We spoke with Tricia Edsall, senior vice president and regional manager of UMB’s real estate group, to learn more about her career, personal interests, and how a medical diagnosis has impacted her life and work.

Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Kearney, Missouri, where I graduated from Kearney High School. I later received an associate’s degree in accounting and business management from Metropolitan Community College and a construction lending and real estate law certificate from MBA.

I have been married to my husband, Rob, for more than 26 years and we have two amazing children, Hailey, 24, and Andrew, 17.

In 2016, my life changed when I had a stroke. MRI tests identified a blockage in my carotid artery along with lesions in all four quadrants of my brain, which is a sign of multiple sclerosis (MS). Ever since my MS diagnosis, I’ve been educating myself on the disease along with being an advocate and member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.‡ And in 2025, I accepted the Kansas City MS Dinner of Champions Chair position.

Tell us about your career path and how you grew into your current position.

I began my professional career in 1996 at Commerce Bank in the commercial loans accounting department. A year later, I transitioned to the commercial real estate department becoming the commercial real estate manager in 1999, serving in this role for 22 years.

In 2013, and each year thereafter, Cydney Gurgens, president of the commercial real estate group at UMB, approached me to work for her. In 2021, she finally caught me at moment in my career where it was necessary for me to manage my work-life balance, so I accepted a position as relationship manager in December 2021. In April 2022, I was promoted to regional manager of UMB’s real estate group.

What drew you to the financial services industry?

I went to college with the goal of becoming a surgeon, as math and science were my two strongest subjects. However, while in college, one of my science professors and mentors noticed I had a significant passion for numbers and recommended I look into an accounting degree. So, while I continued my education and tried to figure out what I wanted to do as a career, Commerce Bank attended my college for career day. It was there that I inquired about potential positions and was then hired as a commercial loan accountant.

What can you share about your UMB experience so far?

The people and culture at UMB are amazing. UMB focuses first on associates and hiring the best people to provide outstanding service to our clients. The average tenure for a UMB associate is 8.15 years, which is nearly twice the industry average. UMB is also very supportive professionally and personally and work ethic is about quality, not quantity.

How would you guide other professionals in finding balance?

  • Set boundaries: Unplug from work after hours and avoid taking work home when possible.
  • Prioritize tasks: Focus on important tasks first and delegate when possible to avoid becoming overwhelmed. It’s OK to say “no” to extra work when you are already overloaded.
  • Focus: Use time intentionally both at work and at home.
  • Take breaks and use vacation time: Take regular breaks throughout the day to prevent burnout and use your vacation time to relax and recharge both physically and mentally.

What’s on the horizon for you?

Professionally, my goal is to climb the leadership ladder while continuing to coach, manage, grow and develop upcoming financial professionals — because they are our future — and help contribute toward the growth and expansion of our CRE portfolio, client relationships, and company goals.

Are you involved with any community or civic organizations?

I am passionate about serving in community organizations, mentoring and coaching people. I am a member of Discover KC Church, KC CREW‡, Urban Land Institute‡, and chair of the MS Dinner of Champions 2025.

What advice would you share with an incoming financial professional?

Practice like you’ve never won and play like you’ve never lost because hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.  Always strive to have the eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith. And remember, your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, and how you leave others feeling after having an experience with you is your trademark. Mostly importantly, take care of yourself, including your well-being, health, social outlets, volunteering, spending quality time with family and friends, and practicing self-care.

What do you do in your free time?

I love watching and playing sports, including baseball, softball, basketball, football, golf, and volleyball. I also enjoy travelling, especially near oceans, spending time with family and friends, and taking our boat out on the lake.

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