Tim Kotnour
PRESIDENT & CEO
The best part of what I do?
I like solving problems for clients, colleagues and prospects. When I can help do that, good things tend to follow.
One of my favorite business solutions I've provided to a current customer?
I had the opportunity to provide Treasury Management reviews for some current clients. Using technology to bring the bank to them and helping them save money through automation, as well as making things go faster for their business, was a solution I was proud to show them.
When I am not helping clients – what do I do for fun?
Spend time with my family as well as golf and coach my kids' various sports teams.
Years in the industry:
30 years of serving commercial and small business clients.
Contact me:
Mark Carpenter
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Why do I do what I do?
I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and I enjoy meeting true entrepreneurs and listening to their journey and what inspired them to become business owners. I consider it a privilege to work on their behalf and I seek to be a trusted advisor with all my customers.
The best part of what I do?
When customers refer to me as a partner and a trusted advisor.
One of my favorite business solutions I've provided to a current customer?
I lead a consortium of local banks with a funding project for the expansion of two separate facilities to the same borrower. My mortgaging recommendations led to lowered costs to the client as it only required one appraisal.
When I am not helping clients – what do I do for fun?
Spending quality time with my family, small home/construction projects, golfing and fishing.
Years in the industry:
34 years of Banking Experience, 30 years of Business Banking Experience.
Contact me:
Lucas Schulte
MARKET PRESIDENT - SPARTA, WI
Why do you do what you do? I enjoy helping customers to enhance and protect their financial well-being.
What is the best part of what you do? I enjoy helping customers achieve their financial goals. I find gratification in providing financial solutions to an individual, farm, or business, and seeing the success that comes from that advice, and I am humbled when that customer refers family, friends, or colleagues to me.
One of your favorite solutions you have provided to a customer or associate? And what did it mean to them personally or to their business?
“One of your favorite solutions you have provided to a customer or associate? And what did it mean to them personally or to their business? All too often, a financial institution will dictate when payments are due, but in some industries, such as agriculture, income can vary from month to month. If it doesn’t match the cash flow, it sets the business up for failure. On numerous occasions I’ve helped customers improve their cash flow simply by listening to the them and understanding their businesses. In the end, both the customer and the bank are happy and less stressed because it’s a repayment plan that works for everyone.
When you are not helping clients – what do you do for fun? I enjoy hunting, fishing, golfing, motorcycling, and spending time with family.
Education: BS – Finance and Computer Science UW-Platteville
Years in the industry: 16 years in the financial industry
Banking experience: 16 Years in the Financial Industry, over 6 years in Ag/Commercial Lending
Tim Willenbring
VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS BANKING
Why I do what I do?
Growing up in a family that ran a small business I know the hard work and dedication it takes to make a business a success. As a commercial lender, I enjoy being a small part of the team that helps my customers succeed and their businesses to thrive.
One of my favorite business solutions I've provided to a current customer?
Anytime you can remedy a problem a business is experiencing when it comes to the "banking side" of their business it gives a greater sense of satisfaction. Business owners are pulled in many directions and I enjoy making the banking aspect as pain free as possible so they can concentrate on running their business.
When I am not helping clients – what do I do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with family on the river, helping coach kids sporting teams and cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers.
Education/experience:
BS – UW – Eau Claire
Years in the industry:
14 in commercial lending, 7 in La Crosse market.
Contact me:
Robert Warren
SMALL BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP MANAGER
Why do you do what you do? I enjoy hearing new ideas from local entrepreneurs and helping them develop those new ideas into a reality. It is a rewarding process to provide banking solutions to small business owners and see those businesses grow and become successful.
What is the best part of what you do? Witnessing first hand, the passion, drive, and hard work that many small business owners embrace every day.
One of your favorite solutions you have provided to a customer or associate? And what did it mean to them personally or to their business? Working with a colleague to provide financing to an individual who was purchasing a business that he had worked at for over 11 years. At the closing, seeing the excitement of the business owner and his family as they were taking their first picture together with “Dad” as the new owner.
When you are not helping clients – what do you do for fun? I bowl competitively in tournaments and local leagues around the area. Every year our team goes to the Open Championships which are held in various locations around the United States.
Education: BS- Viterbo University
Banking experience: 5 years
Years in the industry: 5 years
Nate Zitelman
VICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS BANKING
Why do you do what you do? I find banking to be personally rewarding by making a positive economic impact in the communities we serve.
What is the best part of what you do? I enjoy building relationships with clients by understanding what their financial goals and needs are and then tailoring a solution to help them achieve their goals.
One of your favorite solutions you have provided to a customer or associate? And what did it mean to them personally or to their business? I had a chance to work with a client that was looking to grow their business through acquisitions and the purchase of a new office building. I worked closely with the client on a debt restructure that would benefit their operating cash flow and allow them the opportunity for future acquisitions. It was a solution they appreciated and resulted in additional business and referrals.
When you are not helping clients – what do you do for fun? I enjoy spending time with family, hunting, golfing and traveling.
Education: University of Iowa – BS - Finance
Banking experience: Northern Trust Corporation for 7.5 years (Chicago, IL) and Fidelity Bank & Trust for 3.5 Years (Dubuque, IA)
Years in the industry: 11 Years
Sandy Steele
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURY MANAGEMENT OFFICER
Why do you do what you do?
I enjoy working with the different people and getting to know them. I enjoy the challenges that the different businesses have.
What is the best part of what you do?
Getting to know the customers and working with them.
One of your favorite solutions you have provided to a current customer or associate? And What did it mean to them or their business?
I enjoy helping our customers save time and money. I also like to make sure that our customers are using the services that we offer to keep them safe and make their jobs more efficient.
When you are not helping clients – what do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with my whole family. I enjoy being outdoors, gardening, and having campfires.
Years in the industry:
30 years in banking. Deposit Services Manager /Supervisor for the past 11 years.
Contact me:
