team. I think you can accomplish a lot of things if your people really enjoy what they’re doing, so we try to create that kind of an atmosphere here.

Are you as excited as we are about your 40 Under 40 speech?

I’m really excited about speaking at the 40 Under 40 event (June 15). I try to make my speeches relevant for the folks who are there. So, I really think the people who come, whether they are the award recipients or other businesspeople, will get something out of it that they can physically take and use.

Is there a second book in the making?

I have my outline for the second book, but I have not written it yet. I need to spotlight an individual who is a little later in his career, and all of the dreams he had when he graduated from college have not come true. He is going to meet a mentor who teaches him how the principle of giving professionally, personally and spiritually leads to a more successful life.