Meet Andy Jockheck, the vice president/branch manager of Umpqua Bank in Post Falls. Andy has been serving in the banking industry for over 30 years. With a deep understanding of his clients' needs, he strives to make their dreams a reality. Beside his commitment to his clients, he is passionate about serving the community and volunteers with United Way and Post Falls Education Foundation. Originally from Pierre, S.D., he has made Idaho his home for the past six years, where he resides with his wife, Joie, and their two sons, Carter and Bennett. Andy has fully embraced North Idaho's lifestyle and enjoys watching his son play for the Coeur d’Alene Vikings, as well as spending quality time with his family, whether it's boating, biking, or exploring the great outdoors.

1) What are you working on with United Way of North Idaho's Early Learning Collaborative?

As a recent addition to the Early Learning Collaborative committee, my focus has been on understanding the impact of state and federal grants and their recent decrease on early childhood centers' funding and sustainability. My aim is to support the owners of these facilities by providing them with a fresh business perspective on crucial areas such as budgeting, taxes, insurance and business structure needs. Ultimately, my goal is to create a comprehensive, professional "one-stop" service for child care providers, which will ensure they can efficiently manage all aspects of their business.

2) Why is it important to provide a network of support and resources for child care providers, and what benefit does this provide to the community as a whole?

After acclimating to the community, I noticed a significant demand for early childhood centers in North Idaho. Having grown up with a mother who ran a successful home daycare for over four decades, I understood the importance of providing a network of support and resources for child care providers. By leveraging my business expertise, I aim to strengthen and empower early childhood centers in the area, helping aspiring providers get started and existing ones to run successful businesses. Ultimately, my objective is to ensure that quality early childhood education is accessible to all children in the community. By providing a strong network of support and resources, we can collectively work toward this goal, benefiting the community as a whole.

3) Why spend your own precious time volunteering to help others through the United Way?

As a parent and business leader in the community, I'm passionate about making a positive impact where I can. Through my involvement with the United Way, I can leverage my expertise and experience to support child care providers and facilities. By offering a strong foundation of support, I can help create a positive and enriching learning environment for our community's children. Ultimately, volunteering with the United Way is a win-win, as it allows me to make a meaningful contribution to the community while also fulfilling my personal passion for helping others.

4) What's something people would be surprised to learn about you?

You might be surprised to learn that I'm a proud and active member of the Post Falls Education Foundation. In this role, I work to raise awareness and funds to fulfill classroom grants for educators within the Post Falls School District. It's incredibly fulfilling to support the educational needs of our community's children, and I believe it's important to recognize the vital role that the community plays in raising our children. Truly, it takes a village to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for our kids, and I'm honored to be a part of that effort.

5) What are a few tips and tricks that can help people of any income bracket be a bit smarter with their money?

Managing your expenses is key to smart money management, regardless of your income level. One helpful strategy is to create and stick to a budget, which can help you stay disciplined with your spending. Your local bank can be a great resource for tools and resources to help you manage your finances effectively. Remember, while you can't always control your income, you can control how you spend your money, so make the most of your resources by being smart with your budget.