Discover the impact of Habitat for Humanity in Waukesha County on the latest Keeping it Local Podcast episode. Host Richie Burke, along with guests Joe Bogenberger, Jim Tarantino, and Melissa Songco, explores the inspiring Dominica Park project—a unique collaboration addressing the community's need for affordable housing.

With 34 years of experience, Habitat for Humanity Waukesha County has built 55 homes, emphasizing simplicity, decency, and affordability through partnerships with volunteers and the community. The Dominica Park project, an 18-lot, 20-unit subdivision, stands out as a rare instance where a Habitat branch builds an entire subdivision, showcasing successful collaboration with First Federal Bank and Capri Communities.

Delve into the broader impact of affordable housing on community fabric, workforce recruitment, and family stability. Melissa Songco highlights various Habitat initiatives, including the ReStore and a repair program. Look ahead to Habitat's ambitious goals—building 20 homes, completing 30 repairs, and expanding into three communities annually by 2033.

The episode concludes with heartwarming stories illustrating the profound impact of Habitat's work on individuals and families. Subscribe to the Keeping it Local Podcast for more uplifting stories of community impact and consider getting involved through volunteering or contributing your expertise.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstfederalbankofwi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-federal-bank-of-wisconsin

Website: https://www.firstfederalwisconsin.com/

Join host Richie Burke in this episode of the Keeping It Local podcast, powered by First Federal Bank, as industry experts Edward Schaefer, President & CEO at First Federal, Kirk Hovde, Managing Principal & Head of Investment Banking at Hovde Group, and John Reichert, Attorney at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, delve into the ever-changing landscape of community banking.

Explore the challenges posed by regulatory changes, rising interest rates, and technological advancements. Discover insights on the importance of scale, the impact of mergers and acquisitions, and strategies for community banks to stay nimble and relevant in the face of evolving financial dynamics. Tune in for a deep dive into the future outlook and opportunities for community banks over the next five years.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstfederalbankofwi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-federal-bank-of-wisconsin

Website: https://www.firstfederalwisconsin.com/

In this episode of the "Keeping It Local" podcast, powered by First Federal Bank, join host Richie Burke as he delves into the world of affordable banking and financial empowerment with special guests Constance Alberts, Director of Bank On Greater Milwaukee, Rick Beutler, VP of Consumer Banking at First Federal, and Anna Fragoso, Branch Manager at First Federal Bank.

Discover how Bank On and First Federal are creating stronger financial futures by ensuring everyone has access to safe and affordable banking services. Learn about the impact of programs like the Fresh Start checking account and the ITIN application process, along with the transformative power of financial literacy education. Hear inspiring success stories that highlight the positive changes brought about by financial inclusion, and find out how you can access these valuable services. Join us in the journey towards financial empowerment and inclusion for all.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstfederalbankofwi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-federal-bank-of-wisconsin

Website: https://www.firstfederalwisconsin.com/

Welcome to the Keeping It Local podcast, powered by First Federal Bank. In this episode, host Richie Burke explores the challenges and opportunities of buying and selling a business with Brian McManus, Chief Banking Officer at First Federal Bank, and two business owners, Kevin Seiberlich and Buddy Robinson, who recently acquired the manufacturer Fabricated Metal Products.

Kevin and Buddy discuss their journey of searching for the right business and the process they went through to acquire Fabricated Metal Products. They talk about the qualities they look for in a company and how they assess its potential for success. They emphasize the importance of tangible products, a strong balance sheet, dependable cash flow, and the integrity of the organization. The team also discusses the crucial role of assembling a professional team, including accountants, attorneys, brokers, and insurance agents, to ensure a successful transition.

Tune in to this insightful episode of the Keeping It Local podcast to gain valuable insights into the world of buying and selling businesses and learn from the experiences of Kevin Seiberlich and Buddy Robinson.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstfederalbankofwi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-federal-bank-of-wisconsin

Website: https://www.firstfederalwisconsin.com/

The Latino business community is one of the fastest-growing communities, but are they given equal opportunity? In this episode, we discuss what First Federal Bank, the Latino Chamber of Commerce, and the Latino Entrepreneurial Network are doing to ensure this community receives the same opportunities as other organizations.

Nelson Soler, CEO of the Latino Chamber of Commerce and Founder of the Latino Entrepreneurial Network, and Efrain Lara, CEO of Milwaukee Pallets and Lara Associates, join us to share their experiences.

