Brandon Crowson (First Vice President, IBC Bank | Adjunct Professor of Finance, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi)

Join us as we recognize Brandon Crowson, a proud member of the BPA community and leader in the banking industry, whose BPA experience was about more than competition—it was where he discovered the confidence to lead and realized he could make an impact.

Brandon currently serves as First Vice President at International Bank of Commerce, where he helps business owners grow their companies and achieve their financial goals. His journey began in BPA (a student member from 2009-2014), where competing in Banking and Finance and serving as a Texas BPA officer helped him build confidence, leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.

His BPA journey has come full circle as he continues to invest in the next generation through the BPA Texas Association Board of Directors and the National Business Advisory Committee. Get inspired by Brandon’s insight below:

What are you doing in your career now, and how did you get there?

I currently serve as First Vice President of International Bank of Commerce (IBC Bank), where I work with business owners to help them grow their companies and achieve their financial goals. My role involves business and people development, relationship management, and structuring financial solutions for businesses across a wide range of industries. Looking back, BPA played a significant role in shaping my interest in business and leadership. The confidence and skills I gained through BPA helped create the foundation for my career, and that connection has remained strong. In addition to my professional career, I have served on the Business Professionals of America Texas Association Board of Directors since 2021 and was recently invited to join BPA’s National Business Advisory Committee.

What are some of your favorite memories of being a BPA member?

Some of my favorite memories were serving as an officer for Texas BPA, preparing for competitions, traveling to state and national conferences, and building friendships with students who shared similar interests in business and leadership. BPA created opportunities to challenge myself, learn from others, and step outside my comfort zone. The excitement of competition was always rewarding, but the relationships and experiences are what I remember most.

What events did you compete in during BPA?

During my time as a member, I competed in Banking and Finance. This competition pushed me to think critically and perform under pressure. Those experiences provided real-world skills that have served me well throughout my career.

What were some valuable skills you gained through BPA, and how have they helped you in your career?

BPA helped me develop essential skills including public speaking, leadership, teamwork, networking, and time management. One of the most valuable lessons was learning how to communicate confidently in front of judges, peers, and business professionals. Today, those skills are critical in banking, where building relationships, earning trust, and effectively communicating with clients and colleagues are central to success.

What was your proudest accomplishment during BPA?

My proudest accomplishment wasn’t necessarily a specific award or competition result. It was discovering the confidence to lead and the realization that I could make an impact. That experience ultimately led to my continued involvement with BPA as an alumnus. Serving on the Texas Association Board of Directors and now the National Business Advisory Committee has allowed me to give back to an organization that played such an important role in my own development.

What is one piece of career advice you wish you had known as a BPA member?

Success is built on relationships as much as it is on knowledge and technical skills. Early in your career, focus on building genuine connections, seeking mentors, and learning from those around you. The opportunities that come from strong relationships often have just as much impact as your education or experience.

Who had the biggest impact on your BPA journey, and why?

My teachers, advisors, and mentors had the biggest impact on my BPA journey. They saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. They encouraged me to take on challenges, develop leadership skills, and pursue opportunities that helped me grow both personally and professionally. Their investment in students is one of the reasons I’ve remained involved with BPA. I wanted the opportunity to help inspire and support the next generation of business professionals, just as others did for me.

Inspirational Quote

Don’t be afraid to raise your hand, take the challenge, or step into leadership. The opportunities that feel uncomfortable today often shape your future.