Community State Bank: CSB’s Brian Lois Brings Passion for Farming to Banking
Brian Lois
When local farmers discuss the many rewards and challenges involved with agriculture, Community State Bank’s Brian Lois can do more than just listen.
As a fifth-generation farmer, Lois can relate.
“Farmers are old school,” Lois said. “They want to trust the person they’re working with and they want to make sure you know what you’re talking about.
“When they tell me their combine broke down, I can talk to them about it because mine just broke last weekend.”
Lois was recently promoted to Assistant Vice President and Agriculture Relationship Manager. The Burlington native works primarily out of the bank’s Union Grove headquarters while serving Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties.
He operates alongside Community State Bank Senior Vice President/Market President David Moyer by assisting with agriculture renewal processes, developing existing banking relationships, and establishing new ones in southeast Wisconsin.
“Community State Bank has been partnering with local farmers for 125 years,” Moyer said. “Brian understands farming and the ups and downs, year in and year out.”
Lois was hired as a Community State Bank intern in 2021 and served as its Agriculture Relationship Coordinator.
The Iowa State University graduate holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business. He chose the banking industry to help others reach their professional goals.
“People don’t have to be a farmer to be involved in agriculture” Lois said. “I truly think it’s a very, unique industry that offers a lot of benefits for a lot of people.”
Growing up on a farm, Lois understands the importance of work ethic.
He got paid $1 for each trip to the barn to feed the calves — morning and night — pulling in $60 a month as a second grader.
“You learn a lot of responsibility at a very young age,” Lois said.
Lois sold livestock through 4-H to save up for college. The 2017 Westosha Central graduate now leads Community State Bank’s volunteer efforts in running the animal auctions at the Kenosha, Racine and Walworth county fairs.
“It’s enjoyable,” Lois said. “This is my way of giving back to the people that supported me when I was younger.”
When Lois isn’t banking or farming, he’s spending time with family and friends. He enjoys traveling, but not for too long.
Home is on the farm.
“I wouldn’t change it for anything,” Lois said.
