North Shore Bank promotes Hoepfer
Brookfield-based North Shore Bank announced that it has promoted Bob Hoepfner to vice president – commercial banking manager. He previously served as a regional vice president. “Bob has been with the North Shore Bank family for a long time, and he’s done an excellent job serving our clients,” said David Potter, chief lending officer for North Shore Bank. “We know he’ll thrive in his new role with the bank, and we wish him continued success.” Hoepfner’s duties will include managing the Commercial Lending Group, which includes eight full-time commercial bankers who serve Northeast and Southeast Wisconsin, and Northern Illinois.
The Milwaukee private equity firm Blackthorne Partners has named Steve Balistreri managing director. Balistreri’s experience includes president and CEO of Sun Cleaning Systems and founding director of Brookfield-based Spring Bank.
He has also spent time with privately held security consulting and business turnaround firms.
“Steve’s blend of solid investment strategy and proven operational experience, particularly in the service sector, uniquely equip him not only to uncover exceptional opportunities but to help companies to reach their full growth potential,” said John Syburg, president and co-founder of Blackthorne Partners. “His expertise and dedication bring extraordinary value to our investors and our portfolio companies alike.”
Blackthorne Partners invests in private niche businesses with less than $1 million EBITDA and $2 million to $10 million in annual revenues. The firm believes that although that sector has not attracted much private equity investment before, there is significant opportunity for value creation.
“Now more than ever, small businesses need new sources of capital and guidance for growth,” Balistreri said. “I’m excited to join Blackthorne Partners and leverage my experience to help bring these types of companies together with clients who might not otherwise have access to such great investment opportunities.”
Gary White, community development coordinator at PyraMax Bank, has been appointed vice-chairman of the WHEDA Lender Advisory Board. White will serve as an advisor assisting WHEDA in product and program development and implementation. The goal is to further WHEDA’s mission to provide affordable lending and first-time homeownership.
WHEDA is an independent lending authority created by the Wisconsin legislature. The WHEDA Lender Advisory Board consists of 13 leaders within the mortgage lending field statewide.
