One of our core values at Endeavor Bank is kaizen – continuous improvement and change for the better. We’re shining a spotlight on our Vice President - Deposit Solutions Manager Bryan Shull for exemplifying this value through his service as board chair of East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC).  

Kaizen in Action 

“Before I worked at Endeavor Bank, I heard Dan (Yates) and Steve (Sefton) talk about the consultative banking approach that distinguishes Endeavor, and I thought, ‘Hey, that sounds just like what the ECEDC does,’” said Bryan. 

Bryan has been involved with the ECEDC for over 10 years (partially pre-dating his time with Endeavor Bank) and just wrapped up his two-year term as board chair. Now, he serves as immediate-past chair. 

Bryan says that being in front of people of East County who are business oriented but also want to make a difference for the entire East County region is what he values most from his ECEDC leadership.  

“I was surrounded by individuals who spend time to make things better,” he added.  

It’s the exact thing that resonated with Bryan when he heard our CEO Dan and President Steve talk about growing Endeavor Bank. That growth happens because our professionals spend time getting to know our clients’ businesses and go the extra mile to facilitate their growth.  

In fact, after Bryan joined Endeavor Bank, his long-standing relationships within the ECEDC community helped introduce local business leaders to Endeavor's consultative approach to banking. One conversation at an ECEDC event, alongside Senior Vice President Tim McDougal, highlighted how trusted relationships and shared values can naturally lead to new opportunities. 

Discovering ECEDC 

Bryan knew he wanted to be part of ECEDC after touring Deering Banjo in Spring Valley. (Fun fact: Deering has supplied banjos to Mumford and Sons as well as Steve Martin.) Bryan befriended a woman who had also signed up for the tour, and he was surprised when she seemed to know nearly as much about Deering Banjo as their tour guide. 

“Turns out, she was Jo Marie Diamond with the East County Economic Development Council,” said Bryan. “She was fun and smart, and I asked how to get engaged with her organization. She said come to open board meeting, and then if I show some effort, I might be invited onto the board.” 

ECEDC’s mission of promoting economic development, spurring stimulation of investment in East County and fostering partnership and cooperation among businesses and organizations throughout San Diego County resonated with Bryan. He soon recruited other members to the organization and subsequently received an invitation to join the board.  

Making an Impact 

Bryan has a soft spot for the ECEDC Manufacturing Expo, as he played a key role in recruiting manufacturing participants, starting with its launch 10 years ago. He is also proud of the work ECEDC has done for LEAP (La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program) and the deep connection with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).  

Recently, at the ECEDC annual meeting and board turnover event, Bryan was presented with a proclamation from Supervisor Joel Anderson’s office making it “Bryan Shull Day” in the East County for his devoted leadership. 

The Personal Connection 

Bryan lives in East County and splits his time between our La Mesa and downtown offices, so the proclamation meant a lot to him.  

In addition to the incredible people and businesses in East County, Bryan loves the area because, “It’s urban but it has rural roots,” he said. “My kids are growing up here, and our family gets to have an impact on making it a better, stronger community.”  

We commend Bryan for his service – to his clients, to ECEDC and to our local communities. You embody the entrepreneurial banking spirit, Bryan!