We are working to combine passion with the necessary planning to create purpose and find success.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstfederalbankofwi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-federal-bank-of-wisconsin

Website: https://www.firstfederalwisconsin.com/

To say the pandemic impacted the economic environment is an understatement. As a result, the rise of interest rates is more prevalent than ever. Learn about the available resources and options to equip yourself best and prepare for the future.

In today’s episode, host Richie Burke sits down with Steve Wierschem, Chief Financial Officer at First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, and Marc Gall, Vice President, and Asset/Liability Strategist at BOK Financial. They’ll break down everything from where these rates are currently, where they’re heading, and how the current climate affects businesses and individuals.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstfederalbankofwi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-federal-bank-of-wisconsin

Website: https://www.firstfederalwisconsin.com/

Christine Specht, CEO of Cousins Subs, has worked at Cousins Subs for over 21 years and has learned a thing or two about managing a business along the way. In today’s episode, Christine shares some insight about managing a successful business: maintaining a strong company culture and developing a solid brand strategy.

Cousins Subs has been in the business of making great sandwiches for 50 years; however, running a successful business for five decades is about more than that. Christine discusses how Cousins Subs increased their average unit sales by 93%, being voted the Top Workplace by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel two years in a row, and the efforts Cousins Subs is making to rebrand and stay relevant in the year 2022.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstfederalbankofwi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-federal-bank-of-wisconsin

Website: https://www.firstfederalwisconsin.com/

When is it appropriate to become financially literate? A fair argument would be "before you make a detrimental financial mistake" though there is logic behind this, it isn't always realistic. Kids are taking, on average, 12 years of schooling before they're put out into the world to make their own financial decisions, and yet, teaching financial responsibility isn't standard in today's curriculum; because of that, SecureFutures set out to change the standard.

In today's episode, we're joined by the Founder of SecureFutures, Lloyd Levin, and the CEO and President, Brenda Campbell, to discuss SecureFutures' mission to Provide financial literacy programs and resources that empower students to make sound financial decisions.

We're building stronger communities by empowering teens with financial education, tools, and mentorship. They say, "An investment in teen financial capability is an investment in the future." So how can you invest today?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstfederalbankofwi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-federal-bank-of-wisconsin

Website: https://www.firstfederalwisconsin.com/

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in many unexpected ways, and the banking world is no exception. Things have become increasingly digital, and banking has joined the list of tasks that are now done from home — meaning customers need fast, easy, and positive online experiences.

People are used to great apps that fit their ever-changing needs. So how does the banking world keep up? We’re glad you asked. Today, we’re joined by Patrick Dickson (SVP/Chief Research Analyst & Executive Strategist, Kasasa) and Rick Beutler (VP of Consumer Banking, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin) to talk about just that.

We’ll dive into changes in customer behaviors caused by the pandemic and how banks like ours have expanded to meet the increased demand for online services. We’ll also talk about the future of digital banking, and provide a few best practice tips for maximum security when banking online.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstfederalbankofwi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-federal-bank-of-wisconsin

Website: https://www.firstfederalwisconsin.com/

Although women have made great strides in the workplace, they’re still often under-represented — especially women of color. Women only hold 20% of board seats, make up 8% of Fortune 500 CEOs, receive 3% of all venture capital funding, and are 2 times more at-risk when it comes to job loss.

Yes, those are staggering statistics — but it’s not all bad, and things are trending up. There are now two times the amount of women entrepreneurs than there were in the 2000s, and there has been a 500% increase in the number of black women in business over the last two decades. And, although women only hold 20% of board seats in the US, that number is up 6% over the last few years.

Today, we’re joined by DeVona Wright Cottrell (Chief Legal Officer/General Counsel, GMR Marketing) and JoAnne Anton (Director of Giving, Herb Kohl Philanthropies), two absolutely brilliant female leaders in Wisconsin. They’re both on our board here at First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, a board that we can proudly say is 50% women.

Diversity is something that’s incredibly important to the business world — in this episode, we’ll talk with these two leaders about why that’s the case. We’ll also talk about how these two selfless individuals serve the community and the needs of Southeast Wisconsin, and why it’s so important to have women in leadership positions.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstfederalbankofwi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-federal-bank-of-wisconsin

Website: https://www.firstfederalwisconsin.com/