First Bank Financial Centre has expanded its Oconomowoc headquarters and opened a second branch in Brookfield to keep up with loan growth.
Over the past three years, First Bank has originated loans totaling more than $1 billion, and has now added six branches over the same time period to keep up with the growth. The new branch is at 12600 W. North Ave. in Brookfield.
FBFC added 25,000 square feet to its headquarters to make room for the additional employees. The building is now 61,000 square feet.
The expansion, which makes the building one of the largest in downtown Oconomowoc, will allow about 140 employees to work in one space. The headquarters now has an architectural glass tower connecting the expansion, and the combined space includes two open floor work areas, four conference rooms, a multipurpose meeting and conference room, training room, 15 offices, three executive suites, and unfinished space for future expansion. Amenities include an exercise room, four oasis rooms with beverage and vending options, an outdoor patio and a larger lunch room.
“We really were bursting at the seams,” said Mark Mohr, president and chief executive officer. “The larger space gives us the opportunity to create a new, efficient layout and workflow that fosters a culture of teamwork. It’s a space that will serve us for many years to come. Downtown Oconomowoc is going through a revitalization and, as a community bank, we wanted to make sure we contributed to that momentum and economic growth.”
The bank established a Business Loan Pool Program in 2010 to aid in the redevelopment of main streets and local downtowns by providing low interest financing to small businesses. It is available in Brookfield, Mequon, Grafton, Hartland, Menomonee Falls and Oconomowoc, and has been used to open or update 23 businesses.
FBFC also recently expanded its financial planning and insurance offerings through Summit Street Wealth Management.
“We approach everything on a local basis,” Mohr said. “We know our customers individually and are focused on delivering high quality service and meeting their specific financial needs. And, we hire leading talent whose leadership and involvement in our communities contributes to our growth and success. We’re a bank that uses local deposits to fund local businesses that in turn contribute to the vitality and quality of life in the areas we serve.”
First Bank Financial Centre also recently received the SBA Lender of the Year Award at the Wisconsin Lenders Conference. First Bank, which gives the most SBA loans in the state, is ranked 28th nationally for SBA loan volume.
The bank, which has more than 200 employees and is 155 years old, now has 12 full-service branches and two loan offices covering Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington and Dane counties. It has added about 100 employees over the past five years. The bank manages about $800 million in assets.
