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A Strategic Framework for Community Bank CEOs

 
Built from the CEO seat — not theory or transaction hype.

 

The Community Bank Value™ Playbook is a video and audio series designed for community bank CEOs who want to understand where value actually comes from — and how strategic leverage is created.

This is not about selling your bank.
It’s about clarity, optionality, and understanding your strategic position before you’re forced to answer the question out loud.

Whether you remain independent for decades, pass leadership to the next generation, or evaluate opportunities someday, this framework is designed to help you lead from understanding — not pressure.

Start with Episode 1 →

Who This Is For

This series is for community bank CEOs who:

  • Are responsible for the future direction of the bank

  • Carry responsibility for shareholders, employees, and their community

  • Carry strategic questions they can’t safely discuss — even with peers

  • Want to be prepared for board-level conversations without signaling intent

This is not tactical M&A training.
It’s not deal promotion.
And it’s not about preparing your bank for sale.

It’s about understanding your options — whether you ever use them or not.

What You'll Learn

Across Season One of the Community Bank Value™ Playbook, you’ll gain clarity on:

  • The 8 value drivers buyers actually care about

  • How confident CEOs answer strategic questions without creating alarm

  • Why timing, not just performance, creates leverage

  • How the Strategic Window opens — and closes

  • Why valuation multiples mislead CEOs

  • What contracts can — and can’t — protect

  • How deal structure affects influence after closing

These aren’t academic concepts.

They’re patterns learned under real responsibility.

How to Use This Series

This is not a course.
It’s not designed to be consumed all at once.

Start with Episode 1.
Move at your own pace.
Each episode stands on its own — but together they form a complete framework.

Some CEOs listen weekly.
Others return to specific episodes when questions arise.

There’s no “right” pace — only informed leadership.

Start with Episode 1 →

Optional Resources

If you’d like additional orientation or perspective, two optional resources are available. 

Community Bank Value™ Strategic Readiness Score
A brief, eight-question diagnostic designed to help you assess where your bank is positioned today — discreetly and without obligation.

New Listener Resource Guide
An overview of the foundational episodes, how the framework fits together, and the best way to engage with the series.

Both are designed to support clarity — not create pressure.

About Kurt Knutson

Kurt Knutson spent four decades in community banking, founding and leading a community bank as CEO and Chairman.

He navigated capital raises, board dynamics, growth cycles, succession planning, and a competitive strategic process — from inside the seat.

Everything shared in the Community Bank Value™ Playbook comes from that perspective — shaped by real decisions and real consequences.

The best decisions come from knowing all your options.

You don’t have to decide anything today. You just need clarity.