The best kind of lucky charm, seeking a personal best record and engaging the community
March 11, 2023
Council Bluffs, IA - When the world of banking and running collide. The annual Shamrock Shuffle winds through historic downtown Council Bluffs, with the finish line located in the historic 100 Block. Since 2019, TS Bank has been the presenting sponsor of this 5K race, which also includes an outdoor party with live music and local eats.
Michael Kaufmann, top Shamrock Shuffle finisher and financial analyst for TS Banking Group looked forward to this weekend's race, from a personal perspective and for the greater good of bringing the community together. The best kind of lucky charm. back-to-back Shamrock Shuffle champion and
“I always like to have an event or friendly competition to keep me focused and something to look forward to. Having a personal record is my goal, but being engaged in this community event is also a bonus.”
Michael’s training regimen includes Town Team basketball, which just finished at the end of February that built up his base running. The past few weeks he trained hard in preparation for today's race.
Competition aside, Michael really enjoys the community events The 712 Initiative hosts and knows they could also use more volunteers.
"I would recommend visiting the 712 Initiative's website and see if you can find time to help in an area that you are passionate about. They do a lot of great work! Secondly, I am also a fan of Teammates, who always has a need for a more one-to-one mentoring/role model type relationships with a younger person."
"Lastly, this was my first year as 'commissioner' of the Town Team league, and we could use another team or three to round out our competitive adult basketball league. It is primarily western Iowa, Harlan-area, Walnut, Elk Horn, Manilla and more. The games are Wednesday/Sunday in the winter with ten regular season games and a league tournament. Reach out to me if you are interested at Town Team Basketball."
Serving on the finance team, suits Michel’s strengths and he is proud to work for TS Banking Group. After his workday is done, he can be found trying a new hobby or being active.
“I signed up for a four-hour run in Neola at Arrowhead Park in late April. There are also 5K and 10K options available if interested. In May, I have an awesome trip planned with my brother to the Northeast U.S. at some great disc golf courses. My brother has a goal of playing a round in every state in the U.S. so I often tag along, as it is a great way to explore our country!”
Michael lives in the Harlan area on a farm outside Westphalia, where he grew up. Having spent about five years in Chicago post-college, he is happy to be back, closer to family.
“My nieces and nephews are growing up fast, and I'm glad to be the uncle around to keep them in-line and make sure that they are doing their push-ups. We have the multi-generation thing going on with my parents, my siblings and their kids all living pretty close to each other, which I think is pretty great and makes me proud to be an Iowan.”
Michael received second place overall in this year's Shamrock Shuffle. He has hopes to reclaim his first-place finishes from 2021 and 2022, but with his primary goal which is to run faster year over year with a personal best record.
If you would like to show your community support, come join in the fun and wear your green next year! Learn more here.
At TS Bank, we IGNITE PROSPERITY® by helping our clients do more with their money. Whether it’s saving a little extra cash each month or accomplishing a long-term strategy, our goal is to help you transform your financial life. Call and schedule an appointment today, one of our team members would love to help you do more with your money at TS Bank. TS Bank has eight locations in central and southwest Iowa. For more information visit tsbank.com or call 844-487-3030. #igniteprosperity