Culture Book 2024

A LETTER FROM JERRY

Like you, I have a designated seat in this organization. Mine happens to be the visionary seat, which I must say I came to naturally. In 2005, I had a vision to build an entrepreneurial bank that would offer a

I didn’t realize how it would enhance the lives of so many people. I understood we would provide financing for people looking to invest. I realized we would raise service standards and offer competitive options for saving. What I never anticipated was the thrill and challenge of building something from the ground up (including our state-of-the-art corporate office) and enriching a team of talented folks along the way. Every seat in this organization is important, and none of us can do it alone. The Bank evolves every day, and keeping pace with a growing organization is something we are challenged to do every year. As a BWB team member, you will hear us talk about the right person, right seat. To be successful at BWB, one must Want it, Get it and have the Capacity to do it. The Visionary seat is the job I want and the job I get, and by working together, we have the capacity to build an entrepreneurial bank second to none.

simple platform where answers came quickly, opportunities were plentiful and the environment was positive and optimistic. I saw the opportunity to build a bank through an extensive network of entrepreneurs who were not only willing to invest but who would also become the Bank’s clients and promoters. I wanted to build a business that wasn’t dominated by one owner but rather where the ownership was diverse and plenty of us had skin in the game. I envisioned a bank where clients would notice a difference, where people would be challenged to grow both professionally and personally and where team members would be appreciated for sharing their skills and rewarded for a job well done. I hoped to create a space where people were passionate about making my vision a reality and where they would know they were making a difference.

Welcome to the team.

Jerry Baack Chairman & CEO

When I took the risk to invest everything and build a better bank,

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