WASHINGTON (NNPA)—For many professionals, the road to success starts with humble beginnings. Because B. Doyle Mitchell Jr., president and CEO of Industrial Bank, inherited his business, he has felt he has always had something extra to prove.
“There’s the impression that, in many cases, you haven’t earned it,” the 53-year-old banker said in an interview. “I dealt with that by working very hard.” He explained that, although he felt fortunate to have the opportunities he was presented with, he made sure it was clear that he earned it. “My work spoke for itself. I try to be twice as good as anybody else,” Mitchell explained.
Industrial Bank, which was founded in 1934 in Washington, D.C., is the only remaining African American-owned institution of its kind in the district. In 1993, Mitchell became president of the bank, which continued the family’s longstanding tradition of keeping leadership within the family. The bank has $370 million in assets and eight branches spanning the D.C. metro area and Prince George’s County in Maryland.
Growing up, there was an unspoken expectation that Mitchell would take on the position once his father stepped down. At 16, his first summer job would give him insight into the banking business as well as a perspective on the people whose lives would be touched by the work he would be able to do.
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