Alex Roman is one of a growing number of hot, young professionals returning to Paducah after checking out the big city life. A new recruit to US Bank, Roman has worked and saved since the tender age of 10. Today at 24, he’s one of the youngest homeowners in town. Now that’s what we call havin’ some nice bank! Alex Roman, you are cute, cute, cute, no doubt about it! Your momma’s people are originally from here, right?
Yes, my mother’s side of the family, the Sheltons, had the Ethan Allen store on 3rd Street and the United Home Furnishings on Broadway since 1955. We closed those businesses three years ago.
And your dad’s people?
My dad is from Connecticut. He and my mom lived in the same apartment complex in Atlanta, which is how they met. After they married, they moved to Paducah and my dad got involved in the family business. They’re both retired now.
Did you graduate from Tilghman?
Yes, in 2001. Around that time, my grandfather got sick. I earned my associate’s degree at WKCTC so that I could stay here and help take care of him. I later transferred to UK-Lexington for a year, then to Murray. I graduated in 2005 with a political science degree.
And you came back to Paducah?
Yes, last summer I got my real estate license and worked for Sirk & Company.
You’re buddies with Ben Sirk, Jay Page and them. Y’all are around the same age, right?
Yes, we’ve been friends since grade school.
But then you left us again!
Last December, I decided I wanted to test the waters outside of Paducah for a while. So I moved to Louisville, and I really had a great time there. But it was not the direction I wanted to go.
Sounds like a woman was involved.
There was kind of a woman involved when I moved but by no means was that the sole reason I decided to leave.
Before I’d left, I’d set off some applications, and Susan Ybarzabal of US Bank called. We talked, and I came back and interviewed a few times. She gave me a chance, and I started in late August. I’m enjoying every minute of it.
What’s your job title?
I’m a universal banker.
Wow, that sounds so…intergalactical! Like you’re banker to the world!
I do a lot of everything. I help our walk-in traffic open accounts, and I work with CDs and IRAs. I’m in the middle of training, so I’m hitting the books so that I can get all my licenses.
Are you happy to be home?
It is good to be back in Paducah. It’s a really good decision.
You’ve always worked, haven’t you? Even when you were little?
My grandparents had me moving and helping to deliver furniture from a very young age. That was great because I learned every aspect of that business. And in high school, I worked in the kitchen at the Pines (now B. Russell’s), and I also worked for WO Gamble, which is now HB&Co.
Did you work for Todd Rose at HB?
Yes, I got all my experience under Todd. I attribute any sense of style that I have to Todd.
You are most definitely stylish. Why is it that a shirt, tie and watch can look so much better on one guy vs. another?
I think it’s the attention to detail. Oscar (Gamble) and Todd both say that anyone can dress, but few dress well. It’s the way you tie your tie. It’s your confidence. When you know you have the right clothes, you feel a lot better and you don’t second-guess yourself. What you wear is important. It’s the first thing people see.
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| Alex Roman refurbishes used cars, like this BMW 5 series, and sells them at a profit. Well, almost always at a profit. |
I bought my first car when I was 14. It was a 1966 Cadillac El Dorado, and I worked on it in our driveway. I bought it for $1,800 and sold it for $6,000. That got me hooked.
You were 14? You didn’t even have your driver’s license! Did you actually drive it?
I did drive it. I don’t know if I should admit to that.
How many cars have you bought and sold since then?
About 55.
Alex, 55 cars over nine years? That’s, um, wait a minute…six cars a year!
It was a hobby. Some I’d drive for a few months, then get tired of them and find a buyer. I made money on some and I lost money on others. But I met a lot of great people that way.
Which was your favorite?
I had a BMW M3 that I think was probably my favorite car. I sold it to a gentleman in St. Louis.
What do you drive now?
A Ford Crown Victoria.
Dude. That’s way different from a BMW M3.
It’s temporary. I just bought a house.
At 24? That’s pretty impressive!
It’s a two-bedroom house on Spring Street, right across from B. Russell’s.
How’s your golf game these days?
It’s OK. I usually in the high 70s or low 80s. It doesn’t matter what I shoot, I’m just happy to be out there.
You played in high school?
Yes. My grandfather was very good. He took me under his wing at a young age. I had my first lesson when I was 6.
And you’re a music fan.
I like just about all music. There’s something about older music that I like, so I listen to a lot of Big Band. But I also like alternative and rock.
How many songs are on your iPod?
About 7,000.
Wow! What song would most folks be surprised to find on your iPod?
I don’t know. Maybe something from Tupac.
Dude, respect!
Yeah, I like Tupac. I have other rap, too. Mostly older rap.
So tell us about your love life.
I’m real busy with work, but I do enjoy dating here.
Where do you like to go on dates?
I go to the Carson Center a lot. I’m looking forward to the Distillers Dinner.
That’s going to be an awesome event. What pointers would you offer young folks new to Paducah or returning home?
Join the Twenty Thirty Group. You can meet a lot of good people that way. And check ilistpaducah.com to find out what’s going on in town.
Have you found a non-profit group to align with yet? Non-profits always need bright, young, cute people to bring new ideas.
I’d like to do something to help fight Alzheimer’s. My grandfather had that. He and I were very close. I wouldn’t change staying here and being with him during his last years – I’ll remember that for the rest of my life. Alex Roman, Paducah is lucky to have you back home, Crown Victoria and all. And you can take that to US Bank – literally!
