River City Bank’s Michael Bloss, VP and Relationship Manager, is a trusted resource for clients seeking a banker who understands their business and can connect the dots with the right banking solutions. We caught up with Michael to talk about an upbringing shaped by family and hard work, plus his strong ties to the Tahoe area, where he recharges by staying active outdoors. From learning the ropes in his family’s restaurant to drawing inspiration from leaders who lead with integrity, Michael’s answers share what keeps him focused, motivated, and grounded at work and beyond.
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
First Job: My first job was bussing tables at my dad’s restaurant on Lake Tahoe, eventually waiting tables, then moving into the kitchen. It taught me early lessons about work ethic, customer service, and what it takes to run a business.
First Car: 1993 Nissan Altima
Favorite Movie: Caddy Shack is one of my favorite movies.
Favorite Song: “Dashboard” by Modest Mouse.
First Concert: My first concert was probably Matchbox Twenty, but I attended countless shows growing up because my dad’s concessions company serviced the amphitheater in Wheatland. I didn’t appreciate how unique that experience was until later in life.
Favorite City to Visit: San Francisco. My wife and I enjoy escaping Sacramento on the 4th of July to the SF beaches.
Favorite Place in California: Truckee and the greater Tahoe area. I snowboard there throughout the winter and spend most summer weekends hiking, camping, or relaxing at the lake.
First App You Check in the Morning: Outlook — I like to stay ahead of any client inquiries that come in overnight.
What Are You Reading Right Now? I’m re-reading Jim Collins’ books Good to Great and Great by Choice.
Morning Ritual: Wake up, respond to emails, hit the gym at 6:00, have a protein shake, and then begin the workday.
If You Had an Extra Hour in the Day: I’d spend it working out or taking a long walk — anything to keep moving.
Radio or Podcasts? Radio for everyday driving; audiobooks for longer trips.
Coffee or Tea Order: Flat white with an extra shot — typically four shots total.
Favorite Hero/Heroine of Fiction: Batman. He doesn’t have superpowers, yet he still commits himself fully to protecting others.
Which Talent Would You Most Like to Have? To play a musical instrument like the guitar or piano. I don’t naturally have an artistic side, so it would be rewarding to develop one.
Which Causes/Nonprofits Do You Support? I’m passionate about supporting food security. While at Sacramento State, I helped found the campus food pantry and still follow the organization today. Through my role at the bank, I also enjoy supporting the incredible nonprofits we partner with and learning about their missions.
Your Idea of Perfect Happiness: A sunny winter day in Tahoe, looking out over the vistas with my wife from one of the peaks at Sugar Bowl. The cold, crisp air always brings a sense of peace and clarity.
What Did You Want to Be When You Were a Child? Like many kids, I wanted to be a president or a CEO. Not many children dream of being bankers — sometimes it takes life experience to discover your calling.
Your Greatest Fear: As the oldest son, I’ve always felt responsible for supporting my family. My greatest fear is not being able to help when they need it most.
Which Living Person Do You Most Admire? My father. He instilled a strong work ethic in me, supported our family, and has always been a source of guidance and mentorship.
Your Greatest Extravagance: My wife and I enjoy dining at Michelin-starred restaurants when we travel. Our most extravagant experience so far was Gordon Ramsay’s three-star restaurant in London.
Your Current State of Mind: Calm but focused.
Best Piece of Business Advice You’ve Received: A mentor once told me to always position myself in a department that generates revenue — that’s where the greatest opportunities for growth and advancement are. That advice was a major reason I gravitated toward sales and relationship management.
Your Greatest Achievement: Marrying my wife, Jessica, last year at the top of a mountain in South Lake Tahoe.
What You Like Best About Working at River City Bank: I appreciate RCB’s nimbleness. Even with a strong corporate structure, the bank maintains an entrepreneurial spirit that encourages trying new things and pursuing emerging opportunities.