Tag Archive for: Member News

Niamh Kristufek

First Business Bank welcomes Niamh Kristufek to its parent company, First Business Financial Services, Inc., as President – Specialty Finance.

With extensive financial services experience, Niamh provides strategic guidance and expertise to our Accounts Receivable Financing, Equipment Financing, and Floorplan Financing, and SBA Lending teams. Her banking career includes leadership roles at BMO U.S., where she served as Head of U.S. Specialty Sales and Head of U.S. Business Banking. With over two decades of financial services experience, Niamh has developed deep expertise in portfolio management, commercial lending, and risk management, consistently delivering client-focused solutions while maintaining a balanced approach to risk assessment.

Niamh holds an MBA in Finance and Strategy from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Lake Forest College. She volunteers on the Board of Directors of Envision Unlimited, a social services organization dedicated to promoting choice, independence, and community integration for Chicagoans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Wolf River Community Bank is excited to launch a new scholarship program!  The bank will be offering three $1,500 scholarships awarded to one graduating senior from each of the Hortonville, New London, and Shiocton school districts.

This scholarship recognizes students with strong academics and a commitment to community service.

The application is open now through April 1, 2025 at www.wolfriverbank.com/scholarships.

Pictured (left to right) is Benjamin Morrow, Production Manager at Misty River Woodworks; Reggie Franklin, Treasury Management Business Development at One Community Bank; and David Morrow, Owner at Misty River Woodworks.

One Community Bank is thrilled to announce that Misty River Woodworks, located in Cottage Grove, WI, has been awarded a $15,000 grant. This is a part of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago’s Community First® Accelerate Grant program that assists the growth and development of small businesses in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Misty River Woodworks is a family-owned business that has been crafting woodwork for more than 25 years. They plan to use funds from this grant to invest in some important infrastructure upgrades that will help them take on more of the production process in-house. They enjoy keeping their work under one roof to make sure every piece of furniture and cabinetry meets their high standards for quality and precision. This approach also keeps things local, make the most of their resources, and deliver even better products to their customers.

“Our experience with One Community Bank has been nothing short of refreshing and we couldn’t be more grateful to OCB for believing in what we do,” said David Morrow, Owner at Misty River Woodworks. “From the very first conversation, they took the time to listen to our story and understand where we wanted to go as a company. It’s not often you find a bank that’s genuinely interested in helping a small business like ours reach its full potential. We’re thrilled to have found that partner in One Community Bank.”

Accelerate Grants are an opportunity for members to establish and strengthen partnerships with small businesses and their communities. Misty River Woodworks is all about community and is excited to build a future that includes more local jobs, stronger partnerships, and a thriving economy right in Cottage Grove, WI.

“It’s incredible to be able to assist a business that is both dedicated to its craft and its community,” said Reggie Franklin, Treasury Management Business Development at OCB – Cottage Grove. “David and his son Benjamin create amazing woodwork and are even better people to work with. It’s been a pleasure to help them secure the support they need to continue thriving and I’m excited to see what they build next.”

Visit Misty River Woodwork’s website to learn more and see their woodwork.

Haily Wandel

Farmers & Merchants State Bank is thrilled to welcome Haily Wandel as our new AVP Branch Market Manager! With 24 years of experience in banking, Haily brings knowledge in customer service, branch management, fraud prevention, and employee development. Her passion for building strong customer relationships and protecting individuals from fraud makes her a valuable addition to our team. Haily is excited to work for a true community bank that prioritizes local involvement and customer care. Please join us in welcoming Haily to the F&M family!

Haily Wandel brings over 24 years of banking experience to Farmers & Merchants State Bank, having worked in various roles, including Teller, Personal Banker, Bank Operations, BSA & Security, and Branch Manager. Her deep knowledge of fraud prevention, customer service, and employee development makes her a strong leader in the banking industry. With a passion for building relationships, Haily is dedicated to helping customers achieve their financial goals while ensuring they feel supported and protected.

As AVP Branch Market Manager, Haily is excited to be part of a community-focused bank that values strong connections with local businesses and individuals. She looks forward to getting involved in the community through volunteer work and engaging with customers to provide exceptional service. Outside of banking, Haily enjoys spending time with family and friends, crafting, and relaxing up north at the family cabin with her two dogs.

Michael Goedheer, joins as Senior Vice President – Regional Commercial Banking Manager

Michael Goedheer

The strategic addition of Michael reflects the Bank’s ongoing commitment to delivering unparalleled financial solutions to commercial clients, and the continued support of small- and medium-size businesses ($75 million or less in revenue). Michael will oversee a team of Commercial Lenders and Business Development Officers, and will be responsible for the development of business advisory services to help bring financial insights and modeling to lower middle market businesses.  His expertise includes: In-Depth Financial Modeling to improve current operations or plan for future growth objectives, Industrial Revenue Bonds / Tax Exempt Financing, State/Local/Federal Grant/Tax Credit funds to help finance projects, Lower middle market M&A, and Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs).

“We are thrilled to welcome Mike to our team,” said Greg Larson, CEO of Ixonia Bank. “His extensive background and deep understanding of commercial finance perfectly align with our goals to empower businesses with flexible, competitive financial solutions, and delivered with the support of a responsive and dedicated team.”

Michael adds, “I made the decision to move away from large National Banks, where I spent my 25-year career, and focus on small to mid-sized business at a strong local bank. Working for a boutique commercial bank like Ixonia Bank allows me to bring big-bank experience to lower middle market companies that might not get the resources or attention they deserve from their current banking partner. That, and the ability to directly impact the growth of our organization and mentor younger bankers, will keep me immensely motivated for the years to come.”

Over the last two years, Ixonia Bank has welcomed six new commercial bankers and two experienced treasury management professionals to the team. The results have been impressive, with Ixonia Bank growing its loan portfolio by over 20.5% in 2023 and 16.3% in 2024.

Michael is a member of Midwest Business Brokers and Intermediaries (MBBI), and Independent Business Association of Wisconsin (IBAW). He earned his bachelor’s degree in business and economics and an Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. A resident of Lake Country, Michael is passionate about travel, boating, personal fitness and golfing.

Michael is based out of Ixonia Bank’s Main Office in Ixonia at W1046 Marietta Avenue; however, will also work within the Bank’s Downtown Milwaukee Office at 611 E Wisconsin Avenue.