Banking and Finance
President and CEO, market head
Town Bank/Wintrust Wisconsin | Hartland
Jay Mack left an executive position with Racine-based Johnson Bank in 1998 to lead Town Bank, then a startup. The Hartland-based bank has since grown to more than $3 billion in assets. The bank, which is owned by Rosemont, Illinois-based Wintrust Financial Corp., has raised its profile by expanding its presence in downtown Milwaukee and entering a 10-year corporate banking partnership with Marquette University. Earlier this year, the bank announced plans to expand its brand in the Fox Valley area.
Education: Bachelor’s and MBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
"I worked part-time as a bank teller in high school, which later on led to other opportunities. I learned that banking can be a great profession with a variety of challenging career paths."
If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
"I would definitely travel. But first I would catch up on my sleep."
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
"The Great Recession was an extremely challenging time. Many of our clients were struggling from the severe economic downturn. We had to work hard to support our clients and also manage through significant headwinds facing the banking industry."
What advice would you give to a young professional?
"Have a long-term vision. Where do you want to be in five years or more? Set high goals. Have a detailed plan and work on it every day. Also, be a team player and look for opportunities to help others around you even if you don’t get recognized for it."
What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
"I love the change of seasons in Wisconsin but the winters are too long. It would be great if the first day of spring was January 1st."
Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
"Seton Catholic Schools in Milwaukee is a network of 11 schools in Milwaukee comprising over 2,500 students in 3k-8th grade. The schools are located in under-served inner city neighborhoods and 79% of the students are from economically-disadvantaged families. Seton is providing young students with a best in class urban teaching curriculum, with record average academic growth of 132% in math and 128% in reading, and a safe, nurturing environment."
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
"Leaving my comfortable position with a well-established commercial bank to join the Town Bank start-up team in 1998."
