Anthony Paustian, PhD

Since its simple beginnings on the muddy streets of Valley Junction in 1893, West Bank has seen its share of change. As West Des Moines’ oldest existing business, the bank has survived recessions and a depression, 23 U.S. presidents have come and gone, and improvements to technology have dramatically changed all aspects of human life.

The 2023 Annual Report provides a snapshot of the bank's performance (listed on NASDAQ) while continuing the theme of "Standing Strong" and building on the brand story that was encapsulated within the book, Standing Strong, and the award-winning accompanying video. To view the annual report, CLICK HERE.

Standing Strong tells the more than 130-year story of West Bank, an award-winning Midwest regional bank.

Since its simple beginnings on the muddy streets of Valley Junction in 1893, West Bank has seen its share of change. As West Des Moines’ oldest existing business, the bank has survived recessions and a depression, 23 U.S. presidents have come and gone, and improvements to technology have dramatically changed all aspects of human life.

Despite it all, West Bank continues to thrive, regardless of what it faces. Its investment into people and deep-rooted relationships continues to be the strength behind its resilience and ability to weather changes in government policy, unprecedented interest rate hikes, and social expectations.

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Winner of 7 International/National Literary Awards

Drawing inspiration from the epic story of the Apollo Moon Program, collected research, and his own life experiences, Dr. Anthony Paustian outlines the many small steps it takes to achieve anything great in life. With the practical tools described in this imaginative, easy-to-read book, A Quarter Million Steps teaches the reader how to affect change and create success through imagination, creative problem-solving, effective leadership, mental focus, work ethic, teamwork, and an understanding of the role of perception. The reader will learn less about what to think and more about how to think.

FORWARD by Apollo 15 Astronaut Alfred Worden

Although there are many great books discussing traditional leadership, Beware the Purple People Eaters takes a slightly different view––effective leadership of others begins first with leading yourself. By incorporating personal observations, life experience, and collective history, Beware the Purple People Eaters encourages readers to consider a more introspective view of the necessary attributes of successful leadership, beginning with the lessons our parents taught us. Leadership is more than just buzzwords and metaphors; it’s about the values of imagination, resilience, integrity, self-discipline, and character (attributes sometimes too quickly dismissed as “old-fashioned”). In today’s trying times, this book makes a compelling case that these virtues are worth revisiting. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reflecting on your personal leadership style, life experiences, and hard-won lessons. Like the characters from The Wizard of Oz, you may discover that what you went looking for in the first place was within you all along.