A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Charlie Roberts

Charlie-RobertsYou may know him by his position at Horizon Bank; you may know him by his involvement around La Porte County with the United Way, NWI Leaders (Young Professional Network), and other organizations; or you may simply know him as “the guy with the cool hat”. Either way, Charlie Roberts is a known positive influence in the region and this week’s La Porte County Life in the Spotlight.

Roberts was born and raised in Michigan City, IN. He attended St. Paul’s, then Michigan City High School. He attended the International Business College in Fort Wayne, where he received a graphic design diploma. After he graduated, Roberts worked as a graphic artist, then car salesman, then obtained a position in Horizon Bank as a Personal Banker. He quickly moved up the ranks and became the Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager. As the AVP, Roberts must develop business. This means that he helps other businesses find ways to grow and ways to meet their needs; from financial advice to opening accounts, how to generate better cash flow, obtaining loans, etc.

“It’s great to see a business grow and be part of that growth,” Roberts said. “I think that’s what I enjoy the most about what I do. I get to help people with their dreams.”

He also stays involved in the community. Roberts stated that it was one of his favorite parts of working for Horizon because they really support his community involvement.

“My values align with Horizon’s values, which is the betterment of the community,” Roberts said.

Roberts is involved with a group called the NWI Leaders (Young Professional Network). About three years ago, Roberts noticed that there weren’t many young professionals out in the community. So he gathered a group of young professionals and formed this group as a means of supporting those who are starting out in their careers, creating and strengthening relationships, encouraging leadership, providing insight and advice, and strengthening the community.

“It helps empower you and it helps empower others. When you see another young professional doing great things and you think, ‘Wow! I can do that,’ or, “I thought I was doing a lot until I saw that,’. So this provides a place for young professionals to connect with other like-minded individuals for support so when they’re struggling with something they have somebody else to call on. It’s really great,” Roberts said. “And it isn’t only for young professionals. It’s for young leaders that just want to be more. Not all young people that are leaders are professionals.”

Roberts was recently named co-chair for the La Porte County United Way 2013 campaign. He is already a board member and in 2012 he was awarded the Horizon Bank’s Burton B. Ruby Award for his work in the community. Roberts was selected as Michiana’s Top 40 Under 40 for 2012 and he was nominated for the “Leaders as Heroes Award” at the 2012 South Shore Leadership Award Ceremony.

“I’m really passionate about the work I do for the La Porte County United Way,“ Roberts said. “I want to see that grow so we can continue to help more families in La Porte County.”

In his free time, Roberts spends time with his wife and four daughters. He digs camping with them and having family game nights. In the summer you’ll find him golfing and in the fall he shows his loyalty to the Bears (though he is a fan year-round).

“One thing I run into a lot when I talk with young professionals is this desire to be successful, and often they think that success happens when they get to a certain level. Success isn’t a finish point, it’s a journey. And that that’s what I try to tell them is to be proud of what you’re doing right now and enjoy the little successes in their lives because those little successes will add up to be that big success,” Roberts said. “I also tell them not to let the imperfections in our lives limit us. So often we’ll have these different failures in life and we feel like we’re not good enough. But we’re not supposed to be perfect so just accept those imperfections and make the most of them. Those imperfections make you who you are, but don’t let them limit you. And lastly, be a difference in someone’s life.”

A nod of agreement and approval goes out to this man with his strong morals, positive attitude, strong work ethic, and sweet hats. No more explanation is need as to why Charlie Roberts is a La Porte County Life in the Spotlight.