Bank of Bozeman Celebrates 10+ Years Supporting Montana Entrepreneurs, Q&A with President Clinton Gerst
Quick Facts:
Company: Bank of Bozeman
Location: Bozeman, Montana
Industry: Banking
Founded: 2005
Employees: 20 employees
Key Leaders: As a small bank, all of our employees wear multiple hats and are key to our success.
How did Bank of Bozeman get started?
We opened for business on April 15, 2005. By the end of 2005, we had attracted 133 stockholders who shared our vision of what a local bank can be, and out of those, approximately 100 were local investors. Today, there are just under 200 stockholders.
What does your company do?
Bank of Bozeman is a local, independently owned community bank. We provide financial services and years of expertise to many individuals and businesses in the Gallatin Valley and surrounding areas.
Who are your customers?
Our customers are people who value the same things that our employees value in Montana. They enjoy spending time outdoors, usually on the slopes, hiking in the mountains, biking on our many trails, or cheering on the Bobcats. Many are business savvy entrepreneurs who chose the Gallatin Valley and seek a local bank to help build their business. They believe in giving back to the community; they are relationship driven, and appreciate the expertise that Bank of Bozeman provides.
Who do you hire?
We have a diverse team here at Bank of Bozeman with many years of expertise; from current MSU students, to recent grads on up to Commercial Lenders who combined have over 75 years of banking experience. We have four employees who have been with the bank almost since the beginning. We believe that everyone brings something to our team and encourage our employees to grow with our company.
What is special about your company?
I think that because we’re a small business our self, we are best suited to help local entrepreneurs reach their goals. Our goal isn’t to be a ‘big bank’ but to be a great partner and we know that our clients appreciate that we’re independently owned. We also rotate local artists through the Bank as part of our Artist In Residence Program.
What bests illustrates what you do and why you do it?
Character and integrity mean more to us than a strong balance sheet. We have made loans to individuals and companies who have modest resources but we know that they will work hard to honor their commitments. If times get tough they know we will work with them to see them through it. Our depositors know their money is hard at work in our community with good borrowers and projects.
What are your plans for the future?
We will work as a team to grow our business responsibly by delivering exceptional relationship banking through focused solutions for our valued clients, listening and meeting their needs. We plan to maintain our independence and give back to the community we live and work in.
Why are you in Montana?
When I interviewed for this position at Bank of Bozeman, my wife told me that even if I didn’t get the job, she wanted to live here.
What do you like about Montana? Your community?
Bozeman offers culture, beautiful surroundings, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
I enjoy hiking and fishing in the summer and skiing in the winter. I occasionally try a round of golf.
Is there anything else you want us to know?
One more thing, if you don’t already bank with us, please come by and see how we are different from other banks. We are proud that we rarely lose clients to other banks, and we would love to show you why.
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