Five-year-old Landon and nine-month-old Collin call him "Daddy," but at First Fidelity Bank, Stephen Adamo is a business banker for the south commercial team, a position he holds in "very high regard."

Finding a balance between his two jobs of father and banker is all about staying grounded and keeping priorities straight, Adamo, 33, said.

"It's easy to get caught up," said Adamo, assistant vice-president of business development. "But I decided when my first child was born that my family came first and, lucky for me, my employer agrees."

Adamo earned his bachelor's degree in social psychology and his master's in human relations at the University of Oklahoma.

Soon after he tossed the tassle, Adamo started "putting in his stripes."

Before arriving at First Fidelity Bank, he spent several years as the executive director of the Moore Chamber of Commerce and director of member services for the Norman Chamber of Commerce.

He's ambitious, but Adamo says he knows "nothing will be handed to you."

Arrogance does not lead to promotion, and it's best to be patient and work hard, Adamo says. Every job is an experience. Not just something to add to a resume, but an encounter from which one can grow.

"You can't ever be satisfied with where you are because then there's nothing to look forward to," Adamo said. "Why settle when the world has so much to offer?"

The bank executive also holds positions in several community organizations, including the Norman Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Norman and the Moore Public Schools Foundation. In 1994, he was named Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year for his work as "Power of One" Campaign Chair. He also is a graduate of the 1998 Leadership Norman class.

Despite all his accomplishments and efforts in the community, Adamo said he's just getting started.

"I don't think I've arrived," Adamo said. "I have so much to learn still, but the future keeps me sharp and on my toes."