Vernon started his first bank by the age of 26. He applied retail principles from car dealerships and used his insights from developing sites for the very man, who built McDonald's into world's most successful fast food operation, Ray Croc. Here he learned the importance of standardised presentation and scale economies in retailing.

Vernon believes that the value of a bank is in its deposits. He says that customers will be willing to give more of their deposits in exchange for a better banking experience, and that great companies are built by creating Fans not Customers. By applying this philosophy, Vernon built Commerce Bank into one of the largest banks in America with 15,000 team members, 500 branches and $50 billion of assets. It was purchased in July 2007 by TD Financial for $8.5 billion. Commerce Bank was voted the best bank in America in 2006, 2007 and 2008 by JD Power and Associates for its absolute commitment to Customers. It also produced exceptional shareholder returns.

Vernon is Chairman of Pet Plan North America, Hill -Townsend, co-chairman of Bankstocks.com and principal of Saladworks. He is a graduate of Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

We will talk to Vernon about his incredibly effective marketing tactics, how excellent customer service creates value and long term customer satisfaction and how to disruptive an entire industry.