Keeping It Local

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.

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.

For most business owners, their business has become a part of them. It’s something they’ve worked tirelessly on for many years, and they’re often deeply entwined in the essential day-to-day operations. That can make it tough to part ways and keep things running smoothly when the time to sell finally comes around.

On today’s episode, we’ll be talking about how to ensure  a seamless transition to retirement or your next venture.

So, how far ahead should you prepare for your sale? How do you maximize value? What kinds of professionals should be on your advisory team? What options are available when it’s time to sell?

We’re joined by experts Ronald English (Partner at Hippenmeyer, Reilly, Blum, Schmitzer, Fabian & English, S.C.), Meagan Rutkowski (Partner, CPA at Bull Moose Financial), and our own Brian McManus (Senior V.P. of Lending, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin) to answer these common questions and lend a few extra bits of wisdom. 

Listen in, and you’ll be fully equipped to prepare an exit strategy, get top dollar for your business, and run through the finish line knowing you’ve preserved your legacy and set the next owner up for continued success.

When you look back at Milwaukee’s storied past, it’s hard to find a neighborhood more culturally rich than Mitchell Street. Once called “The downtown of Milwaukee’s South Side”, this area was predominantly inhabited by Polish immigrants, changing over the years to welcome a diverse Latino population as well. The Mitchell Street story is uplifting, and a true testament to how a community can evolve with and stay true to both its residents and its roots. 

As you may have heard, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin recently acquired Mitchell Bank to expand our presence and serve more communities in the Milwaukee area. So on today’s episode, we’re here with a special ode to Historic Mitchell Street. 

Joining us today is John Dye, owner of Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge, At Random, and The Jazz Estate, Jorge Lopez, owner of Lopez Bakery and Restaurant, and Ed Shaefer, the President and CEO at First Federal Bank. We’re truly honored that these valued community members are joining us on the podcast, and can’t wait to tell you the neighborhood’s story through the eyes of some great folks who have seen it across its many stages.

Financial planning can be a daunting task. It’s like going to the dentist — you may be scared to take initiative, but you know that if you can just muster up the courage to start, you’ll be much better off.

This week’s episode is focused on our college-aged audience. It’s about starting early and making the most of what you’ve got to make a big impact on your finances. We’ll discuss opening your first accounts, building credit, buying your first home, and so much more. 

Experts Brian McManus (SVP of Lending, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin), Fernando Campos (Neighborhood Development Program, United Community Center), and Jeff Condit (Youth Programs Director, United Community Center) join to guide listeners and provide valuable insights.

When you’re in business, it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers. We live in an age where everything can be tracked, analyzed, and broken down, and communication — especially in the age of COVID — is now more digital than ever. Handshakes and friendly in-person meetings have fallen by the wayside, only to be replaced with email subject lines and Zoom calls.

Often, it’s easy to forget that there’s a person on the other side. But as all successful folks in business have learned one way or another, it’s that person on the other side that really matters. At the end of the day, business isn’t really about the numbers at all — it’s about people, and our relationships with them.

On today’s episode, host Richie Burke sits down with Brian McManus (Senior VP of Lending, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin), Jerry Couri (President, Couri Insurance Agency), and Adam Witkov (Partner, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP) to discuss the many ways in which their interpersonal relationships have shaped their business interactions over the years.

Tune in to this episode to gain insight on building relationships, hear inspiring stories about how personal connections have opened unexpected doors, and learn how to be someone others want to do business with.

Our military veterans give us so much, selflessly volunteering their precious time, energy, and strength to serve our country. Yet, when they return home from service, they’re often left feeling underappreciated and have to face difficult hardships. Reassimilating into normal life can be tough — whether it’s finding a fulfilling career, coping with PTSD, or just readjusting their state of mind, veterans and their families often feel like they’re going about it alone.

That’s where Operation Finally Home (OFH) comes in. Operation Finally Home is a program that provides custom-built homes for veterans and their families, giving that home to them mortgage-free. The program was specifically created for veterans who had their time in service cut short because of injury. This uplifting gift to our heroes and their families is a fantastic way to show that they’re truly cared for when they return home.

On this episode, we’ll talk to Michael Berry (VP of Treasury Management, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin) and David Belman (President, Belman Homes) about Operation Finally Home. You’ll learn about how OFH was started, the ways the community supports the program, the positive impacts it’s had on recipient families, and more. 

We’re truly proud to partner with this organization, and hope you enjoy learning about the ways it makes a profound impact in our local community.

If you’re like most people, you rely on the internet for just about everything. Banking, streaming music, staying connected with friends and family, and so much more. And, if you’re like most people, you assume your data is fairly safe on the web — but is it?

With the recent boom in internet usage, we’re here to make sure you (and your data) stay safe. We’ve asked experts Mike Venaccio (VP Bank Technology Solutions, UFS), Amy Radue (Director of Risk Management, UFS), and Dan Loppnow (Information Technology Manager/Cybersecurity Officer, First Federal Bank) to hop on the mic and share some tips and tricks.

On today’s episode, we’ll discuss how to protect your data in a digital world, identify cyber risks (and how to mitigate them), give helpful tips for avoiding scams, and more.

If we had a nickel for every time someone asked us how to build a new home, we could probably afford to build it for them! On this episode, we’ll be talking about all things house construction, giving you tips and tricks for the whole process, start to finish. 

To help us cross the t’s and dot the i’s, Richie is joined by David Belman, the President of Belman Homes, and Brian McManus, the Senior Vice President of Lending here at First Federal Bank of Wisconsin. Together, they’ll cover a slew of topics sure to alleviate stress before you dive into the world of home building. 

You’ll learn how to get the ball rolling with your preferred builder and bank, whether or not you can stay in your current home while building your new one, how to know if building is the right route for you, and so much more.

You might not realize it, but banks are connected to your local community in more ways than you’d expect. People rely on banks to help them with big milestones: buying their first car, financing a home, and opening a business, to name a few. 

When it’s time to get the ball rolling, the financial institution they choose matters not just for them, but for their neighbors, too. Organizations like credit unions and online national banks often seem like a good choice at first, but there’s one option that always puts the local community first: community banks.

But how are community banks different than other financial institutions? What services do they provide?‌ And how do they give back to the local community? Well, we’re glad you asked!

On this week’s first-ever episode of the Keeping it Local Podcast, host Richie Burke sits down with Rose Oswald Poels, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, and Edward H. Schaefer, President and CEO of the First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, to answer all those questions and more. 

They’ll dive deep into the importance of local banking, talk about how community banks give back, and help you understand the importance of the ‘decision-maker’ when you’re applying for a loan. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn a thing or two!